Iwude Ijesa festival is not idol worshipping says clergyman as many Ijesaland obas gather for thanksgiving service

A clergyman from Diocese of Ilesa South West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, Omofe, Ilesa yesterday remarked that the commemoration of the Iwude Ijesa festival is not idol worshipping or as an assembly of cultish people or a gathering of traditional religious worship or ritual.

The Reverend T. A. Ola preached to dismiss the misconception at the Christian Thanksgiving Service that signalled the commencement of 2021 edition of the festival held at the Omofe, Ilesa Cathedral Church ahead of the grand finale on Saturday 18th December, while referring to the personalities that are members of the festival's planning committee and their achievement on using the annual celebration to foster unity all over Ijesaland especially under the leadership of Chief Afolabi Igbaroola who is the Baba Majeobaje of the Cathedral.

The clergyman observed in his sermon that the collective vision of a united, peaceful and prosperous Ijesaland is evident and improving even with the impressive attendance of Ijesaland obas at the Iwude Ijesa festival's thanksgiving service.

Ahead of the festival's grand finale the Very Rev'd E. O. Olajide, the Provost of the Cathedral led prayers for the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Obokun Adimula Oba Dr. Adekunle Aromolaran and the leadership of Ijesaland to remain united and peaceful despite the plans of the devil and cohorts.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Oloja of Ibodi, HRM, Oba Cornelius Omisade Agboluaje appreciated the intervention of the members of the Iwude Ijesa festival's planning committee at fostering unity between the obas all over Ijesaland.

"We are gathering here for a very important and serious intercession for our dear Ijesaland on the occasion of the commencement of the 2021 Iwude Ijesa festival." He said.

Other traditional Rulers in attendance included, Oba Dr. Adewale Ojarotade, the Alaa of Ilaa-Ijesa, Oba (Dr.) Adetayo Haastrup, the Lumobi of Imobi-Ijesa, Oba Adedoja Olanibi, the Awikun of Iwikun-Ijesa, Oba (Engr.) Adedoyin Adelekun, the Oba of Odo-Iju, Oba Gbenga Omole, the Olumuroko of Muroko, the Olumolu of Imogbara and their Oloris.

The traditional rulers and the planning committee members were later treated to a very sumptuous meal at the Ilesa residence of Chief Mrs Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo.

More photos: (Credit- Paul Babajide)