The people of Ogun State and other States have been cautioned of their movement to and fro Ijebuland as the 2023 Edition of the Agemo Festival is to hold between 4th & 5th July, 2023.
This according to a statement obtained by ODUDUWA NEWS on Saturday evening which reads in part:
“This is to inform the general public that the 2023 Edition of the Agemo Festival is to hold between 4th & 5th July, 2023.
“Please mind your movement for those days, especially the Agemo routes in Ijebu areas.
“Anywhere you hear “Ekeee, Obiren m wo, Iku Aye”. Don’t joke with it. Speak with your two legs.
May God be with us”.
AGEMO festival is a masked and masquerade festival traditionally held in many Yoruba cities but more popularly link with ijebu people of ogun state. The festival and accompanying rituals are celebrated to honor the spirit of Agemo deity, who is believe to be a protector of children and who safeguards ijebus future.
The festival is linked with the traditional african religion in particular the parties of Agemo cult and as such issues like restriction of movement during certain period of the festival is no longer new.
No woman is allowed to look at the Agemo when coming into Ijebu Ode and going out of the ancient town during the festival annually. Sixxteen Agemo masquerades from different villages proceed to their shrine at Imosan, via Ijebu Ode on annual pilgrimage.
Each Agemo carries items such as feathers by some Agemo followers. It is considered as taboo for a woman to see the Agemo masquerade during their pilgrimage, the Agemo masquerade stops to receive gifts and offer prayers to residents.
At imosan, the masquerades receive additional gifts sent by the Awujale, they spend three days at the Agemo shrine performing traditional religious rites and appeasement of the Agemo deity.
It is a doctrine believe among the people to have cultural significance and divine authority passed from generation to generation. Agemo is an annual festival in ijebuland that dates back to several centuries and consistently held in the month of July to usher in the new yam season.