Olomuo: Reggae Dance Has Roots in Omuo Festivals

Monarch showcases Epa Festival as Ekiti’s global tourism asset, urges preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage

By Idowu Adebomi

OMUO-EKITI — The Olomuo of Omuo-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Noah Adejuwon Omonigbehin, Okinbaloye II, has highlighted the cultural significance of the ancient kingdom’s Epa Festival, suggesting that some dance movements associated with reggae music and Jamaican performers have roots in the traditional dances of Omuo.

The monarch made the observation during the 2026 Epa Festival, celebrated with colourful masquerade displays, traditional rites, indigenous music and spectacular cultural performances at Ilisa Quarters, Omuo-Ekiti, in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Oba Omonigbehin, whose position as the traditional ruler places him at the heart of the kingdom’s cultural heritage, explained that the distinctive dance steps, rhythmic patterns and coordinated movements displayed by the masquerades reflected the uniqueness of Omuo’s ancestral traditions. He said the festival provided an opportunity to showcase these cultural expressions to audiences within and outside Nigeria.

The Olomuo noted that different categories of masquerades featured at the celebration, each with its own costumes, movements and performance styles, collectively representing the history, beliefs and identity of the people. He drew attention to similarities between some of the traditional dance movements and those associated with Jamaican reggae performers, arguing that Omuo’s cultural heritage deserved wider international recognition. The suggestion about reggae’s origins, however, remains the monarch’s observation rather than an independently established historical fact.

The monarch also emphasised that the Epa Festival transcended religious affiliations, bringing together Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers in a shared celebration of community heritage. According to him, the festival offers an opportunity for people to reconnect with their ancestry, strengthen communal bonds and appreciate the cultural traditions passed down through generations.

The celebration attracted a large gathering of indigenes, visitors, cultural enthusiasts and other well-wishers, who began arriving at Ilisa Quarters from the early hours of Wednesday. Babalawos, Elepa performers, Onimole groups, traditional chiefs, age grades and other cultural units participated in the ceremonies, paying homage to the monarch and honouring the kingdom’s ancestral traditions.

The festival, traditionally scheduled once every three years, is one of Omuo-Ekiti’s distinctive cultural institutions. Its elaborate preparations involve traditional observances, prayers, substantial financial commitments and the coordination of different cultural groups. Beyond its ceremonial importance, the event preserves indigenous knowledge and provides a platform for younger generations to learn about their community’s history and customs.

The Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government and Chairman of the 2026 Epa Festival Planning Committee, High Chief Ojo Oluwasegun, said the revival and promotion of the festival were driven by the need to preserve Omuo’s cultural identity and harness its potential for tourism and economic development. He also serves as Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ekiti State and National Treasurer of ALGON.

High Chief Ojo explained that the festival had experienced prolonged interruptions because of the financial and organisational demands associated with its staging. He said the previous edition was held in 2022, while the current celebration was designed to attract broader national and international participation and establish Omuo-Ekiti as a recognised cultural tourism destination.

According to him, the festival has already stimulated commercial activities in the community, particularly in transportation, food vending, hospitality and other forms of trading. He maintained that sustained investment, effective publicity and institutional support could expand these benefits, create opportunities for young people and increase the contribution of cultural tourism to Ekiti State’s economy.

The Olisa of Ilisa Quarters, High Chief Orojo Olatunbosun, described the Epa Festival as an important instrument for promoting communal solidarity, generosity and social responsibility, particularly among younger people. He recalled that traditional practices associated with the celebration encouraged assistance to children and other members of the community, reinforcing the values of mutual support and gratitude.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Solomon Sunday Bamikole, who holds the traditional title of Obaisemo of Ilisa, said the festival promotes unity, peace, cultural education and community development. He explained that the Olomuo’s central role reflects the monarch’s responsibility as custodian of the kingdom’s customs, traditions and ancestral heritage.

The Head of Yeye Olori Eru of Ilisa, Aladesanmi Titilayo, also described the festival as a unifying symbol for Omuo indigenes at home and abroad. She said preliminary cultural activities, including the Itoko Orisa celebration and Orobo dance, had helped build anticipation for the main event, while the various masquerades and age-grade groups added colour and excitement to the festivities.

The 2026 Epa Festival runs from October 12 to October 18, with Wednesday’s celebration serving as the official event. Organisers are seeking to attract more visitors, cultural researchers, investors and international tourists to subsequent editions, while encouraging younger generations to embrace and preserve their heritage.

With the Olomuo championing the international visibility of Omuo’s traditional performances, the festival presents an opportunity for Ekiti State to strengthen its cultural tourism profile. Through sustained documentation, infrastructure development, private-sector investment and effective global promotion, the Epa Festival could become a more prominent attraction, bringing the history and cultural expressions of Omuo-Ekiti to a wider audience.