Festivals

Durbar festival: key to cultural unity and economic growth in Ilorin

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2024

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union highlights the Durbar festival’s role in addressing cultural and social issues, promoting unity, and boosting the local economy.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has emphasised the significance of the Durbar festival in Ilorin.

Alhaji AbdulMumini AbdulMalik, President of the union, revealed that the festival was introduced by the Emir of Ilorin as part of a cultural revival effort aimed at addressing both cultural and social issues.

Also read: Arochukwu kingdom prepares for unique 2024 Ikeji festival in September

The Durbar festival is designed to counteract the negative effects of external influences on local youth by fostering unity and encouraging positive social interactions.

It strengthens community bonds and supports the local economy, particularly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

By providing a cultural alternative to un-Islamic and traditional carnivals, the Durbar festival offers a constructive outlet for youth.

AbdulMalik also praised State Governor Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq for his development efforts, which are enhancing Ilorin’s status as a prominent state capital.

Up Next

Ondo State to leverage tourism for economic growth – Governor Aiyedatiwa

Don't Miss

Over 1,100 entries for 2024 Lagos international festival of animation

Click to comment

Entertainment

Orlando Owoh Music Festival Set for November 7 in Lagos

Published

2 days ago

October 13, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Orlando Owoh Music Festival 2026 holds November 7 at KYMA Beach, Lagos, celebrating the highlife legend’s legacy and distinctive Kenery sound

(more…)

Entertainment

Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s ‘Her Daughters’ Mother’ Heads to London Festival

Published

3 days ago

October 12, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Her Daughters’ Mother, Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s feature directorial debut, has been selected for Film Africa 2026 in London

(more…)

Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

1 week ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”