…Prays for Tinubu, Aiyedatiwa’s Success
The Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, has appealed to both the Federal and Ondo State Governments to explore and develop the tourism and economic potential of the annual Olokemeji TakoTabo Festival in Ikare-Akoko.
The revered monarch made the appeal on Sunday, October 26, 2025, during this year’s edition of the festival held at the Hill of Progenitors (Olokemeji TakoTabo) in Ikare-Akoko, where residents and visitors gathered for prayers and cultural displays.
Describing the event as one of the largest traditional human gatherings in Nigeria, Oba Adedoyin emphasized that the festival, if well harnessed, could become a major tourism and economic driver for the state and the nation.
“Apart from our cultural heritage, this is a place of prayer. Every year, our people gather here to seek peace, progress and divine favour. And believe me, there’s no prayer made here with a sincere heart that God does not answer,” the monarch said.
Tracing the festival’s origin, Oba Adedoyin explained that it dates back to the first settlers of Ikare, led by Owa-Ale Agbaode, who migrated from Ile-Ife and established the town on the sacred hills where the celebration still holds.
He noted that the annual event attracts attendees from across Nigeria and abroad, including visitors from the United Kingdom and the United States.
The monarch, who is also a legal practitioner, urged both tiers of government to partner with the community to elevate the festival to international recognition. He also called for urgent attention to the dilapidated roads within Ikare metropolis and highways linking the town to Ekiti, Kogi, and Edo States.
“This is a massive festival. There’s hardly any cultural event in Nigeria that draws this kind of crowd. You can see people coming from across the world to witness it,” he added.
Also speaking, the Yeye-Asa of Ikare, Chief Modupe Akerele, said the festival serves as both spiritual and cultural renewal for the community, uniting indigenes at home and abroad in prayers and thanksgiving.
She described the celebration as a symbol of peace, purity, and continuity of Yoruba tradition.
On his part, High Chief Lawrence Olaleye-Omotosho, the Olukorola of Okegbe Quarters, noted that the sacred hills of Olokemeji hold deep historical and spiritual significance, having served as a protective refuge for the ancestors during ancient wars.
He added that the event has significantly boosted local commerce, with hotels fully booked and traders recording high sales, a development that underscores its economic value.
A participant, Prince Adeniran Adeyemo, described the festival as “top-notch,” saying prayers offered on the mountain have continued to receive divine answers.
