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By Kehinde Aderemi
The Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye yesterday said the 2025 edition of the annual Oriki Yoruba Festival would reclaim the lost glory of the race.
Oba Okunoye made the disclosure at his palace in Osun State, while unveiling the programme of all the activities for the sixth edition of the annual cultural fiesta.
According to the monarch, the grand finale of the event would be held in his domain on Friday December 13.
Oba Okunoye stated that a special committee had been set up to oversee all the activities of the event.
“With the success recorded at previous editions of the festival to the shared vision of the Eburu Adekunle Yoruba Culture Renaissance, a body saddled with the responsibility of breathing a new life into the sleeping cultural heritage and showcasing them to the larger world had been set up. “The cultural event would start on Thursday, December 12, with the mountaineering during which lovers of physical exercise from far and near would join him and his chiefs to climb mountains overlooking the entire Iba town.
“That same day, there would be a contest among young chanters inside the Iyaniwura Palace, where tested Yoruba culture teachers would assess performers and grade them accordingly. “The grand finale would come up on December 13, where traditional rulers from the South West, academics and other distinguished guests, would gather to witness the best of live performances of chanters and troupes,” the monarch said.
The event, according to the organisers, would also feature a public lecture to be delivered by Mr Tunde Odunlade, of the Tunde Odunlade Art Gallery, Ibadan fame, and presentation of awards to some eminent personalities that have contributed to the progress and promotion of Yoruba cultural values through their resources, talent and time, even as winners of chant competition would also receive their various prizes.
“We are looking forward to witnessing another milestone at Iyaniwura Palace. The festival is our little way of bringing back our lost glory, as well as the significance of Oriki in Yoruba land.
“The event will also refresh our memories; as it reconnects all Yoruba sons and daughters to the history of our race.
“These are the reasons for our coming together to promote the culture and heritage of our forebears through the Oriki Festival. Though it has not been so easy in terms of funds, we are committed to continue because it is a worthwhile investment,” he noted.
