Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams has raised his voice against the protracted closure of the Seme border,saying the closure was a disservice to the southwest.
Speaking yesterday during the 2021 edition of Olokun Festival held at Suntan Beach Badagry, Iba Adams expressed his displeasure at the closure insisting that the country had lost several billions to the closure.
He disclosed further that though the Federal Government had said the closure was to curb smuggling of goods and weapons, adding that reasons were far from the truth.
Adams, however, admitted that the spate of insecurity remains the most challenging problem in Nigeria,maintaining that alot needed to be done to solve the problem.
“The issue of the border closure is a thing of worry. Seme border was shut in August 2019 to curb smuggling of goods and weapons.
However,it is sad that the border still remain close.Closing the border for close to three years in a nation like Nigeria is not good for our economy”.
Without war,Seme border closure is a disservice to the southwest. The implication of this prolonged closure on the nation’s economy is huge. Therefore, I urge the federal government to urgently open the Seme border considering its importance to Nigeria and Nigerians”
Adams,reaffirmed the need to inject spiritual contents into Festivals and cultural events, declaring that the introduction of Arugba Aje Olokun in the activities of the Olokun Festival grand finale is to fulfill the spiritual purposes of the annual fiesta.
The idea of showcasing the spiritual concept of the Arugba Aje Olokun is to explore the beauty of the Olokun spirit.
It is a reflection of the sanctity of the Olokun spirit and not an ordinary creation of human thinking.
It is also the originating symbol of the Olokun spirit that creates wealth, peace and tranquility that Badagry and its environs is enjoying till date.”
Leading over 50 monarchs, and Mayors both from Badagry and Republic of Benin at the event,Akran of Badagry, ObaDe-Wheno Aholu, in his remarks, applauded Iba Gani Adams’ determination in sustaining the festival for over two decades,insisting that Badagry had, for a very long time, benefitted immensely from the annual fiesta.
Meanwhile,the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ayo Luqman Yusuff,from Institute of African and Diasporan Studies, University of Lagos,in his lecture, said Yoruba past glory can only be regained with events like the Olokun Festival.
He said the Yoruba culture, tradition and heritage should be transformed to cater to the spiritual, economic and political needs of the race
“With our strengths,Yoruba remains a factor in Nigeria, and there is nothing good that we cannot achieve with our culture and tradition. Therefore, I urge all and sundry to work towards sustaining those cultural heritage.
Other guests at the event, include traditional rulers,business men and women and culture enthusiasts among others.
