Ekiti: An Unrivaled Home of Cultural Tourism

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Ekiti is an unrivaled home of cultural tourism. Another testimony to that was seen on Day 1 of the annual Oke-Igeti Heritage Festival and Pilgrimage, a 9-day spiritual pilgrimage event that draws participants from across the country and beyond. 


The air was alive with the rhythmic echoes of traditional drums and the deafening boom of ceremonial gunshots, signaling the beginning of a sacred and festive journey. Colorful displays of traditional attires, age-old rituals, and cultural performances transformed the serene landscape of Ijelu-Ekiti and Ire-Ekiti into a vibrant celebration of identity, spirituality, and community. 





Ijelu and Ire are places scheduled to be visited first during the annual pilgrimage. This according to the Ifa and Orisa faithfuls is symbolic of the leading roles played by Esu Laaroye and Ogun Lakaaye among all the ancestral deities almost all of whom were citizens of Ekiti land during their earthly sojourn. 


Elders, youth, and visitors alike gathered in unity, honoring the spirits of the land and reconnecting with ancestral heritage. In the line of duty, I led the delegation from Ekiti State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and I affirmed that the festival, now in its 11th edition,  is not just a spectacle—it is a deeply spiritual experience. 


Pilgrims line up to access the sacred groves in prayer and meditation, guided by priests and custodians of tradition. Stories of the gods and the founding legends of Ekiti are retold with passion while the awe-stricken pilgrims, black and white alike venerate and offer prayers in their diverse tongues. Many from within and across the Atlantic also came with bountiful gifts in  cash and kind to redeem that pledges which may have been made during their previous visits. 


As the sun set behind the hills, Day 1 concluded with chants, dances, and blessings, setting the tone for what promises to be a transformative nine-day journey. Ekiti, once again, reaffirms its place as a cultural heartbeat of Yoruba land—where heritage is not just remembered but lived.


  • Prince 'Banji Adelusi.
  • Director of Culture. Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in  Ekiti-State. 24.05.2025

From yesterday May 23rd to June 1st, 2025, pilgrims from around the world will walk the sacred paths, visiting ancient shrines, participating in profound ceremonies, and immersing in the wisdom of the Odu Ifa, all at the spiritual epicenter of our tradition and ancestral heritage.

Friday 23rd of May, 2025.
Arrival of Pilgrims

Day 1: Saturday 24th of May, 2025.
Visitation to Esu Shrine at Ijelu Ekiti (Morning)and Ogun lakaye shrine at IRE Ekiti (Afternoon)

Day 2: Sunday 25th of May, 2025.
Visitation to Ilogbo Ekiti, the groove of the sacred palm nuts tree (OPE Ikin) With 42 heads (Morning ) and Ido IFaboro, Porpoye shrine as stated in Odu Ifa Irete Meji (Afternoon)

Day 3: Monday 26th of May, 2025.
Visitation to Osanyin shrine at Isaba (Morning )and Ijan the City Olomo the only Son of Poroye and Orunmila meet with Poroye shrine (Afternoon)

Day 4: Tuesday 27th of May, 2025.
Visitation to Orisa OKE shrine at Ara Ekiti 

Day 5: Wednesday 28th of May, 2025. 
Visitation to Erijiyan Ekiti, Erin shrine (Morning) and Ilawe Ekiti, Professor Odeyemi house for Prayer to our Ancestors (Afternoon)
 
Day 6: Thursday 29th of May, 2025. Symposium/Conference and IFA bibo at OKE Igeti, Ado Ekiti 

Day 7: Friday 30th of May, 2025.
Visitation to OSUN shrine at Igede Ekiti. The home of Osun.

Day 8 Saturday 31st of May, 2025.
Grand finale day @ OKE Olota, Ado Ekiti and IFA dida at Oke Igeti, Ado Ekiti.

Day 9: Sunday 1st of June, 2025.
Departure of Pilgrims.

Come and experience the Pilgrimage of Excellence, where Orisa walk with us, and Ifa speaks through every moment.

eXploreÈkìtì®

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