The Paramount Ruler of Okaka, Oba Olatunji Ayoola,has urged governments at all levels to support the development of Okaka land, ensuring the implementation of local government autonomy to enhance grassroots development. He also stressed the need for traditional rulers to be assigned meaningful leadership tasks in nation-building.
Following the ritual sacrifice of a goat at the historic Sango market square, known as Oja Sango, Olokaka Oba Olatunji Ayoola observed that the ancestors had accepted their offering, as evidenced by the symbolic light rain that fell during the festivities. This subtle weather occurrence was seen as a sign of the ancestors’ favor and approval.
The festival drew a large crowd of prominent Okaka indigenes, who were commended by the Olokaka for their dedication to cultural traditions. Despite having recently attended the funeral service of a respected woman in the town, the attendees showed their commitment to celebrating their heritage by participating in the Egungun festival, a testament to their strong sense of community and cultural identity.
The Olokaka highlighted the town’s remarkable progress, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of Okaka indigenes both at home and abroad. He specifically mentioned notable projects such as the construction of a police station along the Okaka/Otu road and the installation of a transformer, which were made possible through the collective contributions of the community. This achievement showcases the power of unity and cooperation among Okaka residents in driving development and growth.
He emphasized that the town’s recent developments, including the construction of a police station along the Okaka/Otu road and the installation of a transformer, were made possible by the collective efforts and contributions of Okaka residents.
The Olokaka urged Okaka indigenes living outside their homeland not to stop contributing to the growth and development of their fatherland. Meanwhile, the 2025 Okaka Egungun Festival showcased a variety of traditional masquerades, including Alapala, Ajise, Ahuda, Dangboro, Alapala Efe, Ilokoja, and Jigbanjigban, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. These masquerades are revered for their spiritual significance and role in preserving ancestral traditions and community identity.
Okaka chiefs, including Jagun of Okaka Raji Olaniyi, Ooto of Okaka Salawu Ayanwale, Ikolaba of Okaka Dauda Ademola, and others, emphasized the importance of peace, love, and unity among the people of Okaka land in their individual remarks. Additionally, dignitaries such as Ekarun of Otu Chief Samson Tanimoowo, Araba Awo of Oke Ogun Chief Ifagboyega Oyedokun, and others delivered goodwill messages, encouraging Okaka indigenes to view the Egungun Festival as a unifying event that fosters meaningful connections and strengthens community bonds. They stressed that the festival’s cultural and traditional significance serves as a common ground for the people of Okaka, promoting unity and shared identity.
Okaka chiefs, including Jagun of Okaka Raji Olaniyi, Ooto of Okaka Salawu Ayanwale, and Ikolaba of Okaka Dauda Ademola, called for peace, love, and unity among the people of Okaka land. Meanwhile, dignitaries like Ekarun of Otu Chief Samson Tanimoowo and Araba Awo of Oke Ogun Chief Ifagboyega Oyedokun emphasized the festival’s role in fostering unity and community bonds. They highlighted the interconnectedness of their culture, tradition, and religion, urging Okaka indigenes to promote these aspects without bias and to view the Egungun Festival as a celebration of their shared heritage.
The 2025 Okaka Egungun Festival drew notable attendees, including Hon. Kola Olabiyi, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, and other prominent dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. This event showcased the significance of traditional festivals in preserving community history and promoting unity among indigenes