The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday led a vibrant celebration of drumming to promote peace, unity, and cultural continuity.

The event saw thousands of culture enthusiasts, scholars, and traditionalists converge on the ancient city of Ile-Ife for the colorful festival, held at the Courtyard of the Ooni’s Palace.

The attendees at the gathering included professors from the departments of Linguistics and Music at Obafemi Awolowo University.

Additionally, no fewer than 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps, students from OAU, and contingents from other institutions across the South-West region attended the outing.

In a show of support for indigenous creativity and talent, the Ooni also personally gifted a total of N4.95 million to the triumphant winners of the drumming competition and other cultural performers.

The first-place winner of the competition was awarded N1 million, the second-place winner received N750,000, and the third-place winner got N500,000.

Further demonstrating his commitment to cultural promotion, the Royal Father also presented N2 million to performers from the renowned Moremi Ensemble, N500,000 to ace drummer Akande Onilu, while two other talented drummers received N100,000 each.

Addressing journalists at the event, the Ooni emphasised the sacredness of the drum in Yoruba cosmology and its enduring significance in daily life.

“We believe the drum holds great significance in our daily lives. In the olden days, drums were used for virtually everything, whether for good news or times of war, the drum was the medium of communication,” Mr Ogunwusi stated.

He elaborated on the spiritual and historical roots of drumming within the Yoruba tradition.

“The drum is deeply symbolic to us, the Yoruba people. Ayangalu, the originator of the drum, is venerated among the 201 deities of Ile-Ife and shares a spiritual link with Orunmila.

“He began his journey in Atiba here in Ile-Ife, and although some of his descendants later migrated to Oyo and Nupe lands, many still reside in Ife. Every year, we honour his legacy through this festival.

“To us, Ayangalu is synonymous with the drum. I drum today for peace, for joy, and for abundant blessings. Since childhood, I have found fulfilment in promoting and preserving this sacred tradition,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Queen Ronke Ogunwusi lauded the Ooni for his consistent moral and financial support, not only for the festival itself but also for broader cultural renaissance efforts in Ile-Ife and beyond.

Mrs Ogunwusi praised key stakeholders, including Seamans, university professors, NYSC members, OAU pupils, traditional chiefs, and guests, for gracing the occasion.

“We have gathered here to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Ayangalu represents excellence in creativity, and I urged every Yoruba person to value their roots and continue learning from one another. As the competition captivates us, let it also remind us to uphold unity and the enduring power of our tradition,” she stated.

(NAN)