Ijesa tradition: Owa Obokun committed to cultural heritage — CWC

The Central Working Committee (CWC) of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, has assured that the newly appointed Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, would not disregard Ijesaland tradition and customs.

It contended that Oba Haastrup is committed to ensuring the sustenance and protection of the town’s cultural heritage.

A statement signed by the leaders of CWC, Mr Akinloye Ajayi Obe and Mr Akinyele Akinola, which was forwarded to the Nigerian Tribune, said it has become imperative to clarify issues surrounding the seclusion and other traditional rites to be undergone by the new monarch.

According to the statement, “It has become highly imperative for us to clear the air and calm down nerves over the issue of “Ipẹbi” and other elements of seclusion towards the final ascension of Ọwa to the sacred throne of his fathers and as established by the ancestors.

“We will therefore like to say with all sense of honour and commitment that the new Ọwa Obokun Adimula of Ijẹṣaland has not disregarded and will not disregard Ijẹṣa traditions as laid down by Ọwa Obokun Ajibogun Ọrun Aja Aganniyeye Ẹkun since 11th century to date.”

It reads further: “As a duty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup is very careful at the risks that could manifest in the erosion or destruction of the various elements that hold our historical or cultural identity and dignity within Yoruba land is very high.

“He believes that when cultural heritage is compromised, it diminishes a community’s connection to its past, disrupts the transmission of traditions and knowledge, and erases the tangible and intangible sanctity of its identity.

“Against this background, it is appropriate to state that 42 years cannot be said to be a joke in the life of an individual or a community. The last time most of the facilities or instruments the shrines to be used in consulting with the deities were used or visited was 42 years back.

“Furthermore, many of those who will perform the rituals are new and have just been settling into their roles until the passage of our beloved Kabiyesi, Ọwa Obokun Adimula of Ijẹṣaland, Ọba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromọlaran.

“Necessary preparations are being done at the request of the traditional chiefs who are saddled with the responsibilities of performing the rituals and as soon as Kabiyesi receives the signal that everything is okay, the traditional rites will commence immediately.

“Kabiyesi has unquestioning regards for our tradition and culture. He needs our prayers and support as he prepares and waits for signals from all traditionally constituted authorities for the successful conduct of his seclusion, “the statement concluded.

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