Traditionalists under the aegis of the Traditionalists Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State have congratulated the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election.
This is as they commended the courage and determination he displayed during the electioneering period.
In the congratulatory message made available to journalists by the President of the association, Dr Oluseyi Atanda, in Osogbo on Friday, TRWASO subsequently appealed to Adeleke for greater recognition, inclusion and equity for practitioners of traditional religion in the affairs of the state.
The group further demanded, “The recognition and inclusion of Traditional Religion practitioners in appropriate governmental and cultural engagements.
“Equitable representation and participation in programmes relating to religion, culture, tourism and heritage, the preservation and protection of sacred groves, shrines, historical sites and other indigenous cultural assets and meaningful collaboration with legitimate Traditional Religion organizations in the promotion of Osun’s cultural identity.”
Meanwhile, TRWASO has conferred honorary membership awards on some personalities who have been supporting the association as part of activities marking this year’s annual Isese Day celebrations.
The TRWASO President, Atanda, said the list of honourees included personalities such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Prof Wole Soyinka; the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude; the Salu of Edun Abon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Yeyemeto Folashade Atanda; and the Olufon of Ifon Orolu, Oba Peter Akinyooye, among others.
Atanda, who described the 2026 celebrations as significant as his tenure as president winds down, urged members to sustain the gains already recorded in the last six years.
Atanda said the outgoing leadership of the association had laid a solid foundation for the incoming one to further build a stronger group that would champion the cause of traditionalists in the state and beyond.
Reacting to the honour, the Salu of Edun Abon, Oba Oladepo, expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of TRWASO for finding him worthy of the recognition.
The monarch described the award as “not only a personal honour, but also a call to greater responsibility in the service of our people, our culture and our community.”
He said the recognition would further strengthen his resolve to support initiatives aimed at preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people while promoting mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
Oba Oladepo stressed that traditional rulers have an important role to play in ensuring that the values, customs and traditions inherited from previous generations are preserved for future generations.
He said, “Our culture is our identity. As custodians of our heritage, we must continue to preserve what our forefathers handed down to us while embracing positive developments that will contribute to the progress and unity of our people.”
The monarch also reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Edunabon, pledging to continue working with relevant stakeholders, traditional institutions, religious bodies and community leaders towards the advancement of the town and Osun State.
