In the heart of the Owo Kingdom lies a rich cultural tapestry that has endured for over seven centuries: the Igogo Festival. This annual celebration, steeped in tradition and heritage, is more than just a festival; it is a symbol of unity, pride and identity for the people of Owo. However, recent calls by Adewale Ademola Justus to abolish this revered festival and convert it into a mere carnival have sparked a wave of outrage and disbelief among the indigenes and supporters of our culture.
His claims about the Igogo festival are baseless and harmful. His assertion that the community is plunged into darkness, movement restricted and people flee the town is a blatant falsehood aimed at stigmatizing our rich cultural heritage.
The Igogo Festival has brought global recognition to Owo, showcasing our vibrant customs and attracting visitors from around the world. It is a time when industrious sons and daughters of Owo return home to celebrate with their families and honor His Majesty, fostering a sense of community and belonging that transcends generations. The festival is not merely a cultural event but a binding force that reinforces the values and traditions that define us as a people.
His proposition to abolish the Igogo Festival, citing it as a hindrance to the community progress and the cause of the academic downturn at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, is not only misguided but also disrespectful to our heritage. The decline in the polytechnic’s fortunes is not a result of the festival but can be attributed to administrative neglect and the policies of the immediate past government who failed to prioritize the institution’s welfare.
It is important to highlight that other cities and towns in Nigeria, such as Lagos with its Eyo Festival, Kebbi with Argungun Fish Festival, Ikorodu with Salejeje Festival, Ondo town with the Ogun Festival, Osogbo with Osun Festival and Akure with the Dududu Festival continue to celebrate their cultural festivals with pride and joy. These festivals are not viewed as impediments to progress but as pillars of cultural identity and tourist attractions that contribute to local economies like Igogo festival.
Festivals like Igogo are essential for preserving our cultural heritage. They provide an opportunity for younger generations to learn about their history, traditions and the values that have sustained their people over centuries. Abolishing such a festival would not only erase a significant part of our identity but also deprive future generations of the rich cultural education that these events offer.
Jusstus’ suggestion to convert the Igogo Festival into a carnival undermines the depth and significance of our traditions. While carnivals have their place in contemporary entertainment, they lack the profound cultural and historical roots that festivals like Igogo embody. Our culture is not a commodity to be diluted or commercialized; it is our identity and our pride.
In conclusion, the call to abolish the Igogo Festival is not just an attack on a single event but an affront to the cultural heritage of Owo Kingdom. As guardians of this rich legacy, we must stand firm in preserving our traditions and educating those who seek to undermine them. The Igogo Festival, with its long-standing history and cultural significance, deserves to be celebrated and revered, not discarded. All Owo sons and daughters must join us in appreciating and upholding the values and traditions that make Owo a beacon of cultural pride.
Whoever is advocating the abolition of our cherished culture and traditions is a cursed individual . Whosoever has sent him on this misguided mission shall face their downfall in the nearest future.
Our culture is our identity, our pride and our legacy. Let us preserve it for generations to come.
Peoplesmind
