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The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and cultural preservation as he led the 2025 Ayangalu Drum Festival.
The annual cultural and symbolic drumming session took place at his palace earlier today.
In a press statement issued by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, the monarch described the drum as a sacred instrument of communication and spiritual connection in Yoruba cosmology.
The monarch also used the occasion to encourage young people to embrace their cultural roots, noting that the Ayangalu Festival is not merely an event but a reaffirmation of Yoruba spiritual heritage.
As part of his support for indigenous talent, the Ooni gifted a total of N4.95 million to participants of the drumming competition and cultural performers.
The first-place winner received N1 million, while the second and third place winners took home N750,000 and N500,000, respectively.
The Moremi Ensemble was rewarded with N2 million, ace drummer Akande Onilu received N500,000, while two other drummers went home with N100,000 each.
Olafaree added that the event witnessed massive turnout of culture enthusiasts, including professors from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from OAU, and traditional delegations from across the South-West.
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