The Odo-Noforija Kingdom in Eredo Local Council Development Area Epe came alive this week as it celebrated its revered annual Eebi Festival a seven-day traditional event marked by rituals, cultural performances, and prayers for peace, prosperity, and unity in the land.
Ekohotblog reports that the festival, which has been held for generations, featured prominent masquerade appearances and spiritual rites including the display of Jigbo, the ritual of Okoro, and the climactic appearance of the powerful Igodo and Kilajolu masquerades.
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Speaking during the celebration, the monarch of Odo-Noforija, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, explained the significance and structure of the festival.
“The Eebi Festival lasts for seven days. Within those days, Jigbo will come out to dance, Okoro will perform its own ritual, and the most powerful stage is when Igodo and Kilajolu come out to perform the final rite,” Oba Ogunlaja said.
He emphasized the deep-rooted history of the tradition and its spiritual relevance to the kingdom.
“This practice has been in existence from time immemorial. We are not just celebrating; we are preserving it so we can pass it on to future generations,” he added.
One of the most unique aspects of the festival is the outing of the Kilajolu masquerade. Oba Ogunlaja advised that citizens are usually warned to remain indoors during this time, as Kilajolu will beat anyone in sight without exception.
“Even I, as the king, will be beaten. The DPO too will be beaten. It’s part of the tradition. That’s why we create awareness across the town beforehand.
No one has the right to complain after being beaten,” he explained. “However, we also pray that no one gets hurt during the ritual.”
Oba Aderibigbe Asunmo,the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu who was also present at the festival, reaffirmed the spiritual and communal importance of the celebration.
“Eebi Festival is compulsory every year because it brings progress and unity. We cannot afford to abandon what strengthens our people spiritually and culturally,” Oba Asunmo noted.
Other royal fathers who graced the festival included Oba Nureni Sikiru Oniladaba of Ladaba, Oba Musiliu Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri, Oba Adebowale Omola of Odomola, and Oba Samuel Adeboye from Osun State, along with several other monarchs from the Epe Division.
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The gathering of traditional rulers further emphasized the festival’s cultural significance and its role in fostering inter-community unity.
Together, the monarchs offered prayers for continued blessings, long life, and sustained development in Odo-Noforija Kingdom and the entire Epe Division.
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