Culture, Colour and Community at Odo-Ape Annual Egungun Festival, A Trans-generational Cultural Display »

….Dance, excitement, communalism; A tourism potential

Odo Ape, a peaceful community located in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state is significantly known for many things: A rich community of agrarian ventures and cultivation, comprising of highly industrial men and women, co-existing with a singular purpose of developing their community.

One significant activity that has placed the community on the global map of culture and tourism is it’s annual Egungun festival which parades an array of “spirit” beings who are regarded as ancestors to visit the living. The festivities indicates a meeting point for two extremely apart entities.

Sons and daughters from home and abroad remark the Odo Ape Egungun festival as it’s own version of “Christmas” where community members gather at square of the Obaro of Odo-Ape to receive beautifully costumed masquerades who take turn to entertain the audience.

The sound of drums, rising dust, choral chants, the scampering to safety of both children and adult and the palpable joy is such an experience to behold. While many would express concern of the rate of traditionalism involved in the process, for the community, the once in a year event gives them the platform to smoothen their relationship, enhance their communalism and further bond for a better understanding and peaceful coexistence amongst themselves.

Speaking to one of the Son of the soil and ardent participants of the festival, Prof. Dare Ajayi, he said the Egungun festival is as far back as before the advent of Christianity and Islam into the shores of Africa.

He explained that the yearly event witnesses the contributions of sons and daughters of the community who are seemingly a part of the traditional cult (Orobo). Prof Ajayi further narrated that the Orobos are of different categories and each play respective roles to ensure the success of the event.

The Professor also explained the role of a special Flute “OYE” which we noticed was being played to the cheers of community members. He said the flute, Oye produces sounds that could mostly be understood by those versed in the practice of the festival. He added that Oye could warn community of a stranger’s presence, give salutations, warnings, instructions and even insults when necessary.

Giving more operational details of events, the Obaro of Odo Ape – Oba Elijah Omiseko explained that the myth is that the spirits of their late ancestors reincarnates into various who performs at the Obaro square to the amazements and excitements of the old and young, men, women and children of the community. He added that visitors can also participate in enjoying the display.

The Obaro stressed that there were other steps taken by the leaders of the community in preparation for the event of the day and every individual understands their role and engage in it effectively and efficiently.

For the Obaro, one thing is sacrosanct, the Egungun festival which has been passed down from their forefathers would also be inherited by the generations of sons and daughters of Odo Ape in the future as there existed a well defined platforms of initiations and indoctrination.

He expressed the opinion that such a rich display of cultural artistry could emerge to become a viable tourist attraction if given the needed attention by leaders and those in government. The Obaro stressed that festivities of such should have foreign delegations come from the different parts of the world to have a feel.

Traditional rulers and chiefs including the Odu of Odo Ape, Oba Olorunyomi, Olu of Ape, Obaaro of Appa, Obadofin of Apaa, Chief Onore Oba Agbadu, Adana of Odo Ape, Obagunla of Odo Ape also added colour to the event while masquerades like Ona, Naroko and Gabon gives community members very thrilling experience to relish till the next year.