Ogun, additionally thought-about the god of iron, is alleged to be one of many oldest gods that Olodumare despatched to earth for the creation of the universe.
Nevertheless, there are different varied myths surrounding its existence so far as its origins are involved. Historical past has it that Ogun was an expert hunter. His love for searching brought on him to be considered 'Osin-Imole', i.e. a frontrunner amongst different gods. It was stated that he was the one who paved the best way for different gods to return from heaven to earth along with his iron software. Being a ruthless deity, he selected to stay on the hilltop when he went searching.
Historical past additionally reveals that he most popular to stay in seclusion slightly than amongst individuals. When he needed to narrate to different gods, he often wore a gown or gown of fireplace and blood. When he was not accepted by his individuals and bored with secular life, he borrowed palm fronts from the palm tree and went to 'Ire', the place he was made king; that’s the reason he was additionally referred to as “Ogun-Onire” that means the 'Lord of Ire' at any time when he was praised.
Ogun Pageant, popularly often known as Ekimogun, is an annual competition celebrated by the Yoruba individuals of Ondo State, Nigeria, in honor of Ogun. In keeping with an oral custom in Ondo city, Ogun was believed to be a hunter who migrated from Ile-Ife to Ire-Ekiti searching for sport however he ultimately ended up completely in Ire-Ekiti and disappeared into the bottom when the individuals of the city The town cheated him with an empty barrel of palm wine. One other model of the story acknowledged that he beheaded all of the individuals who had betrayed him along with his sword and disappeared to the hilltop, whereas some stated he disappeared into the bottom.
The competition, which is shortly assuming the standing of a significant occasion of nationwide significance, is well known in Ondo between the months of August and September. The celebration is often accompanied by a masquerade of assorted designs.
In keeping with Olupona, one of many chiefs of Ogun worshipers within the state, preparation for the Ekimogun competition often takes place inside 17 days whereas the ultimate ritual is carried out earlier than the looks of the brand new moon. On the day of the ceremony, a trumpet is blown early within the morning on the home of 'Ayadi', the ritual specialist of Ogun (Ogun priest) within the state. The trumpet, constituted of an extended gourd, is named “UPE”. This sound often marks the start of the Ogun Pageant in Ondo State. This “UPE” trumpet is performed for seven consecutive days. The sound of UPE often performs an essential function and conveys a message that ought to be noticed by most individuals, particularly by the Ogun worshippers. Throughout this era, varied cultural dances are achieved to reward the deity and heroes of the previous, resembling “Jamu-ila”.
Moreover, with the 17 days marking the Ekimogun competition, a number of actions should be carried out earlier than the market day, which often falls on the ninth day previous the D-day. The king's emissary is the one who makes the official ruling on the ceremony, which often entails clearing the paths and repairing bridges. On the fifth day earlier than the true event, sure rituals should be carried out in a ceremony referred to as 'Aleto'. The Aleto is split into three elements: Aisun Ogun (Ogun wake), Ogun Owuro (Ogun morning) Ogun Ale (Ogun night time).
A number of the individuals concerned within the procession of Aleto, led by the traditionalists, encompass craftsmen resembling mechanics, blacksmiths, drivers, hunters, tailors and amongst others, throughout which varied ritual powders and charcoal are robbed on their faces to realize glamor so as to add to the competition.
A number of the supplies utilized by Ogun devotees throughout the ceremony embrace canine, tortoise, palm oil, roasted yam, palm oil, chilly water, kola nuts and iron rod.
The Ogun worshipers additionally worship their ancestors, believing that the ancestors are current on earth at the moment to greet, examine and bless them.
- Olanrewaju is from the Ministry of Schooling, Nationwide Museum, Ile-Ife.
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