Oronna Ilaro Festival is a celebration of the triumph of the Ilaro people of Ogun State.
Africans are best known for festivals because of the need to celebrate after series of combative issues that have affected the society through wars, slavery, and colonialism. These festivals have distinct and undisputed historical backings, rich cultural heritage and unique traditional orientations. All these factors are of tourism attractions to the world at large.
Among these festivals is the Oronna Ilaro Festival, it is a celebration of the triumph of the Ilaro people of Ogun State. The festival is an annual traditional celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Ilaro-Yewa, which commenced on Saturday, November 11 to 19, 2017.
As a major tourist attraction with international standards, the Oronna Ilaro festival attracts tens of thousands of Ilaro indigenes from within and outside Nigeria, as well as traditional culture enthusiasts and local and international tourists.
This year’s celebration is tagged “Festival of Harmony,” the programme featuring roadshow/street carnival, tribute to Oronna and other deities; five kilometre festival race; health screening; football competition; traditional Efe Dance competition; Gelede display; Egungun Dance parade; Onigba-Aje ceremony; talent hunt; visit to the underprivileged homes; Sisi Ilaro beauty pageant; Jumat and interdenominational Christian services.
The Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, is the chief host; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State is the special guest of honour; Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Folorunsho Coker is the guest of honour, while the chairman of the day is the Otunba Gbobaniyi of Ilaro, Chief Yemi Idowu.
Grand finale of the festival will hold at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Yewa Empire Ground, Ilaro Yewa, Ogun State on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 10 am, where over 70 clubs and societies will pay homage to Oba Olugbenle.
