Adeleke, Oyebamiji pledge to boost Osun’s culture, tourism
July 25, 2026 8:54 pm
Adeleke and Oyebamiji collage
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and his main challenger in the August 15 governorship poll, Bola Oyebamiji, on Saturday unveiled their plans for the state’s culture and tourism sector.
The duo reiterated their readiness to expand revenue available to the government from the culture and tourism sector by investing in tourist sites in a bid to attract people across the globe.
Adeleke and Oyebamiji spoke separately at the 79th birthday celebrations of the Osogbo-based Ifa priest and cultural icon, Ifayemi Elebibon, held in Osogbo, Osun State.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Dr Biyi Odunlade, described Elebuibon as an ‘icon and pride of the state,’ and said his administration will continue to identify with the achievements of people that have excelled in their different fields and put the state on the global map.
Eulogising Elebuibon’s contributions to culture promotion, Odunlade said, “Baba is a professional and a reference point. I am so excited to be part of this and particularly to represent my boss.”
On Adeleke’s plans for the culture and tourism sector, the Commission further said, “Culture and tourism are two major areas, where apart from identifying with our race, it is also a way of getting revenue for the State. In all parts of the globe, African and especially Yoruba culture is being promoted in special ways.
“If we can package it in such a way Christians are packaging Jerusalem and the Muslims are packaging the Hajj to Saudi Arabia, it should be a source of income for us here and a way of encouraging our younger ones to love our culture and traditions.”
The Oyebamiji representative at the event, Amitolu Shittu, lauded Elebuibon’s achievements as a culture promoter and said that, if elected, the APC candidate will put to maximum use the ideas of experts in cultural matters to further expand opportunities available in the sector.
He said, “I am here representing Osun APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. He respects Baba Elebuibon, and he recognises his contributions towards making Osun known across the globe.
“On our plans when elected, Oyebamiji has a big idea to make the culture and tourism sector bigger and more attractive to investors across the globe.
“He has identified those tourist sites, and efforts will be made towards making the sites more attractive. Osun has potential to create jobs and make the sector a big money spinner with the right ideas. Oyebamiji is ready to invest in the sector.”
In his remarks at the event attended by the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Jokotola, Olufon of Ifon Orolu, Oba Peter Ipadeola, Nollywood actors, traditionalists, and culture promoters from across the globe, among others, Elebuibon said his late mother and his boss, late Duro Ladipo, played key roles in his journey by helping him to remain focused through their constant encouragement and support.
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