2025: Annual Gelede Festival Brings Joy and Cultural Pride to Abeokuta

 2025: Annual Gelede Festival Brings Joy and Cultural Pride to Abeokuta

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo 

Ago Egun, Abeokuta — The Ago Egun area of Abeokuta resonated with jubilation and vibrant cultural displays as the annual Gelede Festival commenced, coinciding with the Eid-Ul-Adha celebrations. Spanning seven days, the festival is a showcase of colorful masks, infectious music, and lively dance, with a specific focus on unity, cultural pride, and community bonding.

The festival kicked off with the initial day known as Gbagede Efe, which set the tone for a week of festivities. The atmosphere was electrified by the presence of celebrated musicians who entertained guests, while onlookers danced, sang, and embraced the joyful spirit of the occasion. Children from the neighborhood participated enthusiastically, joining in the singing and dancing alongside the Gelede performers, embodying the festival's spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie.

At a recent interview with Amebo Newspaper NG, Mohammed Adegboyega, the Oganla of Ago Egun and a prominent figure among Gelede worshippers, highlighted the festival’s significance. He noted that the originality and charm of Gelede have attracted international interest, with visitors from as far as Brazil eager to experience the unique displays and intricate dancing styles. Adegboyega shared that the Gbagede Efe serves a dual purpose: it blesses the worshippers and followers with a new song to usher in a colorful and prosperous year.

As the festival progresses, excitement builds toward the seventh day, which culminates in a grand showcase. The Grandmaster of Gelede, known as Ogbagba, blesses attendees and followers. This year, the iconic Baba Agba, the oldest and most revered Gelede figure, is expected to make his much-anticipated appearance—an event that only occurs once every three years, following the traditions upheld by the custodians of the Gelede in Abeokuta.

In a conversation with our correspondent, Adegboyega expressed the repercussions of skipping the festival for a year, explaining that it would invite misfortune, including mysterious occurrences such as hearing drumbeats without any visible drummers. He emphasized the spiritual and financial benefits of participating in the festival, asserting that it offers guidance and protection from malevolent forces.

Adegboyega also made a heartfelt appeal to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Ogun state, urging them to provide support for the annual festival to bolster the promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. He encouraged the Yoruba diaspora to keep their traditions alive, regardless of where they reside, illustrating the importance of cultural identity and continuity in an increasingly globalized world.

Joining the festival's festivities was Dr. Clement Obadimu, a life coach and President of Mentors Tower, who expressed pride in his roots. Accompanied by family, he voiced his satisfaction with the festival and urged the federal government to support grassroots cultural initiatives aimed at empowering local communities and celebrating their heritage.

Dr. Obadimu also hinted that Gelede is mainly involved in dance and songs, revealing cultural heritage without deities and traditional incuberances.

The Gelede Festival is more than just a celebration; it represents a vibrant tapestry of culture, tradition, and community spirit that unites people of all backgrounds. As the festival unfolds, residents and visitors alike are reminded of the importance of preserving their artistic and cultural legacies, ensuring that the vibrant heritage of the Yoruba people continues to flourish for generations to come.