By Lekan Adejuwon
The Ladunwo masquerade festival has been described as a major rallying point to the people of Okemesi in the Ekiti West Local Governent Area of Ekiti state.
Former Adviser on Political Affairs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Akin Oshuntokun made the remarks on Saturday during the 2023 edition of Ladunwo festival.
Speaking exclusively to Ekiti Standard, the DG of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council and one of the prominent sons of Okemesi said; “Over time, the celebration of Ladunwo masquerade festival has become a major rallying point and attraction to the people of this town who converge once every three years from all walks of life to observe the beauty of our culture and tradition.
He traced the history of the festival to the days of the Kiriji War, an internecine war fought by the Yoruba where an Okemesi born generalisimo played a vital role.
He added that the masquerades were originally brought to Okemesi by the Oyo speaking settlers in the town and the tradition had been since embraced by the indigenes to the extent of being a rally point to all and sundry.
Oshuntokun was clearly a star attraction at the colourful festival of culture and tradition as many of the masquerades gave him a special recognition after paying homage to the king.
The traditional Chief caused a stir when he rose from his seat to dance with one of the masquerades who represented his acenstral home.
Lere Olayinka, PDP chieftain, ace journalist, Moses Jolayemi were among many of the sons of the soil at the colourful festival.
