The people of the ancient city of Offa hold very dearly to their old customs. One such way that they remind themselves of their values is by celebrating a colorful festival called "Ijakadi l'owo Offa", which translates to "Wrestling is an Offa game". The exciting event holds every December and is a way the people promote a hard work ethic, determination, while putting down laziness and docility amongst themselves.
It is a week-long event and the town of Offa hums with activity and excitement during this period. The lineup of activities include church and mosque services, press conferences, traditional dances, debates, a beauty pageant, colorful parades, wrestling bouts, masquerades, and much more. The event is full of music and color, and it attracts thousands of indigenes and friends of Offa from far and wide, and many make sure not to miss it yearly.
The custom of Ijakadi has interesting origins, its primary purpose seemed to be a civil way of resolving conflicts among Offa ancestors. It has an organized set of rules and the aim is to skillfully grapple your opponent and throw them to the ground.
Historical accounts tell stories of the early Offa people, and going through the texts, one quickly sees where the warrior spirit comes from. During the turbulence of the breakdown of the Oyo empire, Offa indigenes had to settle and resettle a number of times, before finally making the south-east of Ilorin their home. The period (1397-1448) when the first Olofa (king), Olalomi Olofa-gangan ruled is recorded to be a nomadic time for the people due to intertribal conflicts and breakdown of the dynasty. The first Olofa, a great hunter, his weapon of choice being the bow (orun) and arrow (ofa), explains where the title 'Olofa' originates. It also makes me wonder why the Ijakadi festival doesn't have an archery element. Anyway, accounts say he had two sons who helped him on his farm and were given 8 yams as a reward for their work. While washing the dirt off the yams in the river, one was washed away and this caused a big fight - who would take 4 and who would take 3? Olalomi settled the bout by cutting one of the yams into 2 pieces - and this is a symbolic part of the Ijakadi festival, as well as the mock wrestling match between the Olofa and his 2nd in command.
Another part of Offa history that contributes to the brave spirit, is the account of Queen Moremi Ajasoro. She hailed from Offa and was married to Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa, and 2nd king of Ile-Ife. The kingdom of Ile-Ife and the kingdom of Ugbo were at war and the Ugbo people, having knowledge of the forest had the upper hand. These intertribal wars resulted in many people being displaced or sold as slaves. The people of Ile-Ife regarded them as "Ara Orun - Heavenly bodies", appearing as imposing masquerades covered in raffia palm fronds. In Yoruba, they are called Egungun and are a big part of African spirituality and feature in most celebrations and festivities. They also make appearances during times of war and can be fearsome intimidatory specters that strike fear in the hearts of enemies.
Queen Moremi, wise, courageous and beautiful made a pledge to the Esiminrin river and allowed herself to be captured by the Ugbo people. She would eventually marry their leader and learn the secrets of her new husbands army and escape back to Ile-Ife. Her information was immensely valuable and their defense stopped further attacks from the Ugbo. She went back to the Esiminrin river to fulfill her pledge and the spirits demanded the ultimate sacrifice - her only son Oluorogbo. She pleaded, distraught at the idea but eventually did what was asked. The whole kingdom mourned the death of the young prince and in consolation with their queen, swore to be her eternal children, a promise kept till today.
There are probably many more instances in the history of Offa that speak tales of courage and bravery but it's easy to see where the warrior spirit germinates from. The attitude of not backing down when faced with tribulations is admirable and Offa indigenes apply it to all aspects of their lives, a key ingredient for success.
The Ijakadi festivities are full of excitement and buzz, unfortunately I was not able to witness any actual wrestling matches but hopefully soon. All the fights had taken place at a time prior to the festival but I would like for it to be a part of the events. No doubt, this would take the excitement to the next level. The sport is male-dominated, but women are very much involved in other parts of the festival, from planning to participating in the trivia and beauty pageants. The idea is that even though women might not be built for physical combat, their contributions to the society are no less important.
The week of activity all lead up to the final day which took place at the Offa stadium. Crowds of people showed up in large numbers and it felt good to see the emotion in people’s faces. It is not everyday the whole kingdom gets to celebrate together. The common identity was a source of joy, and the people joyously praised the ideals and beliefs that bind and strengthen their society. Soon after, the mock wrestling match between the Olofa and his second in command took place, and this took the excitement level to a fever pitch. Winners of the wrestling matches were awarded prizes, as well as those of the beauty pageants and trivia sessions - highlighting the multiple ways strength can express itself, and I left feeling a sense of valour, by merely being a witness of the momentous occasion.
You can see a video of what the Ijakadi week was like here, and don’t forget to share with people who will appreciate it.
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