Sade Adewale, Ondo
Religion, civilization and poor parental education have been identified as the reasons for the seeming culture extinction in Nigeria.
The Iyalode of Ondo Kingdom, Chief Mrs Olufunke Iluyemi made this known during the grand finale of Odun Oba 2020 tagged “Oba Komo and Uleshi Opoji held at Ajale Osemawe’s Palace annex, town hall, Ondo city.
Iluyemi observed that Nigerians belittle the importance of culture as a taboo due to lack of adequate knowledge on its significance.
She therefore called on youths to embrace the culture of the land, noting that culture is the way of life.
The Iyalode also enjoined parents to encourage their wards participation in their culture, noting that religion, civilization should not be barrier to the culture of their land.
This year’s Odun Oba which came amidst rampage novel coronavirus led to low key celebration as Ondo indigenes in diaspora couldn’t participate due to closure of international flight among other precautionary measures to contain COVID-19.
The 2020 odun oba started with udijo the official announcement of the festival followed by uleshin oloja, ukule, ijama, Elegbe, High chiefs, Opoji and different occasions which connote presentation of gifts to the Osemawe, Oba Dr Victor Kiladejo Uhasu one of the activities was not observed due to the demise of Otu leader, the Logbosere of Ondo kingdom, Chief Waheed Kuteyi.