The Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, HRM Oba (Engr.) Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye led the way on Wednesday 27th July as he was joined by clerics from across the three religions to offer prayers for the kingdom.
The event was the annual New Yam Festival celebration. This is celebrated annually to herald the new yam into the market, marking the beginning of a new season. As tradition demands, until this is celebrated, new yams are not sold in the open in Ijebu-Jesa markets.
Prayers were offered for the farmers, traders, artisans and craftspersons, as well as other indigenes and residents of Ijebu-Jesa for progress, advancement and breakthroughs in their various endeavours.
Activities leading to the grand finale had commenced about a week earlier with the traditional Agada Drum coming out few nights before to accompany the Obalorisa to the farm to ‘pick’ his own new yams for the festival. This was followed by the High Chief Sajiku who is the head of the Ijiku Clan who also picked his new yams three days after.
The ceremony went on step after steps culminating in the grand finale where the Elegboro who was flanked by his amiable wife, Olori Omolara Agunsoye and traditional rulers from across Ijesaland and his council of chiefs trekked from the palace to the market square where prayers were offered for the kingdom and its dwellers.
Adorning the Ade Arere which is the ancient crown worn only once in a year, the Abikehin-Ekun who was clad in a multi coloured aso-oke with a matching footwear prayed fervently for blessings of God upon the farmers and traders as points of contacts for other indigenes and residents of the town in their various chosen careers.
Thereafter, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Jesa and the traditional religion leaders all prayed for divine blessings upon the land.
The carnival-like event witnessed massive pots of yams being cooked at different locations around the town to feed thousands of residents as many trooped out to celebrate the festival with their king.
