By Law Ibitoye
Ilupeju Ekiti, a town set on the hill top will on February 19, 2026 celebrate Odun Igba and Mosanyin in accordance to Ekiti cultural calendar. These twin festivals — upheld for generations since the days of their forefathers — once again brought unity, nostalgia and spiritual renewal to the town on this year’s sacred day.
Unlike popular Yoruba festivals celebrated across southwestern Nigeria — such as the Egungun festival which honors ancestors with masquerades, drums, and dance, reinforcing community bonds and spiritual continuity, Odun Igba and Mosanyin are unique to Ilupeju Ekiti. They reflect not only the historical roots of the people but also the living values of harmony, prayer and collective identity.
These festivals are traditionally celebrated simultaneously yearly, Odun Igba and Mosanyin are revered cultural rites performed under the auspices of : Apeju of Ilupeju Ekiti, Oba Sunday Awe David Akingbade of Ewo Quarters and His Highness, Sunday Ogunsola, the Obanla of Ilupeju Ekiti. The festivals serve as a period of thanksgiving, supplication and reaffirmation of cultural identity for all Ilupeju sons and daughters at home and abroad.
The apex of the celebration lies in the prayers offered for the peace and prosperity of Ilupeju Ekiti. At the sacred prayer grounds at ‘Erege in Ewo and ‘Utaa at Ilese, Apeju and Obanla dress in white — a color symbolizing purity in Yoruba culture — as they invoke blessings using traditional elements such as salt, cola nuts and other spiritual mediums. These offerings are profound expressions of gratitude and hope for protection, growth, and success in the coming year.
While the spiritual core of these festivals is prayer and blessing, the celebrations are equally vibrant with cultural displays. In the quarters of Ewo and Ilese, residents and visitors alike wine, dine, and dance to melodious songs and traditional rhythms. From age-old war chants to joyous musical renditions, the atmosphere is always electric with energy and solidarity.
The ‘ologuns’, traditional warriors and custodians of cultural martial spirit, add a thrilling dimension to the festivals. They not only ensure the peace and security of festival grounds, but also chant war slogans and praise songs — honoring both traditional rulers and extolling the virtues of unity and courage among the people.
Throughout the celebration, the Apeju, his second-in-command and their wives demonstrate remarkable dancing prowess alongside members of the Apeju-in-Council, reflecting both the grace and strength of Ilupeju’s cultural leadership. Their performances are not merely entertainment; they affirm a collective heritage that transcends generations.
Celebrating Odun Igba and Mosanyin at separate venues, precisely at Egosi and Eseta, respectively — does not signal division. Rather, it is a time-honored custom rooted in the historical identities of both quarters. It beautifully showcases the peaceful coexistence of all residents of Ilupeju Ekiti, as they live harmoniously while honoring distinct yet complementary cultural legacies. Such celebrations echo the broader role that traditional festivals play across Yoruba land: deepening communal bonds, preserving ancestral heritage, and encouraging cultural continuity in a rapidly modernizing world. Like other Yoruba festivals that blend spirituality, performance, and collective memory, Odun Igba and Mosanyin remain vital to the cultural heartbeat of Ilupeju Ekiti.
Ilupeju Ekiti stands out among Ekiti towns not only for its cultural wealth but also for its strong community spirit. Sons and daughters from far and near — including those in the diaspora participate in the town’s vibrant network of development. Ilupeju Development Association continues to champion growth initiatives, with cultural festivals serving as both a reminder of shared roots and a platform for unity and progress.
This year’s celebration of odun igba and Mosanyin will not be an exception — the laughter, prayers, dances, and ancient war chants together painting a rich mosaic of tradition and contemporary relevance.
Congratulations to the people of Ilupeju Ekiti on another year of Odun Igba and Mosanyin celebrations — may the blessings, peace and unity they invoke continue to flourish in the years ahead.