The Olufon of Ifon-Osun Kingdom, Oba Peter Ipadeola, has urged descendants of Obatala to emulate their progenitor and continue to exhibit peace, fairness, justice, kindness and open-mindedness wherever they find themselves.
The monarch stated this during the 2026 World Olufon Obatala festival.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Olufon, Akeeb Yusuff, a copy obtained by NAIJAONPOINT on Monday, noted that the festival was held between Thursday, 7th May and Saturday, 9th May, 2026.
According to the statement, the festival, sponsored by the Olokun Festival Foundation and the Oodua People’s Congress under the leadership of Gani Adams, was organised to preserve, celebrate and promote the legacy of Ọ̀batálá; the Yoruba deity of purity, wisdom and creation.
Oba Ipadeola maintained that Ọ̀batálá is a deity of purity and he represents peace, fairness, justice, kindness and open-mindedness.
The monarch admonished the people of the town for their all-time support and cultural consciousness and offered fervent prayers for peace, unity and development in Ifon-Osun, Osun State, Nigeria, Africa and the entire Yoruba race.
“Activities commenced on the first day with spiritual cleansing rites and appeasement of various orishas including Ọ̀batálá, Òrúnmìlà, Ogun, Ṣàngó, Èṣù, Egúngún, Ọ̀ṣun, Yemọja, Iyalode, Kórì, Ajé, Emere, Oosa Ìbejì, Ṣọ̀npọ̀nná and several others.
“The symbolic procession of Ọ̀batálá, led by the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Ilufemiloye, alongside traditional chiefs, royal family members, devotees and tourists, created a magnificent cultural spectacle as participants moved through major parts of the town, stopping at strategic junctions to offer prayers for peace, blessings, protection and prosperity for Ifon-Osun, Yorubaland and humanity at large.
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“The second day of the festival witnessed a massive convergence of dignitaries at the palace courtyard of the Olufon of Ifon-Osun. Among those present were government officials, traditional rulers, scholars, tourists, culture promoters and traditional worshippers from different parts of Nigeria and abroad.
“A major highlight of the day was the powerful lecture delivered by renowned Yoruba scholar and traditionalist, Ifayemi Elebuibon, who spoke extensively on the adventures, supremacy and historical significance of Ọ̀batálá in Yoruba history,” the statement noted.
In his address as the special guest of honour, Adams advocated for cultural consciousness among Africans, stating that true exposure lies in understanding and promoting one’s own heritage rather than abandoning it for foreign cultures.
He commended the people of Ifon-Osun for sustaining Yoruba tradition and pledged that subsequent editions of the festival would become even more elaborate and internationally recognised.
In his remarks, Governor Ademola Adeleke who was represented by his special adviser on cultural affairs, Prince Lukman Ayodeji, widely known as ‘Sango of Africa’, also applauded the Olufon and the entire community for their commitment to promoting Yoruba culture and expanding tourism opportunities within the state.
“The spiritual atmosphere of the festival deepened later in the night as the sacred Iyẹ̀rẹ̀ Ifá session commenced around 10:00pm and continued till daybreak amidst chants, prayers and traditional rites.
“Activities on the final day featured the observance of Ọ̀sẹ̀ Ifá, followed by Ìwúre, prayers of blessings and goodwill for all participants and the society. At the conclusion of the rites, the Olufon of Ifon-Osun officially declared the 2026 World Olufon Obatala Festival closed, bringing an unforgettable cultural and spiritual celebration to a successful end.
The festival not only reinforced the spiritual relevance of Ọ̀batálá in Yoruba history but also strengthened the global campaign for the preservation of African culture, tradition and identity,” the statement added.
The event attracted traditional rulers, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, government officials, scholars, traditional worshippers and members of the Oodua People’s Congress from across Nigeria and beyond.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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