By Lekan Adejuwon
It was a moment of high frenzy and celebration in Okemesi Ekiti yesterday as the community showcased it’s unique export to the nation’s cultural essence.
This is, as Ladunwo masquerade paid a visit to the ancient town from the “spirit world” amidst pomp and celebration.
The festival is unique and important to the people of Okemesi who turned out in large numbers from far and near to witness the display of culture, tradition and communal bond at its best.
Unlike an annual traditional festival celebrated in most Ekiti towns, the Ladunwo masquerade comes once in every three years hence the hype and expectations of indigenes to be around and physically witness the epoch making event.
The situation apparently was responsible for the large turn out of spectators in high expectations of the long expected festival which was last celebrated three years ago.
Yesterday’s event was marked by loud celebration in many streets and major roads as youths from various wards in the town painted the sleepy community red dancing round the town many of them in special uniforms for the occasion while a few others entertained the crowd as they beat themselves with fresh canes to the admiration of enthusiastic spectators.
As early as 12.00 noon, hundreds of Okemesi sons and daughters including visitors stormed the palace square preparatory to the commencement of the festival.
And in what signalled the opening of the cultural fiesta, the royal father of the town, Oba Micheal Gbadebo and Owa Ooye of Okemesi in company with his beautiful wives arrived the podium. He was joined by a retinue of Ekiti Obas from Igbara Odo, Imesi Ekiti among others.
One of the high points of the yesterday’s event was the parade of masquerades representing different clans in the town. They paid homage to the king and entertained the crowd with their dancing skills as they were equally rewarded with wads of naira notes from the king and appreciative onlookers.
In all, over thirty masquerades were paraded each with clothes of many colours.
However the long awaited big masquerade, Ladunwo stormed the arena. His coming required a special announcement by the moderator even as the whole environment changed and became uncontrollable for the mere fact that virtually everyone was in a haste to catch a glimpse of Ladunwo.
Chapreoned by four hefty guides, the king masquerade Ladunwo, was led to the king’s seat completely protected from the prying eyes of the public having been covered by a big rapper.
In a brisk moment, the veil covering the masquerade was removed as Ladunwo paid traditional homage to the king who returned same to him praying for the peace and progress of the town.
All of a sudden, the wide celebration and festivities came to an end as the crowd dispersed to their various abodes but the festival continued with Ladunwo amidst large crowd went round the town in obvious farewell message to see them in the next three years.
While the colourful event lasted there was no any untoward event as men of Amotekun corps took charge of security during and after the festival
