Mirth, Festivity, Ecstasy In Epe As Ebi Festival Holds In Ilara

By Babatunde Kaka & Ronny Ikpoto

• This year’s edition of the Ebi Festival played host to O’odua’s Chief Custodian, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, Ilara Kingdom of Epe Division, Lagos State, erupted in volcanic proportions with the celebration of the prestigious Ebi Festival.

The Ebi Festival is an annual Festival celebrated in Ilara Kingdom, with particular emphasis on fostering social and cultural affinity within the community.

As earlier reported by Eko Hot Blog, this year’s edition of the Ebi Festival played host to O’odua’s Chief Custodian, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.

Mixed with a subtle blend of trado-modern elements, guests from far and wide thronged to the ancient Ilara kingdom in a profound display of fashion, elegance, afro culture and Traditional African aesthetics.

The event, which usually ranks amongst the biggest cultural festivals in Epe Division held at the Alara of Ilara’s modern royal edifice.

Th festival kicked off with the “iwure” prayers led by the Olori Oluwo.

Thereafter, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, in the company of his fellow royal fathers, traditional chiefs and subjects, headed to the frontage of the ancestral Alara Palace to perform the customary rituals and prayers for the people.

Customarily, this is where the Kilajolu masquerade meets with the Alara, displaying an array of spontaneous acrobatics and then proceeds to beat the Kabiyesi before the reincarnated ancestor storms the kingdom to beat anyone who comes his way.

The high point of the festival was the arrival of Oonirisha which was heralded by jubilation and cheers from guests and villagers, throwing the gathering into a state of delirium.

Noting the cultural significance of the festival, His Imperial Majesty reminded the gathering of the historical antecedents building up to the kilajolu Festival.

“As we’re here to celebrate the Kilajolu festival, it is a remembrance of the inheritance of our forbearers. Many will say we’re worshipping idols, the “Orisha oke” (Olodumare Supreme) is the one the “Orisha ile” (deities on earth) worships.”

The Arole Oodua, who clarified that the trio of Ilara Mokin, Ilara Moko and Ilara Epe are of the same lineage, offered prayers for prosperity and protection from evil calamities.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adnike Adedoyin Ajayi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, relayed the warm regards of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the occasion of this year’s celebration of the Kilajolu festival.

Chief Host, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, while addressing the gathering appreciated the presence of guests, some of which include the Igwe and Paramount Ruler of Naka from Anambra State, Prince Bayo Balogun, MHR, Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency, the Agba Oye of Ibadan Land, Oloye Bola Kareem, and a host of other dignitaries.

Oba Ogunsanwo described the event as a momentous and historic one, particularly in view of the fact that it was the first time he was hosting the festival as the Alara of Ilara Kingdom.

The excited Alara was also full of praise for the Oonirisha, for creating time out of his tremendously busy schedule to honour the good people of Ilara.

“The whole of Epe Division has been agog since yesterday. That shows the calibre of the Royal father that we have. Very charismatic, highly respected, lover of culture and tradition. This is our humble beginning of your own Aje Festival and others.”

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“We’ve also borrowed from your template and we will continue to ensure that we uphold the culture and tradition of our ancestors. You have been a leading light concerning the promotion of our culture and tradition in Yoruba land and with admiration and glad heart, we’re following your footsteps.”

Alara also used the platform to intimate the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu through his proxy, Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, of his desire to upgrade the festival to an international standard. He also conveyed the good wishes of the good people of Ilara Kingdom to the Governor, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the SA to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Executive members of the Lagos State Government.

The gathering reached its climax as Alhaja Salawa Abeni, the legendary Waka Queen, thrilled guests with a performance which featured the historic “Moremi” tunes to the delight of the Oonirisha. Thereafter, the Odofin of Ilara Kingdom, Prince Charles Keshinro said the vote of thanks which brought the event to a close.