OLOTA: ITA OBA FESTIVAL REMAINS PLATFORM FOR UNITY, DEVELOPMENT IN OTA
The Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Ota land, Awori Kingdom, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, has described the annual Ita Oba festival as a vital platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage and social values of the Awori people, while also promoting aspirations for a greater and more developed Ota community.
The Monarch, made this known during the 2026 Oju-Ita day, at Okede-Ota, said that the festival had continued to serve as a rallying point for sons and daughters of Ota both at home and in the diaspora, encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the town.
“Our cultural heritage remains one of our greatest strengths as a people. Ita Oba is not only a celebration of tradition, but also an avenue to project our identity, unity and aspirations for a better Ota land,” he said.
He further noted that the cultural celebration had continued to inspire infrastructural growth and socio-economic development in the ancient town, adding that various developmental initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) had been encouraged through the collective efforts of stakeholders and well-meaning indigenes.
The monarch appreciated the resilience, commitment and doggedness of Ota sons and daughters towards attracting developmental projects to the community, stressing that sustained unity and cooperation remained essential for continued progress.
Oba Obalanlege, also commended the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the remarkable infrastructural projects spread across the nooks and crannies of Ogun State.
“We must appreciate the Ogun State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun for the visible infrastructural transformation across the State. These projects are improving economic activities and enhancing the standard of living of our people,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, lauded the leadership of the Olota, noting that Ota had continued to witness tremendous transformation under the monarch’s reign.
She prayed for continued good health, wisdom and longevity for the traditional ruler, while urging residents to remain supportive of initiatives aimed at advancing the socio-economic development of the town.
The Deputy Governor further emphasised the importance of unity among indigenes at home and abroad, noting that cultural festivals such as Oju-Ita create opportunities for people in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and contribute to community development.
She urged all sons and daughters of Ota to continue supporting one another and work collectively towards a sustained peace, growth and prosperity in the ancient town.
“We must continue to come together, support one another and remain committed to the progress of Ota. Development can only thrive where there is unity, peace and collective responsibility,” she added.
The 2026 Oju-Ita Festival attracted traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, cultural enthusiasts and indigenes from different parts of the country and abroad.
Tope Bankole,
ZIO, OTA
Post a Comment