Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed that peace remains the cornerstone for achieving meaningful progress and harnessing the rich cultural heritage embedded in Òsé Méjì for sustainable development.
The governor made this known during the 2025 Òsé Méjì Ibadan Foundation Conference, held on Wednesday at the House of Chiefs, Parliamentary Complex, State Secretariat, Ibadan.
He was represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Rev’d Femi Ibikunle.
The conference, themed “Òsé Méjì: The Spiritual Source of Ibadanland and Its Relevance in Modern Times,” drew together traditional leaders, cultural scholars, and community stakeholders to reflect on the spiritual and developmental relevance of Òsé Méjì in today’s Ibadanland.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Rev’d Ibikunle stressed that all faiths hold intrinsic value in building a peaceful and progressive society.
He urged that peace should be at the heart of every organization and community, noting that sustainable development thrives only in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect.
He explained that the present administration’s high premium on peace and inter religious harmony occasioned its level of commitment to faith based activities in order to engender inclusivity on government.
“Our diversity is our strength, but only peace allows us to truly express that strength. Government and citizens must work hand in hand to preserve and promote the cultural wealth that Òsé Méjì represents,” he said.
Delivering his lecture, Surveyor Dasola Adefabi highlighted the economic potential of traditional and cultural practices.
He emphasized that the preservation of indigenous languages and the wisdom contained in Odu Ifa remain vital to human and societal advancement.
He also encouraged young people to take pride in their cultural roots and contribute to its growth.
In his keynote address, the President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Dr. Fayemi Fatunde, examined the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Òsé Méjì, describing the conference as a platform that promotes unity, cultural enlightenment, and historical reflection.
The event also featured goodwill messages from notable dignitaries, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, represented by Oloye Muritala Ladoja; the Oluisese of Ibadanland, Araba Odegbemi Odegbola II; and the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun, represented by the Director of Culture, Alhaja Titilayo Lawal.
They all reaffirmed in their separate remarks that Òsé Méjì’s enduring role in strengthening communal bonds and preserving cultural identity is a collective responsibility.
Their collective message stressed the need to weave traditional values into modern education, tourism, and community development initiatives to ensure that the legacy of Òsé Méjì continues to inspire future generations.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that the 2025 Òsé Méjì Conference was not just a celebration of heritage, but a call to rethink how culture and peace can together power sustainable development in Ibadan and beyond.