Oyo state government has encouraged the people to always identify with their cultural heritage and promote its values rather than shy away from embracing it.
The charge which was given during a lecture presentation, delivered by guest lecturer Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon at the 2024 world Egungun festival in Ibadan with the theme “Our culture, Our Heritage”, also combined Amala and Fuji celebrations to add glamour to the festival.
Chief Elebuibon explained that the Yoruba culture is replete with a lot of cultural heritage, norms and value systems that should be adorned with admiration instead of feeling embarrassed or ashamed to be associated with it.
While acknowledging that beyond entertainment and cleansing, Egungun plays vital roles as spiritual messengers in bringing good tidings to the society, the guest lecturer applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for promoting social cultural growth and development which would impact the state economy for the benefit of the people.
Earlier in his welcome address, the commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun hinted that despite initial challenges in organizing the festival, Oyo state government remained committed in redefining the wrong narratives associated with Egungun festival and repackaging the festival for global acceptability.
Dr Olatunbosun also expressed optimism that in subsequent years, different Egunguns across various Yoruba states would converge on Ibadan for the festival even as the state government would continue to make effort for the enlistment of the festival by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an internationally recognized festival.
Highlights of the festival were the various masquerade dance and display, Fuji musical displays and competition, display of Amala and other indigenous Yoruba sumptuous meals to the delight of the audience and well wishers and a posthumous award to the legendary Fuji king, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister
Former first lady of Oyo state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, former Chief judge of Oyo state, Badejoko Adeniji, Oba Amidu Ajibade, traditional rulers, cultural ambassadors across the country and beyond, amongst others graced the event.
