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A Message from the Throne: Kabiyesi Oba Mufutau Ilufemiloye Ajagungbade I Esuwoye II,
People of Offa, sons and daughters of the soil, and our esteemed guests from across the globe:
It is with great joy and a heart full of pride that I welcome you to Ijakadi 2025. This festival is more than a gathering; it is the heartbeat of our kingdom. It reminds us of the legendary wrestling match that defined our ancestors—not as a symbol of conflict, but as a testament to our resilience, our strategy, and our victory over challenges.
As we witness the ‘Ijakadi’ wrestling, the vibrant ‘Offa Got Fire’ talent hunt, and the melodic echoes of Apala and Rara, let us remember that our unity is our greatest garment. Like the peacock displays its feathers in full glory, let us display the beauty of Offa to the world.
Come, celebrate with us. Ijakadi Loro lo l’Offa!
ABOUT ÌJÀKADÌ FESTIVAL
The Struggle that Built a Kingdom Ijakadi represents the historic wrestling bout between the founder of Offa and his brother. Today, it has evolved into a world-class cultural carnival. It is a day where the “Olofa” and the “Balogun” engage in a symbolic wrestling match to remind every Offa indigene that we are a people who do not back down—we strive, we wrestle, and we thrive.
FEATURING
Event Schedule - FRIDAY
Talent Hunt
The future of Offa takes center stage. From music to dance and innovation, watch the next generation of stars compete for glory in the heart of the city.
The TAMPAN Ijakadi Play
A cinematic experience brought to life on stage. Witness the history of our ancestors through a professional theatrical production by the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Runway & Pageantry
Style meets tradition. See the elegance of Offa textiles and the grace of our youth as we crown the ambassadors of our culture for 2025.
3:00 PM
Opening Ceremony
Opening Prayer & Welcome Address
3:20 PM
The Rhythm of Offa
Rasheed Apala Play
3:50 PM
Theatrical Heritage
Grand Stage Drama
4:30 PM
Modern Twist
Contemporary Cultural Fusion
4:40 PM
TAMPAN Special
Ijakadi Stage Play (Live Performance)
5:10 PM
Ayinde Chanter
Traditional Chants & Poetry
5:40 PM
Rara Sunsun
Ancestral Eulogies
6:20 PM
Offa Got Fire!
Talent Hunt & Youth Showcase
7:40 PM