*As Iralepo eyes new town soon
It was a display of rich culture and tradition of the ancient town of Isinkan Community in Akure south local government area of Ondo State as Residents trooped out to celebrate 2023 Obarisa festival.
The festival which began with Opa ceremony saw youths of the community for two consecutive days flogging each other amidst admiration by guests.
The first day was the “Ajomoju” where adherents led by Olorogbe of Isinkan, Chief Awelewa Obadunjoye and Eyelobirin of Isinkan, Chief Mrs Ogunyemi Alewi through the night visited leaders and chiefs of the community in their various houses within the kingdom.
The Iralepo, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) had earlier led residents to dance round the community beginning from Imogun (Saint Thomas Church), the boundary between Isinkan and Akure to flag off the festival.
Thereafter residents and guests converged on Ita-owa at the Iralepo’s palace for merriment while flogging by the youths continued.
Addressing the gathering, the Isinkan Monarch, Oba Olofin-Adimula congratulated Isinkan people over the successful beginning of Obarisa festival for this year.
He said the rich culture and tradition of the community have been packaged under the name of Obarisa and would run throughout the year.
The Iralepo said efforts are on to synergise with various stakeholders to bring Isinkan to international standard.
“We are speaking with our friends in the diaspora on how we can develop our festivals to meet international standards. We will do this in conjunction with the state government.”
“No doubt, this will improve the internally generated revenue of the state and by extension improve the financial standing of residents.”
“I am grateful to the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN for creating enabling business environment. This we will maximize by the leveraging on the contracts and influence of all of you to make isinkan kingdom an envy of others. I can see a better Victoria Garden City, VGC in our land.”
Some of the guests interviewed, Otunba Babatunde Ajibade and Mrs Janet Adebayo commended the packing of the festival and the enthusiasm displayed by residents.
