Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and renowned Ifa priest, Ifayemi Elebuibon, have called on the Osun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism to support the Obatala grove to become a major heritage and tourist site. They made the call in their speeches at the maiden edition of the Obatala Festival held in Ifon-Orolu, Osun State.

The festival was jointly organised by His Royal Majesty, the Olufon of Ifon-Orolu Kingdom, Oba Peter Ipadeola, and the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), being promoted by Iba Adams.

While canvassing the support of the state government to expand the festival, Adams said he envisioned the Obatala grove as a major heritage and tourist site that could attract millions of devotees worldwide, including those in Cuba, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States.

Adams underscored the economic and social benefits of the festival, noting its role in attracting visitors from across Yorubaland and beyond, thereby boosting cultural tourism and local businesses.

He urged the community to take pride in hosting the festival and encouraged religious tolerance among all faiths in Osun State, emphasising respect for Obatala worshippers.

Describing the festival as more than a cultural event, Iba Adams called it a sacred act of remembrance and renewal that reconnects the Yoruba people with their roots and heritage. He stressed that the festival promotes spiritual strength, communal harmony, and the transmission of Yoruba values to future generations.