Queen Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has addressed and refuted the misconception that festivals in the ancient town of Ile-Ife are fetish in nature.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Ayan Agalu (drum fiesta), organized by the House of Oduduwa in collaboration with Aafin Ilu and the Queen Moremi Initiative, Queen Ademiluyi emphasized that these festivals are meant to honor distinguished figures and celebrate cultural heritage. She highlighted that the Ayan Agalu Festival specifically honors Ayan Agalu, the deity associated with the talking drum.
Queen Ademiluyi explained, “His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, is working diligently to ensure these festivals are represented positively. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly view our festivals as fetish. In reality, they are a tribute to those who have made significant contributions.”
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She further elaborated that the Ayan Agalu Festival celebrates the art of drumming, particularly the talking drum, and serves as a reminder of our ancestors’ efforts to preserve our culture.
The festival began at Obafemi Awolowo University, in partnership with the Institute of Cultural Studies, which hosted a drumming workshop for trainers.
Additionally, Prince Adekunle Adeyemi, an executive member of the House of Oduduwa Foundation, urged the government to recognize the economic potential of drumming for revenue generation.
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