The 2023 World Ifa/Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage, known as Oke Igeti, is set to welcome worshippers and tourists from 16 countries. The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Oluwo Solagbade Popoola, announced that the festival will take place from May 20 to May 28, 2023 in Ado Ekiti. Popoola revealed that interested visitors will come from all over the world to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ekiti region, which is home to several revered deities, including Ogun, Osun, Esu, and Orunmila.
Tourists will visit the deities’ abodes to see the relics and apparatus of the deities that testify to their mythological existence. Additionally, many will be coming on pilgrimage, drawn to Ekiti State’s natural wonders, such as the Osun River Source, the Osanyin healing pool in Isaba-Ekiti, and the Arinta Waterfall at Ipole-Iloro.
ICIR will lead thousands of religious tourists to the Arinta waterfall for a special spiritual meditation, with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism being informed so that necessary preparations can be made.
A top member of the Council, Chief Ifaniyi Awoyemi, emphasized the need for Ekiti State Government to strengthen their commitment and assist in grading the Oke-Olota site for the festival’s use this year. He also urged the host chapter of ICIR to remind the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism of the need for the site to be graded before May 20.
While congratulating Ekiti State on its new governor’s commitment to human and societal development, Chief Awoniyi stressed the importance of releasing the portion of Ekiti Government House that is the seat of Orunmila for optimal tourism and spiritual benefit. He expressed confidence that Culture and Tourism would receive the necessary attention under the current administration’s developmental plan.
