The Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has urged the entire Yoruba race to preserve and sustain the culture and tradition of people in their respective towns and communities.

Alaafin made the plea on Saturday while addressing visitors, tourists and worshippers of Sango at the grand finale of the 2021 World Sango Festival in Oyo town.

The first-class monarch said the preservation of the culture and tradition of people is necessary for the sake of the coming generations.

According to him, the current custodians of culture and tradition must work toward the promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage in their respective towns and communities.

On the significance of the Sango Festival, the Alaafin said during Sango’s reign as Alaafin, he was powerful and had exceptional attributes that made him different from those that ruled before and after him.

He revealed that though Sango reigned for seven years, he was the best king that ever ruled the Oyo Kingdom before he later became a deity.

Alaafin said that the Sango Festival, which has become a globally recognised festival, promotes Yoruba culture and heritage.

He, therefore, prayed for sons and daughters of his kingdom, admonishing them to continue to live peacefully.

Meanwhile, a Brazilian tourist, Krusche Wisky, who also named himself “Fabiawo Eniesu,” lauded the rich cultural festivals of Nigerian people, especially Yoruba people.

Mr Wisky said that he, along with other tourists, is passionate about the rich cultural festivals of the Yoruba people.

He said he felt proud to be associated with the Yorubas, adding that his family in Brazil has an African ancestral lineage.

The tourist revealed that he was an Esu deity worshipper, commending the organisers of the Sango Festival, saying the festival showcased the rich culture and tradition of the Yoruba people.