The ancient city of Ile-Ife, spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people, pulsed with ancestral energy on Thursday as thousands converged at the Palace of Ile Oodua for the 2025 edition of the Àyàn Àgalú Drum Festival.
Led by the Arole Odùduwà and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the festival offered a spectacular display of rhythm, reverence, and cultural renaissance.
With the theme “Echoes of Ancestral Drum (Ìrò Ìlù Àtijọ́)”, the celebration reaffirmed the sacred place of drumming in Yoruba cosmology and performance tradition.
The Ooni himself took centre stage in a powerful symbolic gesture—drumming for peace, unity, and blessings, drawing thunderous applause from dignitaries, culture custodians, scholars, youth groups, and international guests.
In a grand show of support for indigenous talent, the Ooni awarded a total of ₦4.95 million in cash prizes to winners of the open drumming competition and other cultural performers.
The competition, open to all age groups and featuring traditional drummers from across Yorubaland, showcased the depth of Yoruba artistry and intergenerational skill.
1st Place Winner: ₦1 million
2nd Place: ₦750,000
3rd Place: ₦500,000
In addition, the revered monarch gifted:
₦2 million to the Moremi Ensemble, known for their riveting performances in Yoruba folklore;
₦500,000 to acclaimed drummer Akande Onilu;
₦100,000 each to two exceptional individual drummers.
Addressing the press, the Ooni highlighted the spiritual depth and cultural symbolism of the drum in Yoruba tradition.
“In our history, the drum was never just a musical instrument. It was a medium of divine communication—used to announce births, victories, warnings, and festivals,” he stated. “Ayangalu, the deity of drum and sound, is one of our revered 201 deities here in Ile-Ife. He is a sacred bridge between sound, spirit, and society.”
The Ooni traced Ayangalu’s journey to Atiba in Ile-Ife, where he first crafted the drum and passed its spiritual knowledge to his descendants—some of whom later migrated to Oyo and Nupe regions, while many remained in Ife, upholding the sacred tradition.
“Today, I drum for peace. I drum for the joy of our people. I drum to honour Ayangalu and to preserve this divine legacy handed to us,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the Cultural and Global Ambassador of the festival, commended the Ooni’s unwavering commitment to cultural revival.
She lauded the presence of scholars from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), over 250 NYSC members, and students from across the South-West who lent academic and creative weight to the celebration.
“Ayangalu is more than a festival—it is a movement to preserve and promote Yoruba identity. I salute all partners, from Seamans to university departments, traditional chiefs, and all those who have contributed to this success,” she said.
The courtyard of the Palace of Ile Oodua came alive with thrilling performances by master drummers, vibrant dance troupes, and richly adorned traditional ensembles. The event featured both competitive and ceremonial segments, attracting participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Notably, the open drum competition—“Ìrò Ìlù Àtijọ́”—stood out as a major attraction. Designed to celebrate heritage while fostering creativity, the contest welcomed both solo and group entries, emphasizing the relevance of drumming in modern storytelling, education, and cultural diplomacy.
The Àyàn Àgalú Drum Festival continues to draw attention from global cultural enthusiasts, anthropologists, and advocates of African heritage.
The festival is convened by His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, in partnership with the House of Odùduwà and the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable cultural industries in Nigeria.
As the 2025 festival concluded, the Ooni extended a heartfelt invitation to all Yoruba descendants at home and abroad to return to Ile-Ife and take pride in their heritage.
“The Àyàn Àgalú Festival is not merely an event—it is a sacred homecoming. It is a revival of identity, a celebration of divine creativity, and a testament to the unbroken legacy of the Yoruba people,” the monarch affirmed.
