By Kehinde Adejumo
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T he indigenes of Igodan-Lisa in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State have been urged to embrace their culture and traditions which is responsible for the unity among the people of the area.
The Olu of Igodan-Lisa, Oba Andrew Akinsola gave the charge during this year’s edition of Ere festival which took place recently.
He said several festivals are held annually to bring the indigenes of the area home from across the world in order to foster unity and promote growth.
Ere festival is one of the most popular in the area. The week long festival has been modified by removing all forms of fetish activities. During this festival, illustrious sons and daughters who have excelled in their various fields are conferred with various chieftaincy titles in order to encourage the youth to be hard working and honest.
He said before anybody is given a chieftaincy title, proper investigation is carried out on the person’s character and way of life. The annual festival usually begins with Igbahare, a sort of welcoming event for all held while Elo(crushed yam) mixed with red oil and salt with traditional pepper soup is served as appetizer.
After eating, Masquerades from each quarter of the town dance to entertain the people in the morning and in the evening. Glamour was added to this year’s edition as the chiefs danced to the Olu’s Palace from the village square.
The Olu expressed his delight on the various steps taken by the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to end so many years of darkness in the Southern Senatorial District of the State.
