Ipele Ero Festival: A distinct communal celebration

By Emmanuel Daraloye

The celebrants all look gay. Their well-wishers were not left out of the parade as they dazzled in the Yoruba traditional wear.

Besides most of the celebrants were middle-aged women with a tray on their heads.

The clothes to be robbed are neatly folded. The majority of the women even had customized clothes they adorn.

The celebration is called Ero Festival. The most beautiful and colourful festival in Ipele, a town close to Owo Local government in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Historically, it is difficult to ascertain the origin of the festival, yet the impact and essence of Ero in the community get amplified on each occasion. It’s an age-grade event where the most senior member Olori-Ugbama (In their 60’s & 70’s) graduate. This year’s group was christened Egbe Akorewolu.

The Ero Festival is held every six years, traditionally counted as seven years. At each festival, new members are initiated into the seven age groups.

The group is as follows: Okinen-Ugbama (Olori Ugbam) is the eldest, followed by Okeji-Ugbama (Omidami), Oketa-Ugba (Ogwo ), Okerin-Ugbama (Akomu), Okerun-Ugbama (Agbagbo), Okefa-Ugbama(Ako Osun).

Egebe Okeje-Ugbama popular called Egbe Olokoroba is s the last on the list. These groups are fully initiated on the grand finale of the Ero festival.

It takes seven years to move to the next group. It took this year’s celebrant 42 years to get to the Ero Stage. Ogwo, Omidami, Ere Omako, and Omidami are some of the events/activities that are held before Ero.

This year’s event which was held at St. Stephen Anglican Primary School field had in attendance Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was ably represented by Chief Olugbenga Ale, the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor.

The United Ipele Development Committee, led by Prof. Joseph Babalola Adeyeri was on hand to provide support for the smooth running of the festival. A former Senator in the Red Chamber, Senator Titus Olupitan provided fatherly support, likewise Dr. Adewumi Abitoye, former minister of state for education.

Two days before the main event, Egbe Akorewolu launched a 99-page book, titled Ipele: God’s Land, a short historical perspective. Authored by Hon. Sanya Odeyemi, Mr. Idowu Ogunmola, and Mr. Idowu Adewumi.

Dr. Raman Abubakri, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication Studies, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo served as the book reviewer while Mr. Gabriel Ojo Olorunsuyi served as Chief Launcher. This event was swiftly followed by the commissioning of a building project donated to Ipele Maternity by Egbe Akorewolu at Ipele Maternity.

Mr. Oladotun Olorunfemi and his Asa day team also organized the Ero Festival Merit Awards, where twenty-six Ipele Indigenes were honoured for their effort at adding value to the community.

Some of them were Hon. Atinuke Morenike Witherspoon “Rennykay” the Owo Constituency 2 member at the Ondo State House of Assembly. Arc. Tunde Imolehin, Hon.Ogunleye Rotimi Franklin, Chief Olufemi Olukoye, Eng. Nuel Elehinle, amongst others.

This year’s Ero Festival remains the best so far as the celebrants and a notable indigene initiated notable activities line up before the day. In the days leading to the day, the Olujan Mokun History Park built by Hon. Nuel Elehinle was commissioned by Senator Titus Olupitan.

Mr. Elehinle also organized free Eye Glasses and Drug distribution for the people.

The next Ero comes up in the year 2029. The to-be celebrants are already looking forward to this day. Perhaps, they would strive to surpass what Egbe Akorewolu might have accomplished.

Emmanuel Daraloye, a PR enthusiast sent in this piece from Ibadan, Oyo State.