This position was articulated by Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, at the 2026 Osemeji Obamoro Foundation Festival held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. The annual festival commemorates the historic founding of Ibadan and features rituals dedicated to the peace, unity and prosperity of the city.
Addressing participants, Olatubosun emphasised that Western education and traditional Isese training are complementary rather than conflicting systems. According to him, children should be encouraged to excel academically while remaining rooted in their cultural and spiritual traditions.
“Western education and Isese training are not in conflict; they are complementary,” he said. “When a child understands both the modern world and their ancestral heritage, that child becomes confident, balanced and truly empowered. We must not allow education to disconnect us from who we are.”
Strengthening Cultural Unity
The Commissioner also called on the Araba and Olu-Isese of Ibadanland, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II, to consolidate unity among traditional groups, including the Onifa, Olorisa and Onisango associations. He described the growing cordiality among Isese adherents as a positive development for the preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage.
Olatubosun expressed satisfaction at the large turnout of children at the festival, noting that their presence reflects parental commitment to sustaining traditional worship and preventing its extinction. While underscoring the value of formal education, he pointed to examples of traditional practitioners who have attained doctoral qualifications, stressing that academic advancement should not alienate individuals from their roots.
He further reiterated plans for the 2026 World Egungun Festival, scheduled for May 1 and 2, aimed at projecting Ibadan as a leading cultural and entertainment destination.
Significance of the Osemeji Festival
In his remarks, Araba Ifalere Odegbemi Odegbola II highlighted the distinctiveness of the Osemeji Festival as a celebration of Ibadan’s historic founding. He explained that Iyere Day, observed during the festival, is dedicated to warding off evil and offering prayers for peace, unity and prosperity across Ibadanland and Oyo State.
The traditional leader welcomed the cordial relationship between government authorities and traditional worshippers, noting that such harmony was not always present in the past. He pledged to sustain collaboration and strengthen ties among stakeholders.
Youth participants were encouraged to support constituted authorities, provide constructive counsel respectfully, and contribute positively to their communities.
Also speaking at the event, Rasak Arogundade, President of the Oyo State OPC New Era, called for stronger government backing of cultural festivals and pledged his association’s continued support for cultural activities across Yorubaland.
The festival, rich in symbolism and communal participation, underscored a broader message: that cultural identity and modern advancement can coexist—and that safeguarding heritage is integral to shaping a confident and resilient generation.