Governments at all levels have been advised to create structures to preserve the nation’s diverse culture and tradition from going into extinction.
This was the consensus of speakers, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, Dr Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu of the Olabisi Onabanjo University and some traditional rulers, at the 2025 edition of the Grandmothers’ Festival held in Epe, Lagos, by Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF).
They stressed that culture remains key to our identity as a people, adding that promoting cultural ideals fosters social cohesion and enables communities to maintain connection to their history and values, engendering respect and understanding among diverse groups.
In his address, Iba Adams, who is the Founder of OFF, noted that by celebrating the Grandmothers’ festival and other festivals annually, the OFF has changed the ugly narratives about the Yoruba race, and made significant impact in cultural promotion and tourism.
Iba Adams said the Grandmothers’ Festival was a celebration of motherhood and the uniqueness of every mother on earth.
“This festival is a cherished occasion dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions, physically and spiritually, of our grandmothers, who are the pillars of our families, communities, and indeed, the world.
“One of the spiritual advantages of celebrating Grandmothers’ Festival (Odun awon Iya Agba) is that the festival will help to achieve the unity and cohesion that keeps eluding us in Yoruba land,” he said.
Iba Adams explained that the Grandmothers’ Festival was modeled as a replica of the Halloween festival in many countries, especially in the West, the Americas and in Asia.
He noted that today, the Halloween Festival has taken roots in England, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, France, Spain, Romania, Czech, Austria, Sweden, Greece, Japan, China, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, United States, New Zealand, and Australia.
Iba Adams also stressed the need to respect traditional practices and beliefs. He pointed out that the society must not allow the growing influence of foreign religions to negatively affect our believe in tradition.
“In most parts of the developed world, through the local and state government, there is always a vote to assist the coven. They recognise the physical meeting of the coven and consequently, the coven gives them spiritual direction on how the country can progress in all ramifications, talking about how to achieve development, adequate security, peace and tranquility in such countries.
“It is not the same in Nigeria, especially in Yorubaland where people abuse the coven regularly. This negatively affects the progress of such communities. In the olden days, our forefathers did not abuse the coven. Rather, they appeased them so they could have a peaceful society,” he said.
In his lecture, the guest speaker, Dr Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, stressed the need for cultural preservation as a means of ensuring the protection and continuation of the unique traditions, expressions, and identities of communities.
Adeyemi-Suenu added that cultural preservation is essential for maintaining Nigeria’s rich heritage, promoting unity, and ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy of dignity and respect.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Chairperson, Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun, who was represented by Babatunde Odupe, the Oloja of Epe, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, who was represented by the Agbon of Epeland, Chief Dada Yesiru; Oniladaba of Ladaba Kingdom, HRM Oba Sikiru Ebudola Odedina; Onilepia of Lepia, HRM Oba Adeleke Ismaila; and Onimapara of Maparaland, HRM Oba Adewale Amodemaja.
Others include Onishasha of Shasha Abosude-Ifo, HRM Oba Mudashiru Atanda; Ologunfayo of Ogunfayo-Iwerekun, HRM Oba Mufutau Adewunmi Lariye; Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu, HRM Oba Aderibigbe Balogun and Adegbajobof Odo-Gbawojo, HRM Oba Adelani Adeniyi, among other chiefs.
