Put Ogun Festival in Global Tourism Calendar, Canvasses Onire of Ekiti

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Onire of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Bobade, has called for global recognition of the Ogun Festival, celebrated in honor of the god of iron.

The monarch believes the festival has the potential to become a major international cultural and tourism landmark.

During the most recent celebration, the traditional ruler highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of the event. He emphasized that the festival is not just a local tradition but a heritage that reflects the identity of the Yoruba people.

Oba Bobade urged the Ekiti State Government and the Federal Ministry of Tourism to incorporate the festival into the official tourism calendar.

He noted that such a move would attract visitors from the diaspora and boost the local economy.

The monarch also appealed to international organizations like UNESCO to list the Ogun Festival as a world heritage event. He argued that preserving these traditions is essential for protecting the cultural diversity of the African continent.

He stressed that the festival serves as a period of unity and peace for the community, bringing together indigenes from home and abroad. Beyond the rituals, the event features traditional dances, music, and social gatherings that showcase Ekiti’s rich history.

The Onire concluded by encouraging the youth to take interest in their cultural roots to prevent them from going extinct.

He remains optimistic that with the right support, the Ogun Festival will soon gain the global attention it deserves.