The ancient town of Òlà in Osun State is once again aglow with cultural pride as it prepares to observe the 2025 edition of Odun Alase — a centuries-old festival rooted in peace, purity, and reconciliation.
The Odun Alase, usually celebrated a day after Odun Olola in October, holds a special place in the spiritual and cultural life of Òlà. In the early years, both were known as Ebo Olola and Ebo Alase, signifying their deep religious and communal undertones.
Unlike the Alanu Festival, when a new yam is eaten publicly in July or August, Odun Alase comes when the yam is fully ripe. It is eaten by the Alase alone, symbolising the readiness of the land and the purity of leadership.
Historically, the festival was marked by a sacred retreat where the Olola, the traditional ruler of Òlà, and the Alase, his next-in-rank chief, spent two nights together under a white cloth known as Aso Ala, representing purity of mind and heart. Between midnight and 1:00 a.m., both leaders prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity in Òlà.
During the seclusion, misunderstandings between them, or among their families, the Omo Olola and Omo Alase, were peacefully resolved, reaffirming harmony and cooperation across the town. The festival also featured the symbolic eating of new yams with freshly made palm oil (epo pupa oojo), prepared and used on the same day, a ritual denoting sincerity and renewal.
Tradition holds that the original site of the observance, called Boosa, once stood opposite the present-day Christ Apostolic Church in Òlà. The footpath leading there was jointly cleared by descendants of both royal houses, an act known locally as “won ye ona” before the leaders emerged on the final day to greet the people amid dancing and drumming.
This year, the Alase of Òlà Land, Dr Olufemi Fasanya, will perform the sacred rites of Odun Alase from Tuesday, October 7, to Thursday, October 9, 2025, offering prayers for peace, progress, and divine guidance for the people of Òlà.
As the town awaits this revered moment, Odun Alase continues to stand as a reminder that true leadership begins with humility, reflection, and service to the people.
Historic Site: Boosa, opposite the present-day CAC, Òlà.
Unique Feature: Disputes between royal houses are settled before prayers.
In a message ahead of this year’s festival, the Alase of Òlà Land, Dr Olufemi Fasanya, urged the people to uphold unity and purity of purpose as the true strength of the community.
“Odun Alase is not just a festival, it is a call to self-reflection and collective renewal. As we perform the rites this year, may peace, progress, and divine favour continue to dwell in Òlà Land and in the lives of all our people” he said.
