The 2026 Ẹ̀ẹ̀bi/Kilajolu Festival has officially commenced in Igbooye Kingdom with the traditional outing of the revered Okoro Masquerade, marking the beginning of one of the community’s major cultural celebrations.
The outing of the masquerade, a symbol of the kingdom’s spiritual heritage, set the tone for the festival as it moved through the community performing traditional rites and cultural displays.
As part of established customs, the masquerade made a ceremonial visit to the palace of the Orijeru of Igbooye Kingdom, AbdulRasaq Akanni Musa, to signal the formal commencement of festival rites.
In the monarch’s absence, the entourage was received by senior chiefs and community leaders who performed the necessary traditional rites in line with the customs of the kingdom.
Among those who received the masquerade were Chief Joseph Oluwaranti Adebanjo, the Eleku of Igbooye; Chief Ariyo, the Baale of Erimope and Chairman of the Orijeru Council of Baales; Chief Toyin Songosanya, the Baale of Oriwu Village; Prince Sunday Keshinro, the Olori Omoba; and Chief Odunlami Iwapele, the Ajiroba of Igbooye Kingdom.
The chiefs collectively carried out ceremonial obligations and extended royal courtesies to the masquerade, reinforcing the cultural significance of the event.
The Ẹ̀ẹ̀bi/Kilajolu Festival is regarded as a key cultural event in Igbooye Kingdom, attracting widespread participation and serving as a platform for the preservation of indigenous traditions.
Residents and visitors are expected to witness a series of cultural activities as the festival progresses.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo