The historic city of Ile-Ife was alive with vibrant colors, cultural splendor, and a strong sense of unity as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, presided over a grand celebration of the Yam Festival at his palace. The event, which unfolded yesterday on the 11th of August, 2023, saw a magnificent gathering of dignitaries and locals alike, all joining hands to honor the traditions and bounties of the land.
Against the backdrop of the royal palace, the air was filled with the melodious beats of traditional drums and the contagious excitement of the crowd. The Yam Festival, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, holds special significance as it commemorates the harvest season and fosters a sense of gratitude to the deities for their blessings on the land’s fertility.
As the sun cast a golden glow over the palace grounds, Ooni Ogunwusi, resplendent in his royal regalia, led the event with grace and enthusiasm. His presence, a testament to his commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage, set the tone for a day filled with cultural pride and appreciation.
Amidst the crowd were esteemed guests, including Oba Adediwura, the Obalufe of Ife,the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife Kingdom, Obalaye of Ife Kingdom and others who stood as representatives of the city’s deep-rooted history. Sons and daughters of the Ife kingdom, yam sellers, and community members also gathered to celebrate their shared heritage.
The highlight of the event was the grand display of various types of yams, each meticulously arranged to form a vibrant mosaic of colors and shapes. These tubers which was first bargained and purchased with a huge amount of money by Oonirinsa through Obalufe, Oba Adeduwura, a symbol of prosperity and sustenance, stood as a visual testament to the land’s fertility and the unity of its people.
Earlier, prayers were led by the revered Isoros of the Ife kingdom resonated with deep spiritual significance. Attendees bowed their heads in reverence, seeking blessings for the land, its people, and the continuous abundance that nature provides after which the crowd became rowdy as the attendees rush in an attempt to pick free yam from the displayed tubers of yam.
