The 2022 edition of Ààrẹ Aláwọ̀ ẹkùn festival of peace and progress, code named the Obatala Ofiki Day will start on Tuesday 20th and end on Thursday 22nd December, 2022.
This was contained in a statement signed by the monarch, Ọba Gbenga Adigun Adéòye Oyetunji Oyinlola II, Ààrẹ of Ofiki, on Sunday.
According to the monarch, Obàtálá Ofìkì Day is an annual and end-of-the-year event that features interactions of intra and inter tribal, faith, age, families and varied nationals interactions.
The statement read: “Obàtálá Ofìkì Day is an annual and end-of-the-year event that features intra and inter tribal, faith, race, age, families and varied nationals interactions.
“Yorubas, Batɔ̃nus, Hausas, Igbo, Fulanis, Benonesse, Togolese, Congolese, Niger Republic etc of varieties of faith persuasions – traditional worshipers, Christians and Muslims – and of differing gender, age and races come together and interact.
“This interaction does not leave out the traditional institution whereby monarchs from neighbouring communities participate.”
Ọba Gbenga Adigun Adéòye listed some of the activities for the event adding that the interaction will be done through diversity of activities.
He said: “Hiking of 250+ altitude Obatala mountain for physical fitness and exercise and for spiritual exercise of meditation and collective prayers.
“Entertainment with musical lyrics well emersed in cultural display, historical angle accompanied with rigorous dancing and feasting.
“Plus varieties like Ayo, cultural hair making, dancing and Cognomen chanting such as Ijala Ode etc.
“The monarchy’s blessings and pronouncements, Social economic dimensions such as SIM card registration, N I N registration, bank account opening and transaction and photo studio to capture the memory.”
Aare Ofìkì said maximum security is guaranteed adding that music will be by Akoko fuji.
He added that all events of 22nd December 2022 would be at Obatala Ancient Home Stead of their progenitor.
He listed event scheduled as: “Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st December 2022 – Revival at Aafin Aare Alawo Ekun of Ofiki Land by 4pm.
“Football match 21st December 2022 at Muslim Community Primary school Ofiki.
“Grand finale – 22nd December 2022 – Time : 7am – 10am for special prayers
“Arrival of invited guests, Entertainment & Varieties. Time 10am – 6pm departure.”
Ààrẹ Ofiki said he has facilitated strategic self-help projects such as building and registration of court of law, community market for coordinated economic activities
He added that Obàtálá Ofìkì Day 2022 is again an attestation that “we are alive and living to the fullest here!”