The World Egungun Festival, held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Adamasingba Stadium, might have come and gone but it left attendees with a profound sense of nostalgia.
This grand celebration, sponsored by the Oyo State Government and organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, brought together distinguished Baales, traditionalists from all 33 local governments, and enthusiastic members of the public.
The festival was a vibrant display of Yoruba heritage, featuring a mesmerizing array of masquerades showcasing their skills, stunts, and acrobatic dance moves.
The event was further enlivened by participants dressed in an array of colorful traditional garments, highlighting the importance of cultural attire and the rich traditions of the Yoruba people.
In an exclusive interview with our reporters, Chief Bakare Dauda Olaniyi, Baale of Tella town and village and General Secretary of the Association of Traditional Baales for Ibadan’s eleven local governments, emphasized the vital role of culture and tradition in preserving identity and understanding our evolutionary existence.
Chief Olaniyi passionately advocated for the transmission of Yoruba traditions to the younger generation, stressing the need for youth to appreciate and uphold these values from an early age to prevent the erosion and contamination by foreign influences.
He expressed pride in his Yoruba heritage, noting the immense benefits he has derived from the values and virtues embedded in the culture.
Chief Olaniyi called for urgent measures to prevent the youth from being swayed by foreign cultures, urging governmental and traditional leaders to take responsibility for safeguarding Yoruba heritage.
He also highlighted the significance of the Egungun as spiritual intermediaries, conveying messages to God and serving as protectors in battles of yore.
He underscored the numerous advantages of preserving these traditions, which have historically brought peace, stability, unity, and progress to Yoruba communities.
Adding to the discourse, Chief Bamitale Folorunso Durojaiye Ige, Chairman of the Association of Traditional Baales of Ibadanland, urged the youth to embrace and immerse themselves in their cultural heritage.
The octogenarian emphasized that understanding and valuing their traditions would equip them to face future challenges successfully.
Other notable figures at the event included Baale Mustapha Bello of Agbamu, Oluyole Local Government, and Baale (Elder) Aderemi Olagoke, PRO of the Traditional Baales Association in Ibadanland.
