The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday led a vibrant cultural celebration centred on traditional drumming, aimed at promoting peace, unity, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
The event attracted thousands of cultural enthusiasts, scholars, and traditionalists to the ancient city of Ile-Ife, where the colourful festival took place in the courtyard of the Ooni’s Palace. Reports show that attendees included professors from the Departments of Linguistics and Music at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
Also present were no fewer than 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from OAU, and contingents from other institutions across the South-West region, who came to witness the celebration.
In a show of support for indigenous creativity and talent, the Ooni personally gifted a total of ₦4.95 million to the winners of the drumming competition and other cultural performers.
The first-place winner of the competition received ₦1 million; the second position, ₦750,000; and the third, ₦500,000.
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Further demonstrating his commitment to cultural promotion, the royal father also presented ₦2 million to performers from the renowned Moremi Ensemble, ₦500,000 to ace drummer Akande Onilu, while two other talented drummers received ₦100,000 each.
Addressing journalists at the event, the Ooni emphasised the sacredness of the drum in Yoruba cosmology and its enduring significance in daily life.
“We believe the drum holds great significance in our daily lives.
“In the olden days, drums were used for virtually everything. Whether it was to announce good news or warn of war, the drum served as the medium of communication,” Oba Ogunwusi stated.
He elaborated on the spiritual and historical roots of drumming within the Yoruba tradition.
“The drum is deeply symbolic to us, the Yoruba people.
“Ayangalu, the originator of the drum, is venerated among the 201 deities of Ile-Ife and shares a spiritual link with Orunmila.
“He began his journey in Atiba here in Ile-Ife. Although some of his descendants later migrated to Oyo and Nupe lands, many still reside in Ife.
“Every year, we honour his legacy through this festival.
“To us, Ayangalu is synonymous with the drum. I drum today for peace, for joy, and for abundant blessings. Since childhood, I have found fulfilment in promoting and preserving this sacred tradition,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Queen Ronke Ogunwusi lauded the Ooni for his consistent moral and financial support not only for the festival itself but also for broader cultural renaissance efforts in Ile-Ife and beyond.
Queen Ogunwusi praised key stakeholders such as Seamans, university professors, NYSC members, OAU students, traditional chiefs, and guests for gracing the occasion.
“We have gathered here to celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
“Ayangalu represents excellence in creativity, and I urge every Yoruba person to value their roots and continue learning from one another.
“As the competition captivates us, let it also remind us to uphold unity and the enduring power of our tradition,” she noted.
In the same vein, Baale Adekunle Adeite, from Ikorodu in Ijebu-Ode, spoke about the distinctiveness of Yoruba culture.
He asserted that Yoruba culture is “incomparable” and serves as the “true identity of the indigene.”
Adeite highlighted his personal dedication to promoting Yoruba culture, noting that for “almost 10 years now,” he has been actively championing it on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
He further revealed that they operate “radio stations in America Texas and Washington, D.C. dedicated solely to promoting Yoruba cultural tradition and ensuring it does not fade away.”
Adeite also clarified that “there is a difference between culture and religion” and commended the Ooni for “preserving cultural heritage.”
He urged everyone to maintain the integrity of their traditions.
