All is now set in the serene Iba community in Osun State to receive tourists from within and outside Nigeria for the annual Oriki Yoruba Festival which is hosted in every December from 2019.
The Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye and his committee have shown readiness to make this sixth edition of the festival, between December 12 and 13, 2025, another success.
In a statement, Oba Okunoye attributed success recorded at previous editions of the festival to the shared vision of the Eburu Adekunle Yoruba Culture Rennaisance, a body saddled with responsibility of breathing a new life into the sleeping cultural heritage and showcasing them to the larger world.
According to the traditional ruler, mountaneering would kickstart the festival on December 12 during which lovers of physical exercise from far and near would join him and his chiefs to climb mountains overlooking the entire Iba town.
In the evening of the mountaineering Day comes a contest among young chanters inside the Iyaniwura Palace where tested Yoruba culture teachers will assess each performer and grade them accordingly.
The grandfinale holds on December 13 when traditional rulers from Yoruba states, academics and other distinguished guests converge to see live performances of chanters and troupes.
The day will also witness a public lecture to be delivered by Mr Tunde Odunlade of the Tunde Odunlade Art Gallery, Ibadan fame. Also there is going to be presentation of awards to some personalities for their efforts in reviving Yoruba cultural values through their resources, talent and time. Winners of chant competition will also receive their various prizes.
Oba Okunoye said, “We are looking forward to welcoming you to 6th Oriki Yoruba Festival on 13th Dec. 2025 at Iyaniwura Palace. Iba. The festival is our little way of bringing back our lost glory. The significance of Oriki can not be joked with, especially watching the youths doing it. It refrehes memories; it reconnects you with your history; it inspires you in an inexplicable manner.
“These and other reasons come together to form a background to this Oriki Festival. Though it has not been so easy, in terms of funds, we are committed to continue because it is a worthwhile investment,” he noted.