Festival
The annual Ode Festival that often display the culture and traditions of Oye kingdom commenced on Sunday with dancing and singing within the community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ejio society which consist of young and old men across Ekiti were using buffalo horns to sing while the women were dancing to the tune of the songs.
Women from various quarters in Oye community came out in large numbers to celebrate the festival with Obalodo of Oye kingdom, Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, who is the chief priest of the festival.
As part of the activities of the festival, prayers were rendered at the tomb of the late Obalodo, Chief Alonge Oguntoyinbo who died 27 years ago.
Oguntoyinbo prayed for the success of the sons and daughters of the community, the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, development of the town and all the well wishers who attended the event.
Addressing the indigenes of the community, the Obalodo of Oye Kingdom, Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo appealed to the sons and daughters of the town not to allow Ode festival to go into extinction.
He explained that the festival had nothing to do with sacrifices but an avenue to pray for the peace, progress and development of the town.
Oguntoyinbo thanked members of Ejio group from all parts of Ekiti for their support and urged them to embrace peace throughout the festival.
The annual festival would end on Feb.15, with various exciting programmes.
