* Seeks intervention of govt, security agencies to avert crisis
By John Odunjo
The Ojomo-in-Council, Ijebu-Owo Progressive Union, youths and stakeholders in Ijebu-Owo have written Ondo State Government and relevant security agencies on the need for caution in the celebration of 2023 Igogo festival.
In their letters, the community which says it, from time immemorial, celebrates Ogun Festival and not Igogo Festival, is alerting the state government and the security agencies of the looming security breaches that could happen on the alleged insistence of taking the celebration to Ijebu kingdom.
A statement from the community alerted that such insistence to take Igogo Festival to Ijebu Owo could spark unhealthy situations if not nipped in the bud by relevant stakeholders that have been contacted ahead of the date earlier announced by the organizers of the Igogo Festival who included Olijebu of Ijebu-Owo, Oba Kofoworola Olatunbosun Oladoyinbo Ojomo Aruliwo III in their lined up activities without consultation.
To this end, the Ojomo in Council, Ijebu-Owo youths and stakeholders in the kingdom expressed confidence in the timely intervention by Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN and other security agencies already contacted.
According to the statement, “Oba Ojomoluda remains resolute and maintains that Ijebu-Owo, through Ojomo in Council, has resolved to exonerate the community from participating in the festival in the interest of peaceful coexistence”.
The statement reads: “Ijebu-Owo is an autonomous community and one of the nine towns that make up the present day Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State and the prescribed authority over Ijebu-Owo is Oba Major General Olatunbosun Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, the Aruliwo III, the Ojomo Oluda of Ijebu-Owo”.
“It is cogent to inform you that Igogo Festival is not alien to Ijebu-Owo, but it is NOT mandatory for Ijebu-Owo town to partake in the celebration of Igogo Festival as the traditional rites are limited to Owo town”.
It adds: “The activities of Ijebu-Owo people in the celebration of Igogo Festival is mere that of solidarity and friendship as the main traditional festival in Ijebu-Owo is Ogun Festival from time immemorial”.
The statement emphasized the resolve of the people of Ijebu-Owo in sustaining the existing peace in Owo Local Government Area and Ondo State in general.
