The absence of the late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi, at the annual Osun Osogbo festival, was the centre-point of the event this year, as Adewale Oshodi reports that tears flowed freely from the eyes of his subjects, when it was time to pay the traditional homage to the king, which they performed on his empty throne.

FOR the first time in the history of Osogboland, a traditional ruler was not on the throne when the ancient city celebrated the annual Osun festival.  The last Ataoja, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi, passed on to join his ancestors a couple of weeks before the start of this year’s event.

The late Ataoja  presided over 34 editions of the festival, which has brought Osogboland international recognition, and as a result, it was difficult not to feel his absence this year.

Before making his speech, the Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, called for a minute silence in the Oba Matanmi’s memory.

Prince Oyinlola stated that it was during the late Ataoja’s  reign that the Osun festival became an international event, while saying the people of Osogbo would forever remember the late monarch.

Prince Oyinlola, while welcoming international tourists from Brazil, Cuba, United Kingdom, United States, etc, said the state was doing everything possible to ensure more tourists come to witness the festival every year.

While praying to God to grant the late royal highness eternal rest, Prince Oyinlola said the state government would continue to ensure that the Osun Osogbo festival, as well as other cultural festivals in the state are well projected by government.

In his condolence message to the government and people of Osun State over the death of the late Ataoja, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, said the late monarch’s contribution to the development of the city was unquantifiable.

The minister, who was represented by Mr. Bamidele Shobayo, a director in the ministry, said having reigned for 34 years, it would be difficult to match the late Ataoja’s  achievement.

While speaking on the latest efforts of the ministry, Alhaji Mohammed stated that 12 cultural festivals in the country would soon be upgraded, therefore making them a truly national pride.

“The Osun Osogbo, which has brought Osogboland, as well as Nigeria, global recognition, will definitely be part of the festivals that would be upgraded”, Mr. Shobayo stated.

“Since such festivals can be used to create employment for the people, the government is doing everything to ensure that Nigeria’s cultural heritage is used to its advantage.”

The late Ataoja’s empty throne, with his crown and staff of office, were placed on the stage, while his subjects paid tribute to him, from the High Chiefs, to the Oluawos, the Iya Obas, hunters, Ifa priests, Iwarefas, etc.

Most of those who paid tributes to the late monarch betrayed emotion when they broke down in tears, because the king was with them during last year’s event, only to have joined his ancestors just before the start of this year’s festival.

Apart from the people of Osogbo and international tourists who witnessed this year’s event, other prominent Nigerians who graced the event include Professor Akinwumi Isola, Pa Adebayo Faleti, Professor Femi Osofisan, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, among others.