Blend Western Education With Traditional Values, Oyo Govt Urges At 2026 Osemeji Festival

The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, has called for a healthy balance between Western education and traditional Isese training, stressing that such a combination will equip children with a competitive edge while preserving their cultural identity.

He made the call on Monday at the 2026 Osemeji Obamoro Foundation Festival held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The festival commemorates the founding of Ibadan and features annual rituals dedicated to the peace and prosperity of the city.

Olatubosun said, “Western education and Isese training are not in conflict; they are complementary. Our children must excel in academics while remaining firmly rooted in their culture and traditions. When a child understands both the modern world and their ancestral heritage, that child becomes confident, balanced, and truly empowered. We must not allow education to disconnect us from who we are.”

Addressing participants, Olatubosun urged the host of the programme, the Araba and Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, to further consolidate unity among traditional groups, including the Onifa, Olorisa and Onisango associations.

He described the growing cordiality among Isese groups as a welcome development for the preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction at the large turnout of children at the festival, noting that it reflects parents’ commitment to sustaining traditional worship and preventing it from going into extinction.

While emphasising the importance of formal education, he referenced practitioners who have attained doctoral degrees, cautioning that Western education should not alienate children from their cultural roots.

He also reiterated plans for the forthcoming 2026 World Egungun Festival scheduled for May 1 and 2, aimed at projecting Ibadan as a major cultural and entertainment hub.

In his remarks, the Araba and Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, explained that the Osemeji Festival stands out because it marks the historic founding of Ibadan.

He added that Iyere Day, observed as part of the festival, is dedicated to warding off evil and offering prayers for the peace, unity and prosperity of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large.

Araba expressed delight at the cordial relationship between the government and traditional worshippers, as well as the unity currently enjoyed among Isese adherents, noting that such harmony was not always the case in the past.

He pledged to sustain the cooperation and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
Youths at the event were advised to support constituted authorities, offer constructive advice respectfully, and strive to make positive impacts in their communities.

Also speaking, the Oyo State OPC New Era President, Aare Rasak Arogundade, underscored the need to promote the Osemeji Obamoro celebration and called on the government to give full backing to cultural festivals. He pledged the support of his association for all cultural activities across Yorubaland.