The first edition of Ijesa Unity Carnival which commenced 13th and closed on 22nd, December 2024, has come and gone.
BACKGROUND
The maiden edition centered around the theme "Rebranding of the Rebranded Iwude Ijesa Ceremony".
The idea was created at the meeting the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee held with sons and daughters of Ijesaland home and abroad on 26th July, 2024 where it was resolved to widen the scope of Iwude Ijesa activities to make it a catalyst for unity and development among Ijesa people. The meeting mandated the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee to get the permission of Owa Obokun Adimula HRH Oba Dr Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II CFR LLD on changing the day of celebration the Sunday following the Saturday's Iwude Ijesa festival and to move the venue the venue of the grande reception from the Obokungbusi Civic Centre to Ilesa Grammar School mini Sports Arena.
Consequently, the two demands were tabled before the late Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran II on 30th July, 2024 and the suggestions were accepted and ratified by him.
Afterwards, Ijesa sons and daughters at home and abroad mobilized themselves and formed more Clubs and Societies to partake in the maiden Ijesa Unity Carnival.
The Carnival that featured Queen Ayo Balogun on the bandstand proved to be a remarkable occasion for all attendees and enthusiasts of art and culture, commenced at the Iloko-Ijesa Central Mosque with a Thanksgiving Jumat service on Friday the 13th of December, followed by a Special Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 15th December at The Apostolic Church, Okeoye, Ilesa, Osun State.
On Thursday 19th December, Ayo Olopon game was held at the premises of the Iwude Ijesa Festival's Secretariat at Okemese Palace Square Ereja Ilesa and Friday, 20th December was the Cultural Day at the same venue.
The events came to a close on Sunday the 22nd of December in a grand, multi-faceted celebration combining traditional elements with modern attractions as groups, Clubs and Societies members appearing in uniform for their parade at the festival ground.
Ijesa Traditional rulers surrounded the Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, Asiwaju of Ijesaland who was the event's Chairman and Alhaja Sherry Sarumi Faloye, the Chairlady.
At its highpoint, of the Ijesa Unity Carnival, various groups, Clubs and Societies showcased Ijesa culture and parade in their distinct cultural attire.
The Chairman of the event, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi appealed to groups to participate at the Ijesa Development Fund, the newest innovation towards a well-spread Ijesaland development agenda.
The Chairman of the Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee in his welcome address appealed to various Societies and Clubs to serve as catalyst of development of Ijesaland.
"Each of the Societies is encouraged not only to showcase their beautiful dresses and costumes but to also embark on development project within Ijesaland". Igbaroola said
The next Iwude Ijesa is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 20th December, 2025 and the second Ijesa Unity Carnival is slated for Sunday 21st.
Photos: Credit----Taiwo Arewa Smiley
Script, coverage credit: Oladimeji Lasore
Credit Oladimeji Lasore
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