Ifetedo showcases cultural-tourism values at coronation rites

The ancient city of Ifetedo branded and showcased cultural-tourism assets of the community at the  coronation of  Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera (Latiiri 1), the fourth Olubosin  I, Ifetedo Kingdom on  Thursday, 13 December 2018.

The atmosphere was colorful with a display of rich African culture which reflected in the mode of dressing, dancing, drumming and the process of enthroning the king which attracted scores of traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja11, with   His Excellency Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun state, who was represented by his  deputy, Mr. Benedict Gboyega Alabi.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi  tasked the new king on the need to play the active rule in promotion of culture and tradition of Yoruba land and putting his best in taking Ifetedo to a glorious height,  reminding him of the need to  engage and involve the youth of the community in his bid to transform the town.

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According to the Ooni, ‘‘the youths are important to the development of the nation. They should be encouraged and trained to be good ambassadors and be responsible for the development of the community. I also use this avenue to call on the people of Ifetedo to support the Oba so as to take this community far, far, beyond this level.”

Oba Akinrera promised to be  a good king  that will seek  the help of God and that he would be fair  and just in his leadership. He appealed to Governor Oyetola to assist the village in the area of social amenities like water, electricity  etc.

He revealed that “I am assuring you all, my great people of Ifetedo, in the presence of God almighty and witnessed by our Oonirisa, Oba, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi that I will work hand in hand with all indigenes of our great town  to  network in  facilitating   businesses and attracting investors  to the town so as to provide jobs for the teeming youths. Also, I will  organize them into cooperative societies so that they can have funds to do business. I will, within the next few weeks,   establish an  ICT centre where our boys and girls will have opportunity to be computer literate, which will enable them to access the opportunities in the e-global village.”

Oba Akinrera revealed: One of my greatest visions for this community is to turn Ifetedo into a cultural–tourism destination by promoting and enhancing the major cultural festivals in our town. With the cooperation of all, we shall raise the status and standard of Olojo and Egungun festivals   in Ifetedo to be the second to that of Ile-Ife where eminent people would be coming to celebrate with us annually. We shall promote these festivals because they are part of the heritage of the land.”

The national President, Ifetedo Progressive Union, Alhaji Musedik Gbenga Ojuade, in his speech, heartily rejoiced with the choice of Oba Akinrera as the new Olubosin because he has been one of the pillars of the noticeable development projects of the community.

He affirmed that Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera has been widely accepted by all and sundry in Ifetedo, not only because of being young and educated, but more importantly for his antecedents and love for Ifetedo culminating in his participation in various programmes that uplift the community, both physically and financially. He prayed for   his reign to witness unprecedented peace and developments.

The deputy governor of Osun state, Mr. Alabi, who presented the staff of office to the Oba, admonished him to rule his people with the fear of God