Ogun State @50: Oluwo Fashola Hails State’s Cultural Resilience, Calls for Deeper Recognition of Indigenous Heritage

  Ogun State @50: Oluwo Fashola Hails State’s Cultural Resilience, Calls for Deeper Recognition of Indigenous Heritage

As Ogun State marks its 50th anniversary, a foremost traditional and spiritual leader, Oluwo Dr. Fashola Faniyi Babatunde, the Araba of Ota Awori Kingdom and General Secretary of the International Council for Ifa Religion, has joined voices across the state to commemorate the historic milestone.

Speaking on behalf of traditional religion practitioners across Ogun State, particularly members of the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Assembly of Ota Awori, Oluwo Fashola described the Golden Jubilee as a moment of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the cultural foundations upon which the state was built.

“Ogun State at 50 is not just a celebration of governance and infrastructure, but a celebration of identity, heritage, and spiritual balance,” he said. “On behalf of all traditionalists in Ogun State, especially the Ìṣẹ̀ṣe Assembly of Ota Awori, I extend heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the government and people of the state.”

He noted that Ogun State has historically played a significant role in preserving Yoruba culture, traditions, and indigenous belief systems, despite the pressures of modernization and globalization adding  that the resilience of traditional institutions has helped sustain social values, communal harmony, and moral consciousness across generations.

Oluwo Fashola urged the state government to continue recognizing and integrating indigenous knowledge systems, traditional institutions, and cultural custodians into governance and development planning.

“Our traditional religion is not in opposition to progress, rather, it complements development by promoting respect for nature, communal responsibility, justice, and ethical leadership; values that Ogun State has long been known for," he explained.

He commended  present administrations led by Prince Dapo Abiodun for promoting peace among diverse religious groups, stressing that religious tolerance remains one of the pillars of Ogun State’s stability.

As Ogun State celebrates five decades of existence, Oluwo Fashola called on citizens, especially the youth to reconnect with their roots, uphold cultural values, and contribute positively to the state’s future. 

“Ogun State is a land of knowledge, courage, and spiritual depth, may the next 50 years be marked by unity, cultural pride, and sustainable development for all," he prayed 

Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, and has since grown into one of Nigeria’s most culturally influential and economically strategic states, earning its reputation as the Gateway State.