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Traditional worshipers on Thursday made a few demands from the Ekiti State Government during the presentation of certificate of registration to various traditional groups by the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture.
They asked the government to renovate sacred shrines and other related cultural sites in the state, and also release part of the sacred land in Oke Igeti Ado Ekiti on which new governors lodge is located as well as others acquired by the state government.
Chief Adewale Oso, Welfare Officer of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR ) in his speech also urged the government to include in its calendar and declare a public holiday for Isese Day, a traditional festival.
The government was advised to emulate Osun State which has recognised Isese day, Osun Festival and several other festivals. They pointed out that Ekiti has a lot to celebrate annually in Ogun in Ire, Esu in Ijelu, Osun in Igede and several others just as Ogun State has started to celebrate the African Drum Festival.
Oba Olorisa Agbaye, Oba Adewale Jamiu Eletu, in his speech said that while the government is playing its role in promoting culture, traditional worshipers should also act well their own part in restoring sanity to the society
His words: “Christanity and Islam are recognized because they are united. They always speak with one voice but in our own case, we are not united, we often discriminate against each other which is not good for us”, he admonished his fellow traditional worshippers, warning them not to sllow pecuniary interests divide them. He advised those aiding and abetting criminals to stop or face the wrath of law of the land and Olodumare.
While presenting the certificate, Director General Council for Arts and Culture, Wale Ojo Lanre said the state government under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Fayemi will support any group to promote traditional religion and culture.
He maintained that those that are registered are now recognized and will enjoy government support. He however warned them not to engage in any form of violence during festival and traditional event.
The group that got certificate of recognition include the International Council for Ifa Religion, Ogun Onire Festival Promotion Forum and Ijo Olorisa Parapo ati Asa Ile Adulawo.