By: Barakat Ademola
The Chairman Planning Committee for the 2024 Odun Omo Iganmode and Otun Bobagunwa of Ota, Chief Temiyato Idowu, has reeled out activities to mark this year’s cultural festival.
While addressing newsmen at Isiyemi Hall, Olota’s palace on Friday, Chief Tayo said that, 'commencing from 16th December to 21st of December, 2024, the historic city of Ota will yet again come alive as preparations have begun for the celebration of Ota and Awori's rich heritage and cultural wealth'.
While unveiling the theme of this year’s event, ‘Ota, Beacon of Awori Heritage and Civilization’, he said that Iganmode Cultural Festival is notable because of it’s role as a cultural and historic center for the Awori people.
‘The Iganmode Cultural Festival has long been a beacon of our traditions and values. Each year, we gather to rekindle our collective spirit, passing down the stories, arts, and values that have sustained us over the centuries. The theme “Ota, Beacon of Awori Heritage and Civilization” holds profound significance as it honors Ota’s role as a cultural and historical center for the Awori people. Ota has preserved a unique cultural legacy, making it a living testament to the resilience, values, and traditions that define the Awori civilization.
Ota stands as a beacon because it embodies the richness of Awori customs, language, arts, and social values. This heritage encompasses not only the visible symbols of tradition but also the values of unity, respect for elders, community support, and reverence for our ancestors. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and moral values that guide us as a people with distinct identity.
As a civilization, Ota has been a center of influence, fostering trade, leadership, and innovation among the Awori and beyond. It was historically a hub for commerce and a space for cultural exchange.
This legacy of openness and progress continues, as Ota remains a space that encourages innovation, knowledge-sharing, and economic growth. The Iganmode Cultural Festival itself is an annual revival of this spirit, where people come together to celebrate and strengthen ties”.
He added that the theme reminds the general public of Ota’s enduring impact as a model for cultural resilience and advancement. ”The theme calls on us not only to celebrate our traditions but also to recognize Ota’s enduring impact as a model for cultural resilience and advancement. As we celebrate the Iganmode Cultural Festival, we are reminded that Ota is more than a geographic location, it is a living embodiment of Awori pride, wisdom, and progress, inspiring future generations to honor and build upon this illustrious legacy”.
Chief Tayo outlined the program lined up for this year’s activity as follows;
Day 1, Monday 16th December 2024
* Osugbo Prayers
* Visit to Ijamido Omi Atura
* Rites at Ile Aje (To appease Aje for more prosperous Ottaland)
Day 2, Tuesday 17th December 2024
* Youth Converge (Several activities lined up)
* Visit to Ijamido Motherless Home
* Medical Outreach
Day 3, Wednesday 18th December 2024
Cultural Day…Egungun, Gelede, Hunter Display, Ewi and Efe at night.
Day 4, Thursday, 19th December 2024
Olori Oloruntoyin Obalanlege Annual Kids Party
Awards and Gala Night.
Day 5, Friday 20th December 2024Jumat Service at Ota Central Mosque
Ileya Omo Iganmode (Royal Procession and Reception).
Day 6, Saturday 21st December 2024
Chieftaincy Installation
Grand Finale/Olota Reception.
Day 7, Sunday 22nd December 2024
Church Thanksgiving at St. Michael, Igbo Olori Church, Ota.
While inviting everyone to take part in this year’s cultural festival, the Olota of Ota, HRM Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, thanked community leaders, planning committee, youth bodies, corporate sponsors and brand partners as well as other stakeholders for their steadfastness in ensuring that the festival becomes the most coveted in Ogun State and South West Nigeria as a whole.
”As we look forward to this year’s festival, I express heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, community leaders, my team (members of the planning committee), all sons and daughters of the ancient Ota land, particularly the youths and our revered elders, your dedication ensures that our heritage lives on, inspiring future generations”.
VOA News report that the Iganmode Cultural festival is an annual home coming of the Awori people who gather to celebrate the rich Awori cultural heritage. The state government’s listed cultural event is a rallying point for socio-cultural growth and development and this year’s will further showcase the richness in Awori people’s cultural heritage.
