The Okarufe Cultural Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity and development in Oka Kingdom, Ondo State, unveiling educational support initiatives and urging greater participation of indigenes during the 2026 Oka Day and New Yam Festival.
The President of the foundation, Prof. Henri Oripeloye, said the organisation had continued to unite Oka sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora through programmes focused on education, cultural preservation and community development.
Speaking at the colourful festival held at the Palace Pavilion in Oka-Akoko on Saturday, Oripeloye described this year’s celebration as one of the most successful editions, noting that the event had further strengthened peace and togetherness in the ancient kingdom.
“The festival continues to unite our people and promote peace. This year’s celebration has been top-notch and reflects the steady progress Oka Kingdom is making,” he said.
He appealed to Oka indigenes to close ranks and work collectively for the development of the community, saying sustainable progress could only be achieved through unity and shared commitment.
“As President of the Okarufe Cultural Foundation, I appeal to all sons and daughters of Oka to embrace unity and cooperation. Our community can only attain greater heights when we work together with one purpose,” Oripeloye said.
The foundation’s president also invited more indigenes to join the organisation, describing it as a platform established to advance the socio-economic and cultural development of Oka Kingdom.
“Our doors remain open to every indigene who is passionate about the progress of Oka. Together, we can achieve even greater milestones for our community,” he added.
Oripeloye disclosed that the foundation awarded bursaries to nine Oka students who scored above 300 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination to encourage academic excellence.
“We rewarded nine brilliant students who scored above 300 in the last UTME to inspire other young people. Hard work deserves recognition, and education remains the key to the future of our community,” he said.
He added that the foundation honoured its immediate past executive members for their contributions and recognised major sponsors for their financial support and commitment to the organisation.
“We believe those who have sacrificed their time, resources and energy for the growth of the foundation and the development of Oka deserve to be celebrated. Their support has strengthened our vision of a united and progressive Oka Kingdom,” he stated.
The Olubaka of Oka Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, also used the occasion to renew his appeal to the Ondo State Government to rehabilitate deteriorating township roads, upgrade the General Hospital in Iwaro to a specialist hospital and construct a permanent High Court Complex in the community.
The monarch also urged First Bank of Nigeria Plc to restore banking operations in Oka, saying improved financial services would boost commerce, agriculture and investment in the ancient town.
“While we appreciate the numerous roads recently awarded across Ondo State, the internal township roads within Oka have deteriorated significantly and have become almost impassable. We appeal to the government to give them urgent attention,” the traditional ruler said.
He also sought government intervention to address erosion threatening parts of the kingdom and called for the construction of the Ibaka-Afo alternative road and the Ikanmu-Uba-Ugbe Road to improve transportation and agricultural activities.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, commended the Olubaka for fostering peace and unity in the kingdom while urging the younger generation to embrace hard work, honesty and peaceful coexistence.
The festival attracted prominent personalities, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, political leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and sons and daughters of Oka Kingdom. Cultural displays, bursary presentations and entertainment were among the highlights of the celebration.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
