Ijesa people on Saturday celebrated the annual Obokun festival, a traditional festival in commemoration of military exploits of Owa Ajibogun among the Ijesa people, but peculiar to the people of Ibokun, the headquarters of Obokun Local Government Council Area of Osun State as it is historically believed among all Ijesa people that "Owa Obokun Adimula Ajibogun, after fetching the ocean waters (Omi Okun) to heal the old-age blindness of his father Odua Olofin-Aye" was bequeathed the Ida Ajase sword.
Owa Ajibogun or Owa (“King”) who was one of the 16 sons of the deity Oduduwa founded Ilesa. The tradition among the Ijesa people traces their origin to this youngest son of Oduduwa who fetched sea water to cure his father's blindness who then used the Ida Ajase to fight his way to reclaim territories hitherto occupied by his elder brothers and then settled in what was to become Ijesaland. That explains away the reason why all Ijesa sons and daughters call themselves Omo Obokun (Children of Obokun).
The Obokun festival is also considered a period of appeasement to the Osun goddess hence there were emissaries from the Ataoja of Osogbo whose origin could equally be traced to Ijesaland.
The festival's celebration in essence is to bring all Ijesa people together for a shared experience, fostering mutual understanding and respect to commemorate Owa Obokun Onida Arara, one of the most accomplished sons of Oduduwa.
So, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland led some dignitaries including members of Ijesaland Community Development Assembly (ICDA) to actively participate at the grand finale that took place at the Baabokun Palace Square.
Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi and his entourage arrived Ibokun at about 12pm was received at the new palace of Oba Ibokun by Oba Awogboro where he assisted the royal father at receiving some dignitaries who also had arrived earlier.
KAKAKIOODUA followed the Obaloro, who is the Supreme custodian of Obokun and priest in charge of the Obokun festival leading the Obokun deity devotees on a traditional procession from Ile Obokun (Obokun House) to Oke-ese, the first place Obokun settled when he arrived Ibokun. History has it that Obaloro is the maternal cousin of Obokun from Ifon Osun who relocated to Ilemure now Ibokun as his diviner.
One would recall that the priests Obaloro also performed various cleansing and transformation rites at the Obokun shrine in Ilemo Ilesa, during the transition of the Owa Obokun and equally during the installation of a new Owa Obokun, Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
Obokun and his devotees arrived at the palace square where Kabiyesi Oba Festus Awogboro ably supported by the Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa HRM Oba Omokehinde Oyebade, the Elegboro of Ijebujesa, HRM Oba Engr Olufemi Agunsoye, the Alase of Ilase-Ijesa HRM Oba Isiaka Adesina, Olodogo of Odogo-Ijesa, HRM Ọba Adebisi Owoeye, Arojo of Irojo, Oba Olusegun Akeju, leading his Ibokun Chiefs, and others invited dignitaries. In the front of the Oba is Opabokun his symbol of authority and which he holds at every point where he has to pray for the progress of the town. The Opabokun is seen outside only during the Obokun festival.
The Ibokun chiefs in their categories, Iko Looyin, Bamurin, Saloro and the Iwarefas paid homages to the Oba Ibokun and the Obokun deity pledging their loyalty to the king and praying for progress , development and peace in Ibokun and Ijesaland in general.
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Ibokun on Saturday was in a festive mood as some travelled back home to participate in the festivities, and enjoy the company of others.
Speaking with KAKAKIOODUA correspondent, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi remarked on the need to make the festival assume a stage of attracting all Ijesa sons and daughters' participation in such a way that it will be recognized internationally to attract foreign tourists and culture enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the efforts of Ijesaland stakeholders including himself on the impressive status of the present day Ijesaland unity which the new Owa Obokun Adimula the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, HIM Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, has promised to leverage on, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi said; "The Obokun festival goes far beyond mere celebration. It should serve as a medium for Ijesaland communities cohesion and cultural preservation. As significantly, Obokun represents the identity of all Ijesa wherever they can find themselves, this festival must be promoted to showcase the collective identity of all Ijesa."
More photos;
Coverage script ✍️ Camera 📸 ---Credit: Oladimeji Lasore (+2347035105413, lasoreoladimeji@gmail.com)
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