Posted by By Ayodele Lawal on
Ambassador Segun Olusola; the National Co-Ordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, and thousands of indigenes of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, recently celebrated Okota Day.
Ambassador Segun Olusola; the National Co-Ordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, and thousands of indigenes of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, recently celebrated Okota Day.
The week-long activity came to its climax on Tuesday when Adams and the indigenes stormed the Okota river to shower the river goddess with prayers and gifts.
At the shrine, P.M.News witnessed a display of culture and exotic dance steps among other activities. The high point of the event was when a white cow was slaughtered to appease the goddess while indigenes prayed for peace and prosperity among others.
Speaking on the celebrations, Adams said the Okota river is a darling deity of the people of Arigidi Akoko because of its tourist, cultural and healing powers. The river is capable of making a barren woman conceive and the sick healed among other things.
He said the festival coincides with Arigidi Day. That is, the new yam festival, which is a festive period for indigenes of Akoko.
Earlier, the Regent of Arigidi, Adebimpe Olanipekun Fagbola, thanked the Olokun Festival Foundation and Adams for remembering and celebrating the Okota festival, and for bringing the people of Arigidi together.
Also, Ambassador Olusola paid glowing tribute to the chief promoter of Arigidi Day, Adams, the regent and the indigenes for promoting the culture of Arigidi.
The grand finale of the Arigidi Day was attended by the Oba, Segun Ajiboye, the Press Secretary to the Ondo State government and other top dignitaries. Alhaji Sulaimon Ayilara, a.k.a Ajobiewe, and Saheed Osupa provided entertainment.