By Dupson Collins, August 27th 2022
Akure Youths have resisted the order of the State Government banning traditional festivals in the state capital, saying the steps taken by the government is an attempt to denigrate the culture of the ancient town.
It could be recalled that the state government had recently mandated that there shall be no closure of markets in any part of the state without the approval of the governor.
In a press release signed by the President Akure Youth Coalition, Comrade Tuyi Adekanbi, he stated that Governor Akeredolu needs to be cautioned saying they perceive sinister motive: with the recent ban.
PRESS RELEASE
ATTEMPT TO DENIGRATE OUR CULTURE; A CALL FOR CAUTION
The Youths of Akure Kingdom have watched recent development with respect to traditional institutions and culture of the people with utmost disbelief
We would have refrain from making comments until the recent pronouncement of the state Government banning traditional festivals and denigrating our traditional institutions with such statement.
The Government should be fully aware that the Traditional Institutions predates the colonial period and modern day Nigeria. Though, we acknowledge the right of the Government to make law for the good of the land, however, this does not give a blanket order for the Government to trample upon the traditions and culture of the people with utmost disregards.
It is a fact that we have few bad eggs who might want to use the festival to commit crime. The fact is that the criminals should be apprehended and make to face the music. On the contrary, the Government wants to throw away the baby with the bath water under the pretense of trying to sanitize the festival. The intention of the Government is therefore suspicious and amount to a sinister move to divide the peace loving people of Akure Kingdom by pitching us against ourselves.
The recent attitude of the Government with respect to the installation of Iralepo among other things is already sending the signals of what its intention could be. Akure had always been peaceful free of rancor until recently when there was a gang up to frustrate the traditional institutions of Akure Kingdom by turning us to sworn enemies.
We wish to make it clear that we will not be divided despite all these unwarranted provocations and subtle war against the Akure Kingdom and Traditions. We are aware of the roles of individuals within the Government circle who had continued to benefit from this crisis and fanning the ember of discord. Their activities are in the open, though they think they could hide their faces and throw stones at our glass house. Posterity will do justice.
We are surprised that the Igogo festival is still celebrated in Owo banning beating of drums across all faiths and this have not caused any unrest. Why must Akure Culture be under attack? What is the offence of the Akure people and her traditional institutions? The intolerance have made Government officials to seal up the road leading to the Deji’s Palace. Must Akure lose her tradition because it is the State Capital?
We appeal to the State Government to rescind its decision in forcing our tradition to oblivion. For the avoidance of doubt, we are ready to ensure that bad eggs among us are identified and dealt with. Notwithstanding, we urge the state government to reconsider its stand on this matter.
We sincerely appreciate the Governor for his super role in securing the lives and properties of the good people of the State. However, the attempt to trample and attack our culture as well as denigration of our Traditional Institution is highly unacceptable.
Signed
Comrade Tuyi Adekanbi
President, Akure Youth Coalition.
Comrade Iteyemi Adegoroye
Public Relations Officer,
Akure Youth Coalition
27th August, 2022
