FESTIVALS CHERISHED BY INDIGENES OF EKITI STATE

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Ekiti State located in the south western region of Nigeria, is known for its cultural relevance. Despite it’s advancement in civilization, it still respects its cultural values and celebrate its festival annually. Some of those festivals include the following:

UDIROKO FESTIVAL

The Udiroko festival is celebrated in Ado-Ekiti. This festival brings all Ado-Ekiti citizens both at home and in the diaspora together. It was established around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi (king) of present day Ado-Ekiti and marks the first day of the year for the town’s inhabitants. It is a day people set aside to give thanks to their creator Olorun (hence its nickname, the Olorunborun festival). The name udiroko is derived from the venue of the festival, which is beneath the big Uroko (Iroko) tree at the Ewi’s palace.




OGUN FESTIVAL

The Ogun festival is held annually in most towns and villages in the state in remembrance and worship of the god of iron. Ogun is believed to be the god of those who use iron in their professional work (and who are therefore obliged to worship the deity in order to receive his favour).

In Ire-Ekiti, the main festival in remembrance of the deity takes place biennially, usually during the month of August. The elaborate events take place over the course of a week and include a re-enactment of the arrival of Ogun in Ire.

EPA FESTIVAL

The Epa festival celebrated annually by wards in the Ekiti and Oke-Ero LGAs (although during different months). Figurines of deities are carried by men who dance in the village squares. Prayers are offered for good health and bumper harvest during the celebration.



OKOROBO FESTIVAL

This is the preeminent cultural carnival in Ifaki; a nodal town in the center of Ekiti State of Nigeria. Ifaki is divided into 4 quarters:  Ilero, Iwore, Ilogbe and Egun. The town has Okorobo Iwore and Okorobo Egun. Interestingly, Okorobo Egun is quite entertaining because the carriers dance to rich native music with it when withdrawing back to the grove, while Okorobo Iwore is more popular and known to the outside world which makes it to attract a very large crowd. Okorobo is one festival that involves no rituals or making of sacrifices unto any idol, this is perhaps one of the reasons why people of different shades and creed participate in the ceremony. It is all about singing and dancing while some physically fit men and women voluntarily flog each other on their legs with ‘ uro’ the long stem of palm fronds. Strong young men see it as an exercise and long-standing conventional way of celebrating the great feast.



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Culled from nircle.com

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