The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has raised his voice against the protracted closure of the Seme border, saying it was a disservice to the South West.
Aare Adams said this on Wednesday during the 2021 edition of Olokun Festival held at Suntan Beach, Badagry.
Iba Adams expressed his displeasure at the closure, insisting that the country had lost several billions to it.
He disclosed further that though the Federal Government had said the closure was to curb smuggling of goods and weapons, the reasons were far from the truth.
Adams, however, admitted that the spate of insecurity remains the most challenging problem in Nigeria, maintaining that a lot needed to be done to solve the problem.
He said: The issue of the border closure is a thing of worry.
“Seme border was shut in August 2019 to curb smuggling of goods and weapons.
“However, it is sad that the border still remains closed.
“Closing the border for close to three years in a nation like Nigeria is not good for our economy.
“Without war, Seme border closure is a disservice to the South West.
“The implication of this prolonged closure on the nation’s economy is huge.
“Therefore, I urge the Federal Government to urgently open the Seme border considering its importance to Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Adams reaffirmed the need to inject spiritual contents into Festivals and cultural events, declaring that the introduction of Arugba Aje Olokun in the activities of the Olokun Festival grand finale is to fulfill the spiritual purposes of the annual fiesta.
He said: “The idea of showcasing the spiritual concept of the Arugba Aje Olokun is to explore the beauty of the Olokun spirit.
“It is a reflection of the sanctity of the Olokun spirit and not an ordinary creation of human thinking.
“It is also the originating symbol of the Olokun spirit that creates wealth, peace and tranquility that Badagry and its environs is enjoying till date.”
Leading over 50 monarchs and Mayors both from Badagry and the Republic of Benin at the event, the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu, in his remarks applauded Iba Adams’s determination in sustaining the festival for over two decades, insisting that Badagry had, for a very long time, benefitted immensely from the annual fiesta.
Meanwhile, the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ayo Luqman Yusuff, from Institute of African and Diasporan Studies, University of Lagos, said the past glory of the Yoruba can only be regained with events like Olokun Festival.
He said the Yoruba culture, tradition and heritage should be transformed to cater to the spiritual, economic and political needs of the race
Yusuff said: “With our strengths,Yoruba remains a factor in Nigeria, and there is nothing good that we cannot achieve with our culture and tradition.
“Therefore, I urge all and sundry to work towards sustaining those cultural heritage.”
Other guests at the event, included traditional rulers, businessmen and women and culture enthusiasts.
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