Ogun Festival is an annual festival observed by the

Yoruba people The Yoruba people (, , ) are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitute ...

Ondo State Ondo State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Oǹdó) is a state in southwestern Nigeria. It was created on 3 February 1976 from the former Western State. It borders Ekiti State to the north, Kogi State to the northeast, Edo State to the east, Delta State to t ...

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

in honour of

Ogun Ogun or Ogoun (Yoruba: Ògún, Portuguese: Ogum, Gu; also spelled Oggun or Ogou; known as Ogún or Ogum in Latin America) is a spirit that appears in several African religions. He attempted to seize the throne after the demise of Obatala, who re ...

, a warrior and powerful spirit of metal work believed by the Yoruba to be the first god to arrive on earth.

History

According to

Yoruba mythology The Yoruba people (, , ) are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The areas of these countries primarily inhabited by Yoruba are often collectively referred to as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitute ...

, Ogun was a King and the father of Oranmiyan, and the first person to arrive on earth; he used a cutlass and a dog to clear the road for the arrival of other deities. He is also said to have given the finishing touches to the first set of humans created by Obatala, the Yoruba god of creation. His festival is usually held around August or September in Ondo State and parts of Ekiti state.

Preparation

Preparation for the festival begin seventeen days in advance. The chief priest announces the sighting of the new moon (which must be sighted before beginning the festival) by blowing the ''upe'' (local trumpet) for seven days. Nine days after the sighting of the new moon, the king sends an emissary to officially announce the ceremony. Preparations for the festival include the repairing of bridges and clearing of footpaths. The festival continues with a vigil called Ilagun, Asoro or aisun ogun which takes place three days before the Ogun day. The blacksmiths of the city of Ife donate new cutlasses, hoes and bell gongs, and the shrine is beautified with palm fronds, cowries and other items. Libation is then poured, a ritual dance is conducted around the shrine, and prayers are offered. Dogs are prepared for sacrifice.

Festivity

The festival reaches a frenzy during the last three days. The dog which is the main centre of the festival is slaughtered on the first of these days. Two people moving in opposite directions pull the dog towards themselves hence forcing it to a slow and painful death. Sometimes the High priest kills the dog by striking it with a machete before it actually dies. The blood of the dog is then mixed with salt, kolanuts, palm wine and palm oil, and poured over the working tools of the worshipers which are gathered in a bowl; this is believed to protect them from trouble and bring about abundant profits. Ogun is the patron of those who make use of metals in their everyday work, such as blacksmith, drivers, mechanics and surgeons. The festival can also be held anywhere as the high priest sometimes celebrates the festival at

Abuja Abuja () is the capital and eighth most populous city of Nigeria. Situated at the centre of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it is a planned city built mainly in the 1980s based on a master plan by International Plann ...

without not following the usual seventeen-day order.

References

{{reflist Festivals in Nigeria Yoruba festivals Cultural festivals in Nigeria