AKURE – His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogu-noye III, the Olowo of Owo, has officially launched the 2023 Igogo festival in Ondo State’s Owo Kingdom. The monarch, in a press conference at his palace, introduced significant changes to engage the younger generation and attract tourists.
Igogo, with a history spanning over 800 years, provides a platform for showcasing culture and customs during its 17-day duration, featuring traditional attire, cuisines, and cultural items to preserve heritage.
New additions to the festival include the Oronsen Beauty Pageant, a festival market, and Ogwha Lopo, which commences just two days after Igogo, incorporating lively drumming and dancing, a departure from the traditional use of Gongs.
During Ogwha Lopo, the Olowo of Owo presides while the kingdom’s youth, organized by age groups, participate in a vibrant dance paying homage to their king.
The Oransen Beauty Pageant is set to make its debut in the 2024 edition of the Igogo festival.
Oba Ogunoye also unveiled the kingdom’s objectives, emphasizing, “Despite the absence of a manufacturing industry in Owo, the Igogo festival will serve as a catalyst to draw in a substantial influx of visitors, invigorating the local economy.”
This, in turn, will bring happiness to our society, boost tourism, enhance the economy, and create employment opportunities for our youth.
“As expected, the entertainment industry will showcase the Kingdom’s diverse cultural heritage, adding vibrancy to our social life. The Igogo Festival will open doors for wealth creation, elevate our small-scale cloth weaving and artistic businesses, and foster overall socio-economic development in Owo Kingdom.”
