***The way we Celebrate the Festival is Unique – Iralepo
It was a display of cultural heritage for the people of Isinkan in Akure West LCDA of Ondo State as for two consecutive days they came together to celebrate 2024 “Opa” festival.
On Friday and Saturday, they converged on the palace of their Monarch, the Iralepo, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) at Ita-owa in Isinkan gaily dressed.
Aside the cultural display, the “Opa” festival brought together indigenes of Isinkan both at home and in the diaspora as there were back slapping, hugging and exchange of pleasantries.
It was also a veritable avenue for the indigenes to meet minds on how to further develop the kingdom.
The Monarch had in the evening of Friday set the tone for the festival as he led Adherents to visit important spots between Imogun and his palace to offer prayers.
The Adherents later at night moved round the community visiting homes of chiefs and eminent indigenes.
“We moved round to visit our chiefs and distinguished indigenes of the community overnight, drumming and dancing, that is why the first day of the Opa festival is called “Ajomoju.”
“The purpose is to remind our leaders of the festival coming up the next day and get their blessings.” The Priest and Olu of Iyange-Isinkan, Chief Ajibola Obadunjoye said.
The Saturday was about dinning and winning at the palace of Iralepo just as the youths of Isinkan were busy canning each other amidst admiration.
“This is what we do every year, first-timers may wonder if we were in dreamland whenever they see us joyfully getting the cane on our backs.”
‘‘I have been participating in this Odun Opa for over 30 years. I pray to God not to see anything that would prevent me from participating in it.’’ The Olori Odo, Samuel Fajana said.
After the flogging, the Adherents moved to “Oluroko” shrine where prayers were offered for the community.
The Iralepo, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ajimokunola Olofin-Adimula (Arulewolasi III) thanked God for a successful Opa festival celebration.
He said the festival was to offer prayers for peace and progress of the community and also to bring sons and daughters of Isinkan together.
“The festival is also one that distinguishes us from our neighbouring communities. The way we kill dogs for sacrifice at Oluroko shrine is very unique and we are the only one in the world who does that.”
“That is where we got our “Oriki” from, “Igbogbo kuku no mu paja, ulu Isinkan m’obibo pa tere,” our culture is very rich.
“After the sacrifice, the adherents would eat the dog meat and they mustn’t take it home. They must eat everything at the Oluroko shrine.” The Iralepo said.
He promised to improve on the opa festival celebration.