Ile Ife agog as Ooni hosts 2025 Alaragbo Festival

The ancient city of Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, came alive on Sunday as it played host to the 2025 edition of the Alaragbo Festival, a colourful annual celebration of culture, spirituality and ancestral heritage.

The event was hosted by the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II.

The celebration kicked off with the arrival of members of the World Alaragbo ElereOmo Spiritual Network from across Nigeria and the diaspora. Most of the attendees were devotees and adherents of the African Traditional Religion, whose presence added colour and vibrancy to the city.

The festival featured a range of cultural and spiritual activities including a grand musical concert, spoken word performances and competitive traditional games, with the popular Yoruba game Ayo Olopon taking centre stage.

The atmosphere in Ile-Ife was festive, with drums, chants and dances echoing across Enuwa and adjoining communities.

On the climactic day of the festival, hundreds of devotees converged at the courtyard of the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni for the sacred procession to the Egbe ElereOmo Grove.

The Ooni was ably represented by his queen, Olori Ashley Folashade Ogunwusi, who led the revered rites with deep reverence and adherence to ancient customs.

Clad in traditional regalia and escorted by chief priestesses, drummers, and followers bearing ritual items, Olori Ashley proceeded to the sacred grove to perform the rituals central to the festival.

The rites, which are believed to renew covenants and invoke divine favour, were performed in accordance with centuries-old traditions handed down through generations.

Upon return to the palace, the festival continued with a series of cultural displays, including dances, chants, and exhibitions of Yoruba heritage, witnessed by invited guests, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts.

Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, Olori Ashley emphasised the importance of preserving Yoruba spiritual values and celebrating the heritage that binds the people together.

She urged the youth to embrace their culture with pride and resist the erosion of indigenous identity in the face of modern influences.

“The Alaragbo Festival is not just a ritual; it is a deep spiritual connection with our roots. I encourage our sons and daughters to participate in these traditions and carry them forward with dignity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Yeye Alaraagbo Oodua, Omo’ba Yeye Abiye Osunbunmi Ifasemilore, commended the Ooni for his unwavering commitment to promoting Yoruba culture and spirituality.

She expressed gratitude to all participants and urged traditionalists to remain steadfast in the face of global religious shifts.

“Our heritage is divine. It speaks to who we are and where we are going. Let no one be ashamed of the covenant we share with our ancestors,” she said, adding that the 2025 edition surpassed expectations in terms of organisation and participation.

Mr. Segun Fadahunsi, a devotee who travelled from Lagos for the festival described the experience as “spiritually fulfilling and culturally uplifting.”

He noted that such events remind people of the beauty and depth of Yoruba traditions. “I come every year, and each time, I leave here stronger in spirit and more proud of my identity,” he added.

In the same vein, a visitor from India, who identified as a follower of African Traditional Religion, Priya Desai expressed awe at the depth of cultural expression witnessed during the festival.

“I am amazed by the connection the people have with nature, their ancestors and their gods. It is powerful and sacred,” she said.

Signed
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife.

On Thu, Jun 19, 2025, 12:21 PM Lawal Sodiq <[email protected]> wrote:
OONI HOSTS COMMANDER-GENERAL OF NFSS, URGES VIGILANCE, SEEKS TINUBU’S SUPPORT FOR FOREST GUARD REFORM

The Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula & Permanent Chairman of the South West Traditional Council of Nigeria, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has urged officers of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) to remain vigilant, uphold integrity and commit themselves to the protection of Nigeria’s forest resources.

Ooni Ogunwusi stated this when the Commander-General of the agency, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, visited him at his Palace, Ile-Oodua in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

During the visit on Wednesday, which witnessed the presence of top NFSS officers, personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other sister agencies, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed satisfaction with the commitment and progress recorded by the NFSS since its establishment in 2016.

“I have been observing your work since 2016, and I must commend your unwavering commitment.

“When I met President Bola Tinubu two weeks ago, he spoke positively about the remarkable contributions your service has made to security. He clearly means well for you all and has been working tirelessly to improve safety across the country.

“You are our eyes in the forests. Please, do not compromise. Uphold the truth and carry out your duties with honour,” Ooni said.

Describing the moment as one of the happiest in his reign, the Ooni said the journey that began with local hunter collaborations has evolved into a nationwide security initiative with transformative potential.

He concluded by calling on the Federal Government to expedite support for the formalisation of the Forest Guard, saying, “President Tinubu is committed. Let us support him by making Nigeria proud through our work in the forests.”

Earlier in his address, Dr Osatimehin expressed appreciation to the Ooni, stating that the traditional ruler’s support had been instrumental to the successes recorded by the agency.

He recalled that following their visit to the palace, the NFSS bill was eventually passed by the National Assembly.

“We are deeply grateful, Your Majesty. You have contributed over 90% to our success. Since the establishment of the NFSS in 2016, you have consistently supported us. Our bill was passed after we visited you,” Osatimehin said.

He further disclosed that the agency had been actively discharging its duties in forest protection and security management across various states in collaboration with government authorities.

He, however, appealed to the Ooni to use his royal influence to advocate to President Tinubu for the recognition of the Forest Guard as the nucleus of a formalised national forest security framework.