Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, have described renowned Ifa priest and Yoruba cultural icon, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, as a priceless custodian of African heritage whose contributions have continued to elevate Yoruba culture on the global stage.
The two leaders made the remarks during activities marking Elebuibon’s birthday and housewarming ceremony held at his Ogbeyonu House in Osogbo, where they separately commended his decades-long commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba tradition.
Speaking at the event, Oyebamiji said Elebuibon’s vast knowledge of African spirituality, customs and history has made him an invaluable figure not only to the Yoruba people but to the entire African continent. He noted that personalities like the celebrated cultural ambassador deserve greater recognition for their role in preserving indigenous values.
The APC governorship candidate also called for increased investment in Osun’s tourism sector, stressing that the state possesses enormous cultural and historical assets capable of generating substantial revenue and creating employment opportunities if properly developed.
According to him, iconic sites such as the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Ayekunnugba Waterfall, Erin-Ijesa Waterfalls, the Ifa Temple, Oranmiyan Staff and several other heritage locations have the potential to transform Osun into a leading cultural tourism destination.
Representing Governor Adeleke at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr. Biyi Odunlade, described Elebuibon as a globally respected authority on Yoruba culture and traditions whose influence has brought international recognition to the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Odunlade said the Adeleke administration considers the traditional scholar a valuable cultural ambassador and remains committed to initiatives that will position Osun as a major centre for the promotion of African culture and tourism.
He added that the government would continue to support efforts aimed at preserving the state’s cultural identity while showcasing its heritage to the international community.
In his response, Elebuibon attributed his global recognition to his unwavering dedication to the Yoruba religion, culture and traditions, urging governments at all levels to give greater attention to Nigeria’s cultural resources.
He said the country’s rich cultural heritage remains one of its greatest untapped economic assets, stressing that deliberate investment in the preservation, branding and promotion of indigenous traditions would attract international tourists and stimulate economic growth.
The renowned cultural enthusiast further called on stakeholders to work together in projecting Nigeria’s cultural identity to the world, saying the nation’s heritage should be presented as a unique attraction capable of boosting tourism and enhancing its global image.