It was another joyful moment in Ilobu on Sunday as the indigenes, residents, and sons and daughters of Ilobu, both at home and abroad, converged on the ancient town to celebrate the 2025 edition of the annual Erinle Festival.
The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, alongside his chiefs and other dignitaries, led the community in the celebration.
Oba Olaniyan prayed for all indigenes, wishing them long life, prosperity, and peace, expressing optimism that this year’s celebration would bring blessings rather than sorrow. He also prayed that those who participated this year would live to witness many more celebrations in good health and abundance.
The colorful annual festival brought together traditional rulers, bead and craft makers, traders, elders of the community, and various social groups, who all contributed to the success of this year’s event.
Speaking with Insight Media, the Akeke Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Adeyemi Aworemi, described the Erinle Festival as significant to the history and foundation of Ilobu town.
He explained that Erinle is regarded as a river deity of fertility and abundance, believed to bless people seeking children, wealth, progress, and good fortune.
According to him, many devotees offer prayers during the festival for divine intervention in different aspects of their lives.
Also speaking, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, stated that the Erinle Festival has been celebrated in Ilobu since ancient times as a mark of gratitude and identity for the town.
He urged the youths of Ilobu to take their education seriously and to be diligent and hardworking in their various pursuits.
He went further to explain the origin of the Erinle Festival. According to him, the festival is rooted in a legend that tells of a sacred elephant (“Erin”) that once protected Ilobu from invaders. Whenever Fulani warriors attempted to attack the town, the elephant would rise to defend the people, making it impossible for anyone to kill it. Because of this, the people of Ilobu continue to honor the spirit of the protective elephant through the annual Erinle celebration.
Among the notable guests present at the festival was Ogundiran Asipa, the royal hunter of Ataoja’s palace in Osogbo. He expressed joy for witnessing the celebration, saying he might not have attended if not for the invitation extended by the Ilobu community. He recalled that during his first visit, all the prayers offered at the river were answered by God, which is why he felt privileged to return and join the people of Ilobu again this year.
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