By Dapo Akinrefon
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Ondo State government to harness the immense potentials of cultural tourism in the state as catalyst for economic growth.
He made the call yesterday at the 2026 edition of Okota Festival held at the Palace Square, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State.
Adams noted that by institutionalising the Okota Festival, and other such festivals and heritage sites as key cultural events, it would “boost tourism, create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and elevate Ondo State as a premier cultural destination in Nigeria and beyond.”
He emphasised that such move will be a vital step in using cultural tourism promotion to drive socio-economic development.
“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,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the globally recognised Osun Osogbo Festival, Adams underscored the potential of the Okota Festival to become a beacon of cultural pride and tourism.
He noted that the festival attracts visitors from far and near, creating economic opportunities for local traders, and hospitality providers.
He explained that the activities generate income, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute millions of Naira to the economy of Arigidi-Akoko and Ondo State.
He further urged state governments across the Southwest to intensify efforts to develop and maintain cultural heritage sites, which hold the promise of attracting tourists worldwide and catalysing community development.
Highlighting the crucial role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, the Aare Ona Kakanfo appealed for unity among Yoruba people and encouraged rulers to actively preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
He stressed that “culture forms the foundation of identity and social cohesion, and abandoning it would be detrimental.”
Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, in his address, expressed appreciation to Iba Adams, the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for their commitment to the organisation of the Okota Festival annually.
Oba Olanipekun also stressed the need for peaceful co-existence among all natives and residents of Arigidi-Akoko, stressing the need for unity for the common good and progress of the land.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Prince Daniel Omolola, described the Okota Festival as a rich celebration of part of Arigidi-Akoko’s unique history and indeed Yoruba culture.
He praised the organisers of the Festival for putting together such “beautiful celebration.”
He also used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of Akokoland in Ondo State, at home and in the Diaspora, to come together and organise an annual cultural gathering in the mold of the Ojude-Oba festival that brings together the Ijebu people.
He noted that such gathering will serve as a rallying point for Akokoland in general and a platform to galvanise socio-cultural development in the region.
On his part, the Royal Father of the day, Oba Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko described the annual Okota Festival as a “beautiful idea and sought the support of the Olokun Festival Foundation in replicating a similar festival in his domain.”
Oba Ale said discussions were at “advanced stage among traditional rulers of Akoko extraction to ensure they begin to celebrate cultural festivals within their domains to advance Yoruba culture and tradition, and foster spiritual and socio-economic growth.”
