By Oluwaseun Sonde
The Paramount ruler of Yorubaland, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has said that Yorubas must revive the efficacy of its culture as the emblem of its uniqueness, while paid tribute to all Yoruba drummers who have been upholding the traditions of their ancestors in Osun State and around the country.
Ooni who disclosed this on Twitter handle on Monday over the recent celebration of Ayangalu festival, added that this year's festival unfolds the beauty of Yoruba culture not just as a representation of the people but as a rich historical and extensive knowledge that serves as the cornerstone of its existence.
According to the monarch, "the traditional importance attached to value of the drums, as demonstrated during the Àyángalú festival, aims to revitalise its spiritual, social, cultural, and economic significance, which has been waning for decades as a result of the erosion of western culture and modernity.
Ooni stated that most crucially, the festival welcomed thousands of adherents of Àyàn deity who graced the occasion. "This year came with a difference of blending tradition with modernity, as we remembered the female diety that invented the drums for the 1st time from the Yoruba clan.
"We had drummers who came to Ilè-Ifẹ̀ from various locations in Nigeria to show their support for our culture. Vitally, it’s noble to recognise and dignify the kindred embodiment that drums are associated with in human terms with the use of "Ìyáàlù", " Gbèdu" and "Omole ako".
"Other associated instruments such as Bàtá, Ṣẹ̀kẹ̀rẹ̀ etc, congregated during the festival. They all shared equal ecstasy and delight", he added.
The Paramount ruler noted that together as a nation, Nigeria must be dedicated to imprinting its culture and festivals as the new gem of a goldmine for intra-country tourism, which is untapped at the moment. "Our cultural events and festivals are powerful tools for the creation of socio-economic narratives, and we must harness their functionality".
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