Oluwo vows to use annual ‘Olodumare’ festival to uphold authentic Yoruba culture

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Ahead of the 2024 edition of the annual Olodumare Festival, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwoland, has vowed to use the event as a platform to eliminate adulterated practices in Yoruba culture and traditions.

In a statement by his media aide, Alli Ibrahim, Oba Akanbi reiterated his commitment to distinguish the rich Yoruba culture and traditions from idol worship, which he believes has been erroneously conflated by ardent deity worshippers.

Oba Akanbi emphasized that idol worship is a religion, much like Islam and Christianity, and stated that all attempts to promote idol worship in the name of Yoruba culture will be firmly opposed by his throne.

Announcing the preparations for the 2024 edition of the festival, scheduled for November 9, 2024, at his palace square in Iwo, Oba Akanbi disclosed that there will be significant improvements from previous editions.

“The annual festival, established in 2021, is a special session dedicated to praising Olodumare (God), worship, and eulogizing His uniqueness in all aspects. Yoruba praise chanters, singers, and eulogists are always in attendance for this special day and session with God.

“The festival is gradually gaining momentum, with people traveling from afar to participate in the event.

“The God Festival is an avenue to promote pure, unadulterated Yoruba culture. It involves displays of Yoruba dancing styles, traditional dresses, beads, and other accessories.

“Ogun, Sango, Oro, and the like are religions of those who believe in them and are not representative of the Yoruba people as a whole. They are never part of our culture and traditions. I will restrict every attempt to lump religion with our rich ways of life.”

During the festival, Oba Akanbi also organizes an empowerment program aimed at supporting selected artisans and their small and medium-sized businesses.