By: ADEBOYE ADO, Akure
Embellished with cultural exhibition, Iwaro-Oka Community in the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, yesterday, celebrated its annual festival christened Ikori.
All clad in different cultural attires, cheerful residents moved round the streets of Iwaro with over 300 masquerades to celebrate the eye-catching event which attracted many prominent sons and daughters of community.
Locals revealed that the festival was birthed by primordial fathers who they said, sourced their powers from Ikori which was situated in the hilly part of the milieu.
Addressing residents at his palace, the Olusin of Owalusin, Stephen Oloruntele Ogunoye, said Ikori is the most significant festival in the whole Southwest states.
He said the festival symbolises ecstasy and blessing for residents, explaining that Ikori is an event which unites virtually inhabitants of Iwaro-Oka.
The community head, however sought the cooperation of his subjects, stressing that the community has progressed leaps and bounds with the aid of those who used their means to support the growth of Iwaro.
In an interview with newsmen, the oldest man in the community traditionally referred to as “Opon”, Alh. Tafa Jayeola, expressed confidence that the festival cannot go into extinction sequel to it’s huge significants.
The centenarian maintained that “culture holds immense significance as it shapes various aspects of life.”
“This festival has close affinity with spirituality, thus playing vital roles in connecting individuals to ancestors”
“Iwaro-Oka will progress and produce good fruit”, Jayeola prayed.
On his part, the Olokija of Otalokija of Iwaro-Oka, Chief Bolorunduro Dele, applauded the revelers for conducting themselves with propriety.
“Today’s event is remarkable in the sense that all and sundry come together to celebrate Ikori festival.”
“If you see the conglomerate of Owalusin, it is one of the most populated community in Oka, the relevance is to mark the role played by our ancestors in the 18th and 19th century”
Bolorunduro who was the erstwhile Chairman of the Iwaro-Oka, added that “In Owalusin we have five clans, so each of the clans is fully represented, a reason why we have over 300 masquerades and above celebrating the festival today.”
Similarly, one of the joyful residents, Ale Esther, hailed the relentless efforts of the bigwigs in the community who threw their weight behind the festival.
However, a stakeholder, Igbede Adeolu, called on other sons and daughters of the community to use their clout and affluence to offer help to the downtrodden.
“Ikori has come and gone, but we must understand that we must help one another most especially the less privileged. I implore the blessed sons and daughters to remember this community”, he said.
