Olota to Announce Date for Otta Egungun World Festival — ‘It Will Be Bigger Than Ever,’ Palace Declares
Otta, Ogun State — The ancient town of Otta is set to witness another historic cultural moment as the official date for the much-anticipated Otta Egungun World Festival will be announced today, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The announcement will take place at Iga Itimoko, in accordance with the sacred traditions and ancestral customs of the Otta Kingdom.
With the blessing and formal approval of His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D, the Olota of Otta, the festival is expected to build on the momentum and cultural impact of previous editions, reaffirming Otta’s position as the spiritual and cultural headquarters of the Egungun tradition.
Speaking through a palace source ahead of the announcement, the Olota emphasized the festival’s growing significance.
“This year’s edition will not only honor our ancestors but also showcase the unmatched splendor of our heritage to the world,” His Majesty said. “Otta remains the Mecca of Egungun, and we are proud to uphold this legacy.”
The Egungun World Festival, renowned for its rich masquerade parades, ancestral rites, and communal celebrations, is more than a spectacle. It serves as a unifying force for the people of Otta and the wider Aworiland, celebrating identity, spirituality, and tradition.
“Every Egungun that dances through the streets of Otta tells a story — of who we are, where we’ve been, and the strength we carry forward,” the palace added. “It is a living tradition that connects us across generations.”
The festival’s organizing committee hinted at broader participation and international interest in this year’s celebration, which will include cultural displays, traditional music, and tributes to the town’s illustrious ancestors.
The public is invited to attend the date announcement ceremony at Iga Itimoko, as Otta prepares to host dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe.
“À ku oju l’ona o,” said the palace spokesperson. “May the path be clear for all who come to witness the greatness of our land.”
Stay tuned for the official festival date and full lineup of events
