Igogo festival

The Igogo Festival is a dynamic cultural celebration held every September in Owo, Nigeria, to honor Queen Oronsen, the mythical wife of King Rerengejen. This rich tradition dates back over 600 years to the reign of Olowo Rerengejen. According to legend, Queen Oronsen, an orisha, left the palace after her taboos were violated by the other wives, subsequently disappearing into a sacred forest and leaving behind her head ties.

The festival spans 17 days and begins with the Upeli proceedings led by the Iloro chiefs. Throughout the festival, various activities take place, including Utegi, Ugbabo, Uyanna, and Ugbate. One of the highlights is the celebration of the new yam harvest and the Ighares dance, where men perform bare-chested.

A unique aspect of the festival is that the current Olowo of Owo and high chiefs dress as women, adorn themselves with coral beads, and braid their hair. During the festival, certain customs are strictly observed: the wearing of headgear and caps, drumming, and firing of guns are all prohibited.

The Igogo Festival is filled with various rites and rituals, including dancing in the marketplace and visiting sacred sites around town, making it a deeply ingrained and cherished cultural event in the Yoruba community.