…Downpour In Ibadan, Other Towns Sign of Acceptability of Our Culture – Dr Olatunbosun
Tourists and cultural enthusiasts across the globe were in Ibadan on Saturday to grace the twenty-four hours grand-finale of the year 2023 Yemoja Festival.
The festival took everyone by surprise this evening as journalist, name withheld and onlookers were reportedly possessed by one of deities’ spirit (Egun Orisa) as they started prophesying until they were exorcized from the spirit.
Speaking with our correspondent from Popo Yemoja on Saturday, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun who confirmed the incident also attributed the heavy downpour in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State this evening to answered prayers from offerings made to Yemoja.
According to him, “we are bringing life to Yemoja, a traditional festival honouring a water deity of the Yoruba religion.
“To some people, Yemoja is the mother of all Orishas (human forms of Yoruba deities), we have performed all the rites needed and that’s why it rained this evening. When was the last time it rained in the state? It’s been a while.
“This shows our culture is not dead. We thank His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde for the support received for this festival.
“The present administration recognizes the fact that this festival has endured and we are giving it the attention it deserves.”
The festival which started fifteen days ago will be rounded off on Sunday afternoon.
“We are having an all-night event, we are not leaving this place until we conclude everything tomorrow afternoon when calabash will be taken to the river bank to appease the river goddess,” Olatunbosun concluded.
