Owo Still Mourning Victims Of Terrorists Attack, Opts For Low Key Traditional Festival

By Ayodele Oni

This year’s annual Igogo festival in Owo, Ondo state, will be low keyed to reflect the mood of present situation.

Igogo festival is annual traditional festival, which attracts indigenes and non indigenes of the ancient town from near and far.

During the celebration,the traditional ruler dances round the community and appease ancestors for a peaceful regime.

A statement on Friday from the Owo of Owo palace on this year’s celebration reads : “Aftermath of the 5th June, 2022 dastard attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo, the OLOWO-IN-COUNCIL has resolved that, 2022 Igogo Festival in the ancient Kingdom would not hold in celebrations, but in observance of the rites and prayers.

“The statement on Friday signed by Sam Adewale, Special Assistant Media, to the Olowo of Owo continues “It is no gain saying that, Igogo Festival has become a phenomenal in the history of the kingdom, most especially, since the enthronement of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye Ill.

“Therefore, arriving at this decision in respect of this year’s festival require the understanding of all.

“This notwithstanding, the good news is that, next year’s Festival is visibly around the corner, which by the grace of God, we shall all be witnesses in sound health and abundant prosperities.

“In effect, all the traditional Chiefs, Priests and other Rites’ Officials are to get prepared for the rites and prayers in solemnity.

“Also, abstinence during the festival, in form of drumming and booming of guns between 12th and 29th September must be observed.

“The Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, is therefore grateful for the support and solidarity of the good people of this great kingdom and all our global friends, at this period of our challenges which the kingdom is already overcoming.”

Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo was attacked by terrorists two months ago during which not less than 40 persons were certified dead.

Some suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.