In the rustic and quiet town of Okemesi in the heart of Nigeria’s Ekiti State, people gather every two years to celebrate and honor their long-dead ancestors in a colorful festival called Oladunwo. Oladunwo is the name of the most revered Egungun (masquerade) in Okemesi. He is widely respected for his importance and the role he played in the history of Okemesi and its people.
The story goes that Oladunwo’s group rescued the people of Okemesi while the Ibadan soldiers were about to attack Okemesi. The people fled to safety from Oladunwo to a place called Oke Agbonna on the night before the festival. Preparations for the celebrations, which included drumming, singing and other ceremonies, dissuaded Ibadan soldiers from believing that the Okemesi people were ready for a secret attack. This made the Oladunwo festival the most famous Egungun festival in Okemesi. Other Egungun festivals in Okemesi include: Ale Baale; Ehinle; Jojo; Alamuye; Alukudi et al.
The town of Okemesi has its roots in Ile-Ife, the homeland of the Yoruba people. The story goes that Okemesi, Imesi-Ile, Ile-Ife and Ijesha are connected. Okemesi and Imesi-Ile (in Osun State) once formed a single city which later separated in search of greener pastures for its residents.
During the Oladunwo Festival, the streets of Okemesi are illuminated and filled with festive activities such as singing and dancing.The festival takes place over two days. On the first day, people make preparations that include cleaning and disinfecting their surroundings. Members of the Egungun sect carefully select and prepare the Oladunwo mask costume. It consists of a pure white dress decorated with expensive silver and gold bracelets, beads, swords and a staff mask. The city’s youth also organize an awareness carnival where they share free food and drinks.
On the big day, the women and foreigners of the city stay at home until 10 a.m., then a special drum called Poro announces the beginning of the festival.People regardless of gender, age and status then gather at the palace of Owa Ooye (the traditional ruler of Okemesi) to witness the Oladunwo performance and other masquerades. Oladunwo, the father of all Okemesi masquerades, is respected by other masquerades in the city. At the Owa Ooye Oladunwo Palace, a masquerade takes place majestically under an Odan tree where other masquerades also come to pay their respects. The festival is also highlighted by various games and speeches by Owa Ooye and other Okemesi dignitaries. The Oladunwo festival is also a symbol of unity of the Okemesi people as their sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora come together to celebrate. The Oladunwo festival remains one of the most important Egungun festivals in Yoruba land.
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