Culture

Celebrating Ẹ̀kà In Òkè-ìlá Orangun

Published

3 years ago

August 14, 2023

Recently, the ancient town of Òkè-ìlá Orangun joyfully gathered to celebrate another significant cultural event, before the final ISINRO festival, which the forefathers of the town, in their wisdom, registered as Ẹ̀kà.

This cherished occasion, according to Oba Adedokun Abolarin, serves as a poignant reminder of the tenacious dedication, dogged sacrifices, and remarkable contributions made by his esteemed fathers and predecessors who once graced the throne in Òkè-ìlá Ọ̀ràngún kingdom.

“From Ọ̀ràngún Ajagunla Ifagbamila, the revered grand progenitor of our town, to the most recent king, each monarch has left an indelible mark on our history and collective consciousness. It is important we remember them,” says Kabiyesi Abokarin in a post on his social media handles.

Òkè-ìlá Orangun embraces its rich history, tracing its roots back to the reign of Ọ̀ràngún Ajagunla Ifagbamila. A visionary leader and wise ruler, he laid the foundation for the kingdom’s prosperity and unity. “From the earliest days of our town’s existence, the crown has passed from one generation to the next, each king leaving a unique imprint on the culture and governance of Òkè-ìlá Orangun. I am grateful to all of them. And I am earnestly dedicated to their good legacies and that is to see Òkè-Ìlá Orangun of our dream materialise even in my lifetime by the power of Olódùnmarè, the Adániwáyé,” the Kabiyesi stated.

During the Ẹ̀kà celebration, the monarch recalled that his people reflect on the accomplishments and legacies of the various kings who have before him graced the throne over the ages.

From warriors who defended the kingdom against invaders (like Ajagunla) to peacemakers who fostered harmony among neighboring communities (like Orangun Ogboye), each king had a distinct role in shaping the town’s destiny.

“Their memories remain evergreen in the hearts of my people, and their stories are recounted with reverence and admiration by the Àyán galú, which I call “the chronicler of our history”.

Ẹ̀kà is not just a mere ceremony; it is a sacred tradition rooted in profound symbolism.

As Ẹ̀kà ìn Òkè-ìlá Orangun reached its climax, Oba Abolarin says the town stands united, proudly embracing its past and looking towards to the future with hope and determination.

The commemoration of the old kings’ work, sacrifices, and contributions is not just a ritual; it is a testament to the resilience and spirit of our people.

“With heads held high, hearts full of gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose, we move forward, carrying the torch of our ancestors’ legacy, ensuring that their memories endure for eternity in the tapestry of Òkè-ìlá Orangun’s history.”

Source: www.theculturenewspaper.com/celebrating-eka-in-oke-ila-orangun/

Culture

Ofala festival: Obi of Onitsha marks 25 Years on throne

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Ofala Festival 2026 celebrated Onitsha’s royal heritage as Obi Nnaemeka Achebe marked 25 years on the throne and addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.