The Isese community in Oyo State has admitted making a mistake in the recently held festival’s programme with the inclusion of an individual referred to as the Iyaloja General.
Recall that Oyo State celebrated Isese Day on Tuesday, August 20, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The community admitted this error in a statement issued on Wednesday, which was signed by Araba/Leader of Isese in Oyo State, Chief Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola, and the Secretary, Dr Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode.
While absolving the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism of any involvement in the error, the Isese adherents said because the festival was their affair, they handled the printing of the programme booklet and had sent the names of dignitaries expected at the event to the printers before the state government’s directive not to recognise anyone as Iyaloja General.
The statement read in part: “It has come to our attention that certain socio-cultural groups are making unfounded allegations against Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, concerning the recently held Isese Day event.
“These allegations suggest that the Commissioner flouted a directive of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, regarding the ongoing Iyaloja General leadership issue. We find it necessary to address this matter and set the records straight.
“The Isese community in Oyo State acknowledges that an unfortunate error occurred in the printed programme for the Isese Day event, where an individual was mistakenly referred to as the Iyaloja General. This error originated solely from our side as the Isese leadership. The names of invited guests were sent to the printers well before the Governor’s directive that no one should be addressed as the Iyaloja General of Oyo State. We deeply regret that this oversight was not corrected in time for the event.
“We wish to clarify that during the Isese Day celebration, no individual was officially addressed or recognized as the Iyaloja General.
The unfortunate mistake on the printed programme was a result of timing and logistics, and in no way reflects the intentions or actions of Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun or the Oyo State Government. “The Commissioner, in particular, played no role in this error, and any attempt to blame him for this oversight is entirely baseless.
“We, therefore, appeal to the general public and concerned groups not to use this situation to incite division or cause disunity within Oyo State. The Isese Day celebration was a well-organized and peaceful event, with no issues or conflicts arising during the programme.
“We commend the efforts of all those involved in ensuring that the event was a success, particularly Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, who has consistently worked towards promoting the culture and traditions of Oyo State.
“We urge everyone to remain focused on fostering unity and peace within our state. It is crucial that we all work together to support the vision of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for a prosperous and harmonious Oyo State.”