Oge Okeagbe community set to celebrate Ibegbe Festival, April 19
By Julius Alabi, Akure
A midst eroding cultures and traditions, the people of Oge Okeagbe community in Akoko North West Local government area of Ondo state have maintained some aspects of their culture, one of which is an Ibegbe Festival that used to be celebrated every 9 year interval in the community
The Ibegbe Festival which is the graduation of the Egbegun age group to the elderly status in Oge Okeagbe is scheduled between April 18 and 19, 2025 in the community.
Preparations for 2025 Ibegbe celebration is now in top gear as the host, His Royal Majesty, Oba Alex Jimoh Shekesheke Adodo, Owage of Oge Okeagbe Kingdom has put all machineries in place for he occasion.
Many houses in the community are now wearing a new look for the big celebration.
The activities at Ibegbe Festival include eating of pounded yam, cultural music, dancing and other forms of cultural displays. The occasion also witnesses the drinking of locally brewed drinks from millet and guinea corn called Pito
According to the Planning Committee for Oge Okeagbe 2025 Ibegbe celebration, Pastor Kayode Ogunjobi, Chairman, and Mr. Taiwo Ogunleye, Secretary, said this year Ibegbe wil be a very special one.
The history of Ibegbe Festival of Oge Okeagbe community has been dated back when they are still in ‘Apole’ where young warriors known as Egbegun will be elevation to the Elders Council before the arrival at their present abode in Okeagbe.
The Owage of Oge Kingdom Okeagbe, Oba Alex Jimoh Shekesheke Adodo noted that Ibegbe celebration was an all- important festival whose relevance cannot be over emphasized saying that it mobilizes the people of the community towards purposeful development.
“This period is considered a time of peace, reconciliation and sharing. No one eats alone on Ibegbe Day. You must have a friend to visit or one to visit you.
Exchange of gifts and food is done with enthusiasm and joy.
The Traditional ruler therefore called on sons and daughters of Oge Okeagbe community both at Home and Diaspora to participate fully in the celebration.
