By Dele Morakinyo
On May 21, 2024, the people of Ìbéji community, Ìfon Quarter, Ijan-Ekiti came together to celebrate the annual Egúngún Poróyè festival, a vibrant celebration of our rich cultural diversity.
The event, hosted by sons, daughters and wives of Ìbéji brought together people from across the nation to share in the beauty of our diverse cultural heritage.
Tourists and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe on Tuesday flooded the ancient city of Ijan Community, Ekiti, to join the fiesta marking the annual Egúngún Poróyè Festival as Onijan, Oba Adebanji Aladesuyi, and some chiefs first welcomed all the worshippers to the palace
The tourists and the enthusiasts included those from Africa, Europe, Latin America and other parts of the world.
The fiesta involved various socio- economic and traditional activities with several devotees singing, dancing while others exhibit some cultural styles around the Poróyè groove.
The event also witnessed traditional masquerade, Egúngún Ire, singing and dancing.
Security personnel were seen at strategic locations to avoid auto accidents and other route violations such as speeding during and after the celebrations.
The Egúngún Poróyè festival, whose history dates back to many centuries, is usually celebrated in Ìbéji Community, Īfòn Quarter, Ijan-Ekiti.
The festival was a resounding success, with attendees treated to a spectacular display of dances and other cultural performances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ijan Kingdom, Gbonyin Council Area of Ekiti State. The event was a testament to the power of culture in uniting the people and promoting understanding and tolerance among the communities.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Executive Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Hon. Damilare Ajayi, Hon. Ropo Adesanya, Hon. Remi Osabusua, Hon. Oladimeji Ayegboka, Hon. Jegede Babatunde, Hon. Kola Olokunlade, Mr. Gregory Akinyede (Gbonyin HLA), Hon. Dare Ojo and other personalities.
They all eulogized the people of Ìbéji and Ijan kingdom for hosting the festival, stating that it promotes cultural exchange and understanding, and is a significant step towards unity and inclusivity.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Hon. Damilare Ajayi emphasized the importance of celebrating our cultural diversity, saying, “As we celebrate our cultural diversity, let us also remember the importance of unity and inclusivity. Let us continue to promote policies and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and promote the rich cultural heritage of our great nation.”
The festival was a proud moment for the people of Ìbéji land and Ijan community as a whole, and a fitting tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.
We look forward to many more celebrations of our diverse cultural heritage.