The Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, has called on the Federal and Ondo State Governments to tap into the tourism and economic prospects of the annual Olokemeji TakoTabo Festival to promote cultural heritage and boost local development.
The monarch made the appeal on Sunday during this year’s edition of the festival held at the Hill of Progenitors in Ikare-Akoko, where residents, tourists and dignitaries converged for prayers and cultural displays.
He described the event as one of the largest traditional human gatherings in the country with huge tourism potential.
Oba Adedoyin explained that beyond its cultural significance, the festival serves as a spiritual exercise for indigenes to seek divine peace and progress for the town and the nation.
He also prayed for the success of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Owa-Ale opined that, “First of all, apart from cultural heritage, we come here yearly to pray. And believe me, there is no prayer you pray here with good heart that God will not answer,” he said.
Tracing the origin of the festival, the monarch said it dates back to the first settlers of Ikare led by Owa-Ale Agbaode, who migrated from Ile-Ife and established the town on the sacred Olokemeji TakoTabo hills where the event is still observed annually.
He urged both tiers of government to partner with the community to elevate the festival to international status and address the poor condition of roads linking Ikare to neighbouring Ekiti, Kogi and Edo States.
“This is a massive festival. In Nigeria, you agree with me that there is no festival as large as this in the whole country. You see the crowd, see the people, you see people come from abroad, from everywhere to witness this festival,” he said.
Other speakers, including the Yeye-Asa of Ikare, Chief Modupe Akerele, and the Olukorola of Okegbe Quarters, High Chief Lawrence Olaleye-Omotosho, described the event as a symbol of unity and renewal.
They noted its impact on local commerce and tourism, while a participant, Prince Adeniran Adeyemo, described it as “top notch,” saying, “We pray to God on these mountains and our prayers have been answering.”
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