•Culture wore the Crown
•The drums called•
The crowns shone
•The people gathered
•From sacred rites to breathtaking dances, from soul-stirring lectures to royal pageantry
The ancient town of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom, came alive in a spectacular week-long celebration of tradition, faith, unity, and cultural pride as the Ọdún-Adé Orolu Cultural Festival 2025 unfolded from Friday, August 1 to Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
The festival, hosted under the royal authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye, Akinyooye III, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, was a vibrant fusion of spiritual rites, cultural displays, intellectual engagements, and joyous entertainment that drew dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, cultural icons, and thousands of attendees from across Nigeria and beyond.
The celebration commenced in the early hours of Friday, August 1, with the sacred Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ Obatala rites around 7 a.m., symbolising purity, peace, and divine blessings for the land. Later that day, the Olufon proceeded to the Orolu Central Mosque, where he observed the two-rakat Jumat service, further affirming the festival’s embrace of religious harmony. By afternoon, the palace courtyard resounded with rhythmic energy as traditional drumming troupes converged for Èdè Àyàn, a thrilling drumming competition where the top three groups emerged in a spirited display of mastery and heritage.
Saturday, August 2, spotlighted the youth with a Yorùbá language quiz and debate competition among primary and secondary school students. Their eloquent command of the dialect drew admiration from the cheering crowd. Later in the day, renowned historian Professor Siyan Oyeweso, assisted by two eminent Doctors of History, delivered a soul-stirring lecture on “The Position of Obatala in the Yoruba Race from Historical Perspective.” His presentation combined scholarly depth with cultural pride, leaving an indelible mark on participants.
Sunday, August 3, began with a thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church, Ifon-Osun, where the Olufon; joined by the Ataoja of Osogboland, the Alagọ-Amodu of Agọ-Amodu in Oyo State, the Alabere of Abere, and other traditional rulers, led prayers for the peace and progress of the kingdom.
The mood later shifted to excitement as a novelty football match between the Olufon’s Council of Chiefs and the Council of Baales delivered moments of athleticism and humor, drawing massive crowds to the Baptist Primary School playground. Upon returning to the palace, traditional worshippers from across Orolu Kingdom performed sacred rites and offered extensive ìwúre (prayers). Esteemed Ifá priest, Baba Ifayemi Elebuibon then delivered an authoritative lecture on “The Position of Obatala in the Yoruba Race from the Ifá Perspective”, citing ancient odù Ifá to affirm Obatala’s spiritual supremacy.
On Monday, August 4, the festival showcased cultural exhibitions, dance competitions, traditional games, and a talent show. The artistry, grace, and skill on display from various cultural groups reaffirmed the beauty and diversity of Yoruba heritage, while hidden talents were discovered among the younger generation.
The grand finale on Tuesday, August 5, was nothing short of majestic. It began again with the sacred Ọ̀ṣẹ̀ Obatala rites at dawn, before the palace hosted a galaxy of royal fathers including the Timi of Ede, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Olojudo of Ido-Osun, and Elerin of Erin-Osun, Olokinni of Okinni, Alago-Amodu, alongside several other monarchs from within and outside Osun State. Top political officeholders, senior military officers, cultural delegations, and a vast crowd of well-wishers gathered for the celebration of Obatala’s crowns.
In a deeply symbolic moment, the Olufon’s sacred crowns were displayed, and after traditional homage and rituals, the revered Adé Ṣẹ́sẹ́-Ẹfun was ritually placed upon the king’s head. This was followed by a grand traditional procession from the palace courtyard to Jamodo Junction and back, culminating in collective ìwúre. The Olufon offered far-reaching prayers, for the sons and daughters of Ifon-Osun both at home and abroad, for non-indigenes in the community, for Osun State and its Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke, for the Yoruba race, for Nigeria under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and for the peace of humanity.
The day climaxed in joyous entertainment as legendary Fuji maestro, Abass Akande Obesere thrilled the crowd with electrifying performances. A raffle draw added extra excitement, with lucky participants; having staked only ₦1,000, winning valuable prizes including industrial cookers, refrigerators, washing machines, plasma TVs, fans, irons, bags of cement, and food items.
By the festival’s close, Ọdún-Adé Orolu 2025 had not only reaffirmed Ifon-Osun’s place as a beacon of Yoruba culture but also strengthened bonds of unity, showcased intellectual and artistic brilliance, and invoked divine blessings for the community’s future.
By Akeeb Adekunle YUSUFF
The Chief Press Secretary to Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Orolu Kingdom and the Aremo Obatala of the Universe
