The ancient town of Ilesa in state of Osun Nigeria, went agog on Saturday 18th of December, 2021 when they gathered for the final celebration of the one week long ‘Iwude Ijesa Festival’ for the year 2021. The Coronavirus Omicron pandemic did not stop the Ijesa from celebrating their annual festival that had been scheduled to take place every Saturday preceding the Christmas weekend

The center of the town which is the round about that hosts the statue of the great Ijesa warrior, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro was situated and almost facing the gate that leads to the Oba’s palace, were beautifully adorned with posters and banners carrying the photographs and the imprints of Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR, LLB, the Owa Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

Men, women and youths dressed in differen colorful Egbejoda traditional dresses were seen dancing and enjoying themselves. Traditional singers and drummers were not left out of the ceremony and Musical Band stands for different society groups stationed in strategic places all along different streets in the town played to entertain visitors and the large crowd of people that attended the occasion.

The paramount ruler, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran rode in a chariot like cart, drove around and waving to his subjects and his people.

Iwude festival is the mother of all festivals in Ijesaland that brings everybody from far and near together, binds them together in unity with different traditional attires.

The Ijesa kingdom are found in local governments in Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Obokun, Oriade. They all gather together at the round about in Ilesa to celebrate the festival. Almost the Ijesa monarchs gathered round the paramount ruler, paying obeisance to him and celebrating. Governor Oyetola graced this year’s event.

The governor who alongside his Deputy, Benedict Alabi appreciated the sons and daughters of Ijesa for supporting his administration, charged them not to relent in their support for his administration.

Speaking with journalists, the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Obawale Adebisi noted that the festival is very significant in the entire Yoruba race as it brings together all people of Ijesa land together once in a year.

He posited that Culture and Tourism are Siamese twin as Culture is used to drive tourism while saying that, in respect of this, some tourism Centres are being restored such as Ogedengbe Palace for tourists attraction.

Present at the event were: Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye; top Government echelons, Monarchs across Ijesa land headed by Elegboro of Ijebu-jesa, Oba Moses Olufemi Agunsoye to mention but few.

As we celebrate this year’s festival, we congratulate all Ijesa and wish our father, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran more fruitful years on the throne.
OBOKUN A GBE A O!!!

Watch the video below:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vckj6V1ugoM

https://olumuyiwa.com.ng/2021/12/22/the-celebration-of-this-year-2021-iwude-festival-in-ijesaland-video/