***As the Iralepo Says Prayer session is to Herald Isinkan New Yam Festival
It was a convergence of the people of Isinkan in Akure West LCDA of Ondo State on Ita-Owa, Isinkan at the palace of the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III).
They all came from communities in Isinkan kingdom which include Okeilero Itaoniyan, Omu, Aladodo, Kajola Adebowale, Fanibi, Agunloye among others to give thanks to God and seek his face for goodness and blessings for Isinkan, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
The Iralepo, after duly notifying the Ondo State Government, had directed that all shops and markets in the kingdom be closed to attend the special prayer session.
The special prayers was a melting point for all the major religions that included traditional worshippers, Islamic clerics and Christian leaders.
The finale of the prayer session was held at Ita-Owa in Isinkan and it featured songs of praise, prayers and thanksgiving.
The minister, Apostle Ayanfe Gabriel Adeleke who spoke on the need for peace and progress said without peace there couldn’t be progress.
Quoting from the Bible book of Isaiah , 32:17; 2 and Thessanonical 3:16, the clergyman said “Peace is the state of calmness and restfulness in the midst of pressures or urgencies. Peace is the state of quiet assurance and confidence under all circumstances”
He said Nigeria is going through a lot of challenges including insecurity and economic downturn which require intercession.
He applauded Oba Iralepo for toeing the path of peace even in the face of provocation and deeming it fit to intercede on behalf of his people and the people of Ondo State.
In an interview, Oba Olofin-Adimula said the annual New Yam festival of the town is starting this week and the ancient community usually herald the occasion with special prayers.
According to the Kabiyesi, the special prayer became imperative to ward off enemies of the state capital as gubernatorial election draws nearer.
Oba Olofin-Adimula used the opportunity to address the issue of whether the community was part of the Amole festival being observed in the neighbouring Akure community saying “not at all. We are separate communities. Their festivals do not extend to Isinkan the same way ours don’t extend to Akure.
“It is not our festival and whatever they do with it doesn’t concern us and can’t affect us.’
“We have started repackaging some of our festivals. I’m happy to announce to you that today’s event mark the start of our New Yam Week festival and the grand finale comes up on Friday 13th September, 2024. It promises to project the good image of Isinkan land,” he said.
Oba Olofin-Adimula thanked the people of Isinkan for trooping out in large number for the special prayer session and promised to protect their interest at all times.
A market woman, Mrs Lanre Opaleye applauded the traditional ruler for his peaceful disposition and putting in place the prayer session.
