Government at all levels have been charged to support the efforts of Okaka indigenes to transform and develop the ancient town.
The Olokaka of Okaka land, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul Azeez Olatunji Ayoola Ogelende IV, Gbadewolu I, gave the charge at the 2025 Annual Egungun Festival of the town.
While speaking shortly after the sacrificial he goat was beheaded at the ancient Sango market square known as oja sango, Oba Olatunji Ayoola noted that the ancestors of the ancient town have accepted their sacrifice as reflected in the symbolic drizzling of rain during the celebration.
The festival attracted large gathering of prominent Okaka indigenes.
The monarch, who appreciated the attendees, applauded their decision to be part of this year’s egungun festival after attending the funeral service of a prominent woman in the town.
While highlighting the remarkable progress recorded in the town within a short period, Olokaka, said the achievement was basically through the collaborative efforts of all Okaka indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
The monarch stressed that the newly constructed police station along okaka/otu, transformer and other notable developmental projects in the town were achieved through the collective contributions of Okaka residents .
The Olokaka of Okaka charged Okaka indigenes in the diaspora not to relent in contributing their quota to the growth and development of their fatherland.
The 2025 Okaka egungun festival featured Alapala, Ajise, Ahuda, Dangboro,Alapala efe,Ilokoja, and Jigbanjigban masquerades among others.
In their separate remarks, Okaka chiefs comprising Jagun of Okaka Raji Olaniyi, the Ooto of Okaka; Salawu Ayanwale, the Ikolaba of Okaka Dauda Ademola,Mayeloye of Okaka; Alhaji Ibrahim Taiwo Oduniyi,Olukotun of Okaka, Moshood Bello and Baale Bootun Ganiyu Adefabi among others, called for peace, love and unity among the people of okaka land.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Ekarun of Otu Chief Samson Tanimoowo,Araba Awo of Oke Ogun; Chief Ifagboyega Oyedokun from Ofiki, and a son of the soil, Mr Oyedemi Muniru aka Obabiolorun, two of his allies Mr Ojekunle Ruben from Ago Are as well as Mr Babatunde Jimoh from Irawo, urged Okaka indigenes to see the Egungun Festival as unifier, geared towards meaningful interactions.
They stressed that their culture,tradition and religion are sinequanon, hence the need to promote their culture and tradition without any bias.
The 2025 Okaka Egungun Festival was witnessed by a former member, Federal House of Representatives Hon. Kola Olabiyi and other dignitaries.
By Kaseem Jenrade