Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams has condemned the protracted closure of the Seme border, saying the closure was a disservice to the South-West.
Adams, who was speaking during the grand finale of the 2021 edition of the Olokun Festival, held at Suntan Beach Badagry, said the country had lost several billions as a result of the continued closure of the border.
While admitting that the spate of insecurity remains the most challenging problem in Nigeria, Adams said that a lot needed to be done to solve the problem, adding that the reasons adduced by the government for the closure were far from the truth.
Adams said: “The issue of the border closure is a thing of worry. Seme border was shut in August 2019 to curb the smuggling of goods and weapons. However, it is sad that the border still remains closed. Closing the border for close to three years in a nation like Nigeria is not good for our economy.
“Without war, Seme border closure is a disservice to the South-West. The implication of this prolonged closure on the nation’s economy is huge. Therefore, I urge the Federal Government to urgently open the Seme border considering its importance to Nigeria and Nigerians.”
He reaffirmed the need to inject spiritual contents into Festivals and cultural events, declaring that the introduction of Arugba Aje Olokun in the activities of the Olokun Festival grand finale is to fulfill the spiritual purposes of the annual fiesta.
Leading over 50 monarchs, and Mayors both from Badagry and Republic of Benin at the event, Akran of Badagry, ObaDe-Wheno Aholu, in his remarks, applauded Gani Adams’ determination in sustaining the festival for over two decades, insisting that Badagry had, for a very long time, benefitted immensely from the annual fiesta.
