The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged the Ondo State Government and traditional rulers to harness the potential of cultural tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and development.
Adams made the call at the 2026 edition of the Okota Festival held at the Palace Square, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.
He said institutionalising the Okota Festival alongside other cultural festivals and heritage sites as major events could boost tourism, create jobs, stimulate the local economy and position Ondo State as a leading cultural destination in Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, greater investment in cultural tourism could become an important tool for driving socio-economic development across the state.
Adams said: “While the Okota Festival is primarily a spiritual celebration honouring the benevolent Okota river goddess — known for her healing powers and historical role during pre-colonial conflicts — it transcends spirituality by serving as a vibrant expression of Yoruba culture, history, and unity.”
Drawing comparisons with the globally recognised Osun Osogbo Festival, the Aare Ona Kakanfo said Okota Festival possesses the potential to become a major symbol of cultural pride and tourism.
He noted that the annual celebration already attracts visitors from different places, providing economic opportunities for local traders and hospitality providers.
Adams explained that activities surrounding the festival generate income, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute millions of Naira to the economies of Arigidi-Akoko and Ondo State.
He consequently called on governments across the Southwest to intensify efforts towards developing and maintaining cultural heritage sites capable of attracting tourists from around the world and stimulating development in host communities.
Adams also highlighted the role of traditional rulers as custodians of Yoruba culture, urging them to actively preserve and promote the heritage of their communities.
He appealed for unity among Yoruba people, stressing that culture remains fundamental to identity and social cohesion and should not be abandoned.
The Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, meanwhile, commended Adams, the Olokun Festival Foundation and members of the Oodua People’s Congress for their commitment to organising the Okota Festival annually.
Olanipekun also called for peaceful coexistence among indigenes and residents of Arigidi-Akoko, stressing that unity remained essential to the progress and development of the community.
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Daniel Omolola, described the Okota Festival as a rich celebration of Arigidi-Akoko’s unique history and Yoruba culture while commending the organisers for sustaining the event.
Omolola also urged sons and daughters of Akokoland, both at home and in the Diaspora, to establish an annual cultural gathering similar to the Ojude-Oba festival of the Ijebu people.
He said such an event could serve as a rallying point for Akokoland and provide a platform for advancing socio-cultural development across the region.
The Royal Father of the day, Oba Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko, also described the annual Okota Festival as a beautiful initiative and sought the support of the Olokun Festival Foundation to replicate a similar celebration in his domain.
Oba Ale disclosed that discussions among traditional rulers of Akoko extraction were already at an advanced stage towards organising cultural festivals within their respective domains to promote Yoruba culture and tradition while fostering spiritual and socio-economic growth.
Through the Olokun Festival Foundation, the Oodua People’s Congress celebrates more than 24 festivals annually across the Southwest as part of efforts to promote the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
