Edi Festival In Ipetumodu: A Consequent Emotion and Socio-Religious Phenomenon

Abstract

This paper is based on existing literature and field investigation into the Yoruba socio-religious festival. Investigation,
observation, and oral interviews were carried out to authenticate the existing oral history of the people in Ipetumodu. Notable
people and the custodians of the shrine involved in Edi festival were interviewed during and after the festival. The art objects and
artifacts were identified. These artifacts (Opa, the iron rods representing Moremi and her only son Oluorogbo) are very crucial as
they must be pacified and worshipped annually or occasionally to appease the deity – Moremi. Elaborate rites are therefore to be
performed as to infuse spiritual power into them before and after use. Edi originated from Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the
Yoruba of South-Western Nigeria. Therefore, the study of Edi is of historical significance, and could be referred to as one of the
hegemonic festivals in which the rulership of a community periodically projects himself before the citizenry and endeavour to
demonstrate the power, greatness and sanctity of the regime. Edi festival could therefore be referred to as Moremi festival
because the festival involves her worship. Her activities and importance in the realm of things in Ile-Ife brought about Edi festival
to the town of Ipetumodu not far from Ile-Ife but of Oyo extraction.