By Felix Ojo
Tuesday 12th September, 2023 marks another significant day in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State, as Onifa of Ado-Ekiti, Awise Dauda Lawal celebrated the annual New Yam Festival known as ‘Odun Ijesu’ with family and friends to express gratitude to God for blessing their land with bountiful harvest.
The festival which was joyous occasion was marked with traditional dances, music, prayers to the creator and symbolic yam cutting , all of which showcased the vibrancy of Yoruba culture.
Speaking on the importance of the festival, the Onifa of Ado-Ekiti, Awise Dauda Lawal said the New Yam Festival is an occasion for the community to offer gratitude to their deities for a bountiful harvest and to usher in a season of abundance.
According to him, “the festival is an important part of tradition which should be passed from generation to generation and not to be eradicated.
“Since the new yam came, we haven’t eaten yam. We are here today to celebrate, dine and wine. Prayers are are being offered to our God in appreciation for sparing our lives to see a new season.
“In those days when there’s nothing like plate, we used to use leaves to eat, called “eera” in Yoruba. We are grateful for a new life. Many planted the yam and could not eat it. In my father’s house, it’s until the new yam festival is celebrated before we can eat it.”
Awise, however advised youths in the State not to derail from the rich culture of the land. He urged them to imbibe it in their daily lives just as he admonished them be patient in their quest for wealth which according to him is essential.
He also appreciated the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for his good work in the State, describing him as the best Ekiti has had so far.
Fatai Adesoji, a community member and celebrant at the event said, the people of Ekiti State are known to be professional farmers, with Yam as its main crop.
He implored the present generation not to forget the customs and traditions of their root, adding that those who abandoned their culture are bound to fail.
