Osun Osogbo Festival begins with traditional ‘Iwopopo’ rites

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The 2025 edition of the Osun Osogbo Festival kicked off on Monday with the traditional ‘Iwopopo’ procession, signifying the formal start of the revered annual event.

‘Iwopopo’, the ceremonial cleansing of Osogbo town, is an important rite carried out before the main festival activities begin.

Worshippers, priests, traditional chiefs, and members of the Ataoja-in-Council gathered at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, to take part in the spiritual exercise.

The procession, led by the Ataoja and his wives, moved from the palace to Gbaemu Junction, with participants dressed in full traditional attire, accompanied by chants and drumming.

A large crowd of residents lined the streets to witness the ritual, expressing joy as the festival officially began.

Also present were the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Bankole Ojo, and several local and international tourists.

At Gbaemu, the chiefs paid homage to the king, who sat at the town’s centre while traditional music and dancing filled the air.

The Osun Osogbo Festival, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage event, will climax on August 8 with the grand procession to the Osun Sacred Grove, where thousands are expected to honour the Osun deity.