By Martin Fasusi, Okitipupa
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Indigenes of Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state trooped out in their numbers to celebrate the annual Ogun Festival.

The chiefs in their traditional regalia danced to the tune of gongs made of iron while the traditional Ogun songs were sung.

According to Yoruba mythology, Ogun festival commemorates the god of iron, a mystical warrior who was the first god to descend to earth since he possessed the tool, an iron cutlass that could clear the earth vegetation therefore clearing way for other deities.

In his address, the Jegun of Idepe – Okitipupa  Oba Michael Obatuga Adetoye, thanked the people for their support and love towards the culture and traditional beliefs of the Yoruba nation.

The monarch added that ogun is not a violent god .

He therefore advised the youths and other partakers to maintain peace before, during and after the celebration.

” The celebration should be a funfare not a warfare. Everything should be done in moderation, no one should take laws into their hands under any guise”, he said.

Also speaking, with our correspondent, High Chief Gbodi Monday Omosule, Oba -Ala Olorisa described Ogun festival as very symbolic to Yoruba nation being the first deity that created way for others.

He also requested for an inclusive celebration among Yoruba people regardless of religion and cultural belief.

Ogun festival is usually celebrated with a sacrifice of snails, tortoises and dogs and the participants are dressed with white and blue powder on their faces and masquerades are seen on the streets dancing .