The Olukere of Odo Oja Ikere Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Obasoyin, has urged the Ekiti State Government to harness the tourism potential of the annual Olosunta Festival, saying it could boost the state’s economy and generate wealth for the community.
Obasoyin said the nine-day festival had the capacity to attract visitors from within and outside the country if properly developed, adding that it had already increased commercial activities in Ikere Ekiti during this year’s celebration.
The monarch, who spoke in Ikere Ekiti on Friday while reflecting on the 2026 Olosunta Festival, whose grand finale was held on Tuesday, said, “Olosunta Festival portends great development. It is of immense importance to Ikere, Ekiti and Nigeria. It is a nine-day long festival, a time to pray for the peace and development of the town, state and country.”
He described the festival as “an ancient festival that our forefathers handed down to us. It is the bond among the three arms of the community – we thank God that since we have been celebrating Olosunta, God has been faithful because all our prayers are being answered. There is peace, there is development. It is a festival that gives Ikere people happiness.”
On the tourism prospects of the festival, Oba Obasoyin said, “I am sure the government is looking forward to seeing what can be done to make the festival more appealing to the world so that Ikere and the state government will make more money from the festival. Inviting foreigners to the country to see and appreciate what we are doing – our culture, tradition and heritage. Related News RMAFC orders NUPRC to dissolve disputed host community trust Abia pledges improved welfare for corps members We’ve reconstructed 42 roads in Ogun Central, says Abiodun
