By ```Ogunleye Busuyi Kehinde```
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The Peoples of Yorubaland are undoubtedly known across the universe for their rich cultural heritage which ranges from a centralized system of government, communalism, festivals, ancestral panegyric, marriage institutions and to mention just a few. Be that as it may, all over the world, a Yoruba man or woman is seen as an embodiment of cultural excellence. The language itself is of many importance, as it is widely spoken in some part of Santiago and Rio De Janeiro's South American cities as well as soon West African cities.
Away from these facts, significantly, Ipele possesses more than a handful of cultural appellation. Aside from been a town under the Owo Local Government Area, most illustrious indigenes of Ipele would only believe that its a mere political delimitation with little or no concern with the headquarters. However, another school of thought may want to disembark on this view, only to claim that Ipele is not an independent entity due to dialect similarities and way of life.
This is it. Ipele since its inception in the earlier century could be said to have independent cultural inclination. The peoples of Ipele are considered to be men of valour and virtuous women who from time immemorial managed their affairs decently. The inter personal relations of these people are second to none. In one accord they could lift up their spirits just like the Biblical Seraphim.
Festivities are part of the major features of the Peoples of Ipele. With no definite starting point, Ero Festival in Ipele seems to be as old as the rock amongst the peoples of Ipele. The every Seven - Year event is recognized not just in the South Western part of Nigeria but across borders. This is an expression of love, age grade, old age and hardworking in every facet of life. The Ero festival is been seen as an event that pulls every indigene back home, regardless of the donkey years they have spent abroad. It is also a festival where people tend to showcase or if you may want to agree with me, flaunt their wealth as comparisons are often made amidst inhabitants of the town. Other festivals with less recognition, though important, are the Baba Oloju, Igogo and Egungun festivals.
Away from festivals, the people of Ipele are known for their unflinching regards and respects for their dead. Burial rites in Ipele is of course worthy of emulation. In fact, hardly will you see any aged parent not getting a befitting burial regardless of his or her lifetime. Common events of the burial rites which may include shooting of the dane guns, usually to announce the commencement of the ceremony, Ajabue (a dance round the two with traditional drums and dance), Olusempe (a form of red regalia and amazing dance steps), the traditional dance round the town in funfair, etc are of great importance. It is certain that if possible, the Dead smiles and blesses the souls of his people from his heavenly residence during his interment.
The people of Ipele are certainly individuals that embrace communalism and spirit of oneness. This could be easily seen among the various age grade via the Ikoju. Ikoju is an event whereby a member of a particular age group host his peers with food, meat and drink. During this period of feasting, matters arising regarding the development of the community are ceaselessly discussed. Punishment are also meted out to erring members of the group while contributions are solemnly made based on the situations of the moment. _Ikoju_ is responsible for bringing indigenes of Ipele closer to another. It is a platform where an individual is been schooled about the history of his lineage and where anyone who boast of his knowledge is summarily shut down in silence. As fun as it may looks, it could also breed resentment and enmity. Let's call a spade, a spade.
Tolerance and acceptance are parts of the major uncompromising characteristics of the ipele community as its people are known for their hospitality towards strangers. This could be seen in the area of perpetual inter-ethnic marriages of Ipele indigenes and their visitors. Lease of farmland also laid claim to this fact. Today, the community could boast of plethora of visitors ranging from Igala, Ebira, Igbo, Fulani, Nupe, Oyo, Idoma, Ikwale, Useba ethnic groups.
Ipele people are known for their culinary prowess. Their local delicacies are top notched. These food are not only delicious but nutritious. No wonder it is not uncommon to feel nostalgia most times. Common among these food is _Elekute Ogede_ , a kind of food made from pounded plantain known for its proteinous value. Also, there is _Egbo_ (made from grounded water yam), Abari (a similar food with moi moi but with maize), _Eegidi_ (pounded harden maize) _Ojojo_ (fried water yam), etc.
Also, the soup are of different variance. These soup are highly delicious and Medicinal. Few of them may include korowu (cotton seed), _obe ogun_ (the bark of a certain tree, I guess) _sukusu_ (I don't know much about this) _irema_ , etc. Little wonder why the people of ipele are always hail and healthy from terminal diseases and sicknesses.
The chieftaincy and kingship institution should be touched as well, Ipele is not moribund in this regard. Infact, ipele has the most robost chieftaincy institution within its suburb. The quarters are intertwined towards the development of the community. There seems to be a highly centralized monarchical system of traditional administrative system.
Away from these cultural appraisal, Ipele seems not to have reaped from its cultural heritage. The journey is seriously on an overtime. The motion is slow and the acceleration is crawling. The preservation of this cultural heritage and values amongst younger generations is becoming almost impossible.
Documentations of our cultural significance have been totally hammered with little or no concern.
Contemporary religion of Christianity and Islam are making us strangers to our religious observances. Civilization and modernity has made lot of people derail from Indigenous ways of life. Recently, it is now becoming common for Ajabue to be danced round the town with modern songs such as hip hop, highlife, R n B with even the services of a Disc Jockey (DJ). How on earth are we going to preserve our traditional music?
National, state and grassroot Politics are undermining our cultural potentials. Community stakeholders are now actively involved in partisan politics, digging pits for fellow brothers, on the name of a political demagogue who barely knows them by their names.
With the status of the Ero Festival, I want to state that the festival is long due for United Nations' UNESCO recognition. It is never a gain say if the Ministry of Culture and Tourism sends delegates to witness this August Event. Our Indigenous Tradomedic Practices is enough to sell out our traditional healers to the outside world.
Of all these, the concerns given to the preservation of heritage are below expectations. Our dialect is becoming strange in our ears with disgusting adulteration. Hypocritically, many are now religious but ungodly.
A stitch in time, they say, saves a nine. It is not over until its over. This is a clarion call to all and sundry to start tall to this collective responsibility. As we sail along on the voyage of civilization, let it be know that the tides may wash off our cultural heritage if we mismanage the bearing.
Sons and Daughters in Europe and America should deem it vital to promote Ipele significant culture wherever they may find themselves. For we were first Upeleans even before we were Nigerian! Let this sinks!
Our parents in cities should inculcate the habit of sharing the Ipele dialect with their children as it may one day be their saving grace!
Our songs and dances should be encouraged when the opportunity comes for it. Our culinary should serve our belle at most times and we should engage in collective development of our community. As we await God's own king, everybody should zip up and save Ipele from its cultural mire. It is a 21st century, we bound by these responsibilities.
It calls for concern for all hand to be on deck as we all blend civility, modernity and traditional values for our common goals.
Remember, the Man in Washington only prays for America.
Ipele shall be great again!
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