Indigenes of Ikare Akoko, both at home and abroad, gathered over the weekend in Ondo State to celebrate the 2024 Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival in grand style. Led by the Owa-Ale, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the vibrant celebration attracted tourists and traditional rulers from neighboring communities.
Clad in traditional white attire, jubilant residents climbed the historic Olokemeji Tako-Tabo hills, which hold deep symbolic meaning as a representation of the resilience and unity of the Ikare people since their ancestors first settled there.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, the Owa-Ale, Oba Adedoyin, used the occasion to install new chiefs and underscored the importance of preserving indigenous culture. He emphasized that a community’s heritage is crucial for respect and identity, adding that such traditions can also bring economic prosperity through tourism.
The monarch called on government leaders at all levels to invest in cultural development, noting, "Our culture is our pride." He further expressed concern over the decline of cultural practices in the face of modernization and vowed to uphold the traditions of Ikare-Akoko.
“The Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Hill attracts visitors for its natural beauty and historical importance. It has been a place of protection and resilience during past inter-tribal conflicts," Oba Adedoyin said. He added that cultural heritage should not be traded for foreign ideals, which may not always align with the values of the people.
A tourist, Barrister Peter Ijigbo, shared a personal story of gratitude, explaining how his prayers were answered after visiting the hill last year. "People have come to this hill to pray for generations," he said, noting that even individuals from various religious backgrounds come to seek spiritual solace. Ijigbo, a Christian, emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s roots: “This is our heritage, and we must not turn our backs on it."
Razaq Abdul, known as 'Saudi,' highlighted the festival as a time to pray for the welfare of the agrarian community, explaining that the mountain once served as a refuge for ancestors during wartime. “A town without culture has no roots in Yoruba heritage,” he added.
Prince Lateef Adegbite reflected on the success of this year's festival, which he said illustrates a hopeful future for cultural continuity. "If you want to erode a people’s identity, remove their culture," he remarked, stressing the significance of preserving Yoruba heritage in the face of modern influences.
The 2024 Olokemeji Tako-Tabo Festival marked a celebration of unity, cultural pride, and the enduring heritage of the Ikare-Akoko people, paving the way for a promising cultural revival in Yorubaland.
