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The ancient city of Ile-Ife, Cradle of Yoruba Civilization, retired on Sunday while hosted the 2025 edition of the Alaragbo Festival, a colorful annual celebration of culture, spirituality and ancestral legacy.
According to the director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Fafe, Otunba Moses Olafare, the event was hosted by the Oons of Ife, Arole Oduww Olofin Adimula, his imperial majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, cf., Ojaja II.
The celebration kicked off the arrival of the members of the world Alaragbo Eleomo Spiritual Network from all over Nigeria and the diaspora. Most of the participants were devoted and followers of the traditional African religion, whose presence added color and liveliness to the city.
The Festival has characterized a series of cultural and spiritual activities including a great musical concert, pronounced words and traditional competitive games, with the famous Game Yoruba Ayo Olopon in the center of the scene.
The atmosphere in Ile-Ife was festive, with drums, songs and dances that echoed through enuwa and adjacent communities.
On the climatic day of the Festival, hundreds of devotees converged in the courtyard of the Oodua palace of Alei dell’Ooni for the Sacred Procession at the Grove Egbe Elereomo.
Ooni was skillfully represented by his queen, Olori Ashley Folashade Ogunwusi, who led the rites venerated with deep reverence and adherence to ancient customs.
Coated in traditional gifts and escorted by chief priestly, drummers and followers who brought ritual objects, Olori Ashley approached the sacred grove to perform the central rituals at the Festival.
The rites, which are believed to renew the alliances and invoke the divine favor, have been performed according to the secular traditions handed down through generations.
Upon returning to the building, the Festival continued with a series of cultural exhibitions, including Bali, Canti and Exhibitions by Yoruba Heritage, testified by guests invited, tourists and cultural enthusiasts.
Speaking on behalf of Ooni, Olori Ashley underlined the importance of preserving Yoruba’s spiritual values and celebrating the legacy that unites people.
He urged young people 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 children and daughters to participate in these traditions and carry them forward with dignity,” he said.
Speaking also, Yeye Alaraagbo Oodua, Omo’ba Yeye Abiye Osunbunmi Ifasemilore, praised Ooni for his unwavering commitment to promote Yoruba’s culture and spirituality.
He expressed gratitude to all participants and urged the traditionalists to remain in front of global religious shifts.
“Our inheritance is divine. He speaks to who we are and where we are going. Do not let anyone be ashamed of the alliance that we share with our ancestors,” he added, adding that the 2025 edition has exceeded expectations in terms of organization and participation.
Mr. Segun Fadahunsi, a devotee who traveled from Lagos for the Festival described the experience as “spiritually satisfying and culturally edifying”.
He observed that these events remind people of the beauty and depth of Yoruba traditions. “I come every year and every time, I start here stronger in the spirit and more proud of my identity,” he added.
In the same way, a visitor to India, who identified himself as a follower of the traditional African religion, Priya Desai expressed awe at the depth of the cultural expression testified during the festival.
“I am amazed by the connection that people have with nature, their ancestors and their gods. It is powerful and sacred,” he said.
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