ALAAFIN’S ABSENCE ALMOST STALLED ORANYAN FESTIVAL
The reason for the absence of the royal father was not made known, even from the palace quarters, as at the time of filing this reports, hence, confusion pervaded the vicinity of the much publicized ceremony, with many guests noticed in sad mood when it dawned on them that Alaafin would not be attending the ceremony
Penpushing further reports that, a food seller behind the Alaafin’s palace, who claimed anonymity in reaction and unconfirmed report said, ” I heard that Baba left Oyo this morning to attend to an urgent call abroad, we were told that he traveled out, but I don’t know where he traveled to, he rarely missed Oranyan Festival, so the reason for his absent at this year festival is what I don’t know”.
However, at the event, some wives of the monarch were in attendance to represent him, while the most senior among them was assigned to perform roles of the traditional ruler at the event
Penpushing also reports that, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams and some other traditional rulers left the event before the end of the program, and efforts by journalists to speak with them proved abortive.
The Akinbio of Ilora, Oba Steven Olufemi Oparinde, who spoke on behalf of Alaafin said that the royal father thanked all the sons and daughters of Yoruba for their usual cooperation and support all the time, adding that Alaafin expressed his joy to them.
“Alaafin said that any time he remembered Yoruba race, he has peace of mind because of the cooperation and support you have been giving him, he urged you all to always promote Yoruba cultural heritage where ever you are and always remember that Oranyan is our great grandfather.”
The Coordinator of Oranyan Festival Organisation, Emeritus Arch Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, in his remarks pointed out that Oranyan festival is unique because Odede Oranyan has always been celebrated throughout Yoruba nation, noting that as a warrior and empire builder, Oranyan descendants have transverse beyond Nigeria as a result of the slave trade
“Oranyan descendants are in Kumasi, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, some even have shrines dedicated for the worship of Oranyan in their respective countries’, the festival coordinator said
Penpushing reports that, Ladigbolu while speaking on the significant of the festival, said that “for instance, at Ajiroba here in Oyo town, every September, a ram used to appeared in front of Oranyan shrine, people will take the ram and killed it for the festival, nobody has ever queried them, this is a mystery that we don’t understand.”
The founder of One Love Family, Sat Guru Maharaji ji, in his own remark noted that Oranyan Festival was a gathering of the best among the blacks in the world, adding that the festival will go a long way in changing the orientation of people that anything black is a devil.
“Black are now seen as someone to reckon with over the years, this is a festival that everybody, either black or white should be attending to bring about global acceptance needed to meet our peace and harmony.”
Meanwhile, dignitaries at the event include: the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, Nigeria Ambassador to Benin Republic, Amb. Kayode Oguntuase, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Proprietor of Oduduwa University, Dr. Abdul Raman Adedoyin, Alajase of Ajase, (Benin Republic), Onilobu of Ilobu, all Oke-Ogun Oba’s, and the Oyomesi among others.
