***Calls for Preservation of Traditions and Values
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
In a vibrant celebration steeped in tradition, the Ilemila Royal Family of Kabba, Owe Land in Kogi West Senatorial District, has made a passionate call for the revival and preservation of cultural and moral values.
The family expressed concerns over the gradual decline of these values among younger generations, emphasizing the urgent need to reconnect with their heritage.
Themed “Re-Awakening the Cherished Traditions Inherent in Our Culture,” the 2024 edition of Ilemila Day unfolded at Jonny Events Center, Kabba, with a dazzling display of cultural dances, including the revered Erigbo and Woro performances. The event provided a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kabba, sparking renewed interest in its traditions.
Chief Kunle Kola Olubiyo, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, set the tone for the occasion with a rallying call to preserve the community’s heritage. He lamented the fading visibility of their cultural identity, citing the erosion of traditions as a growing concern.
“Our rich literature and practices are gradually slipping into oblivion,” Olubiyo stated. “This event is not just a celebration; it is a deliberate step to safeguard our culture for future generations. Through media documentation, we are ensuring that these traditions remain accessible and relevant.”
He highlighted the need to reintroduce cultural etiquette, such as the customary kneeling and prostrating gestures of respect, which are slowly being replaced by modern practices like handshaking—even with traditional rulers.
“These subtle changes may seem insignificant, but they reflect a deeper cultural shift that we must correct,” he added.
Prince Kayode Ayedogbon, a member of the royal family, described the event as historic, underscoring its role in reviving cultural consciousness.
“Our children are increasingly detached from the values and practices that define us,” Ayedogbon remarked. “This platform is a reminder that our culture is our identity, and we must take pride in it.”
Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Ade Ajibero, President General of the Kabba Development Union, emphasized the need for documentation to complement oral traditions.
“In the past, our traditions were passed down orally, but times have changed,” Ajibero said. “With modern technology, we can now archive and share our heritage globally, ensuring it remains alive even among our diaspora.”
Mr. Martins Joseph Toluwa, another family member, noted that the annual Ilemila Day, which began in 2023, also serves as a platform for promoting harmony among the six royal families of Kabba, with Ilemila as the eldest.
“The event fosters unity and integration, strengthening our collective identity as a people,” he said.
In his address, High Chief Ben Olodogbo, head of the Ilemila Royal Family, urged members to exhibit love, unity, and mutual support while championing the preservation of their heritage.
Chief Obafowo Adegboyega Aka, Chairman of all Red Caps in Owe Land, praised the event as a cultural reawakening and a tribute to the Owe people’s rich traditions.
President of the Kabba Community in Abuja, Sir Johnson Jimoh, called on parents to play an active role in cultural preservation.
“The task of sustaining our heritage begins at home,” Jimoh said. “Parents must instill cultural pride and values in their children to ensure that our identity endures.
With the Ilemila Royal Family leading the charge, the annual celebration is not just a reflection of the past but a vision for the future—a future where culture and tradition remain at the heart of the community’s identity.
The event concluded with renewed pledges to harness modern technology for cultural documentation and dissemination, ensuring that the legacy of the Ilemila Royal Family continues to inspire generations to come.