Joy as Ijurin celebrates Elero festival after 25 years

It was with joy that the residents of Ijurin community in Ijero Local Government of Ekiti State, witnessed another Elero Festival after 25 years. 

Elero is a festival celebrated annually to mark the beginning of new yam harvest. 

Speaking at the event, His Highness Oba Joachim Afolabi Ajibola, the Ojurin of Ijurin Ekiti, expressed gratitude to all indigenous of the town for maintaining unity and peace before the festival. 

“Let’s collectively preserve and promote this historic cultural festival of unity and peace,” he said.  

The Elero festival was held last in June 1996. It was then the late Oba Emmanuel Ajiblola Aniyeloye 2 fell ill. History has it that his illness started after the last Elero festival.

The word “elero” is coined from the Yoruba word “ero” which means “serenity” or “pleasantness”.

The Elero festival is the climax of a tradition in Ijurin Ekiti that involves flogging people. During the festival, all the inhabitants of Ijurin bring out canes to flog one another.  

It is usually held every year in June.

The Elero festival attracts many to Ijurin from all other towns and settlements.

Priestesses at the Elero festival perform some rites and rituals to bless the people and the community.

History has it that Elero protected the community in times of war.

The Elero worshippers appear in full regalia holding swords depicting courage and strength, as they walk towards the groove to the cheering of the audience and believers. 

Various categories of people entertain the audience with beautiful cultural displays, dancing steps and music. It is a period to also emend socials ills amongst members of the community.

Elero is a  festival that draws over a thousand audience and believers in those days. 

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