Explore heritage sites in Isanlu-Isin; Monarch tells FG

The Traditional Ruler of Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government of Kwara, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede has called on the Federal Government to explore the rich Historical heritage sites and tourism potentials in the town.

Oba Oloyede, who made the call on Saturday night at Isin during the annual New Yam festival, said Isin is blessed with numerous heritage sites and three Water Falls.

Oba Oloyede said Isanlu-Isin has over 50 sites of historical, natural, cultural and geological.

According to the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, if the historical sites were explored by the federal government and exposed to the outside world may attract the attention of UNESCO and declare them ‘UNESCO Heritage Sites’.

The royal father listed the historical sites to include a mysterious tree called “Atori tree” that has the power catch a thief or anybody that does something criminal or against the custom or culture of the town.

He added that the historical sites include Ancient Ash mountain (Oke Eleru), Ancient trench, Oloke Hill Shrine, Geological Museum at Igbo-Odo, Geological Museum Ogba Irobi and Stone pillars at Oke Ara.

“Today is a day for us in Isanlu-Isin community to the listening ears of Kwara State Government, and by extension the Federal Government to shine their eyes on the various tourism and historical sites potentials in Isanlu-Isin.

“In particular is the existence of three water large falls within our community is practically an evidence to develop the sites into tourist centers,” Oba Oloyede said.

He also called on the state government to construct asphalt road from Oke-Onignin and Omu-Aran to the three water falls at Aishe, Ijoko and Owu.

The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin said the New Yam festival was symbolic as it was the re-enactment of the ancient festival known as ‘Oorun’ during the time of their fore fathers.

Oba Oloyede said many ancient festivals in the town have been swept away by the advent of Christianity.

“The advent of modern religion and ever increasing civilization is gradually sweeping away whatever remains of many festivals in Isanlu-Isin.

“It is worthy to mention that my three predecessors on the throne contributed immensely to the spread of Christianity and Islam and to a large extent a considerable relegation of idolatry activities,” he said.

In his address, the National President of Isanlu-Isin Development Association, Mr Philips Babalola said the New Yam festival should be cherished by all as it was inherited by their forebears.

According to him, the festival dates back to over 300 years, adding that the festival was an avenue that brings sons and daughters of Isanlu-Isin together.

Babalola said the 2018 new yam festival was unique as all the historical and tourism potentials of the town were showcased to the guests.

The festival was attended by over 20 traditional rulers from Kwara and neighboring Osun State.