Isese Day: Traditionalists Congratulate Adeleke, Demand Greater Recognition In Osun
Traditionalists under the aegis of the Traditionalists Religion Worshippers Association of Osun State (TRWASO) have congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election, while calling for greater recognition and inclusion of traditional religion practitioners in the affairs of the state.
The association, in a congratulatory message made available to journalists in Osogbo on Friday by its President, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, commended Adeleke for the courage and determination he displayed throughout the electioneering period.
The group, however, appealed to the governor to give traditional religion practitioners greater recognition and ensure their inclusion and equitable participation in relevant government and cultural activities.
TRWASO specifically called for the recognition and inclusion of traditional religion practitioners in appropriate governmental and cultural engagements, as well as equitable representation in programmes relating to religion, culture, tourism and heritage.
The association also urged the government to strengthen efforts toward the preservation and protection of sacred groves, shrines, historical sites and other indigenous cultural assets.
It further called for meaningful collaboration with legitimate traditional religion organisations in promoting Osun State’s rich cultural identity.
The appeal came as TRWASO marked this year’s annual Isese Day celebrations with the conferment of honorary membership awards on personalities who have supported the association and the preservation of Yoruba culture.
According to Atanda, among those honoured were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude; the Salu of Edun Abon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Yeyemeto Folashade Atanda; and the Olufon of Ifon Orolu, Oba Peter Akinyooye, among others.
Atanda described the 2026 Isese Day celebrations as significant, particularly as his tenure as president of the association comes to an end.
He urged members to sustain the gains recorded over the past six years, noting that the outgoing leadership had laid a solid foundation for the incoming administration to build on.
He expressed confidence that the new leadership would continue to strengthen the association and champion the interests of traditionalists in Osun State and beyond.
Reacting to the honour, the Salu of Edun Abon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo, expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of TRWASO for recognising his contributions.
The monarch described the award as not only a personal honour but also a call to greater responsibility in the service of the people, culture and community.
Oba Oladepo said the recognition would further strengthen his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people while promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
He stressed that traditional rulers have an important role to play in preserving the values, customs and traditions handed down from previous generations.
“Our culture is our identity. As custodians of our heritage, we must continue to preserve what our forefathers handed down to us while embracing positive developments that will contribute to the progress and unity of our people,” he said.
The monarch also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Edunabon, pledging to continue working with relevant stakeholders, traditional institutions, religious bodies and community leaders toward the advancement of the town and Osun State.
