New Era Foundation Celebrates Sixth Olokun Festival, Reiterates Commitment to Yoruba Heritage

The New Era Foundation for Yoruba Festival and Culture Intervention has marked the sixth edition of its annual Olokun Festival, with a renewed pledge to preserve Yoruba traditions, promote cultural identity and strengthen unity among the people.

The 2026 edition was held at Debojo Beach, Eleko, in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State, attracting members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and Yoruba sons and daughters from different communities.

Speaking at the celebration, President of OPC New Era, Comrade Rasak Arogundade, described the Olokun Festival as an important annual occasion for celebrating the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.

Arogundade said the festival offered participants an opportunity to come together in prayer and thanksgiving, while also seeking peace, prosperity and progress for their families and communities.

He called on members of OPC New Era to remain peaceful, responsible and committed to safeguarding Yoruba cultural values, while contributing positively to the development of their communities.

Also speaking, Chairman of OPC New Era in Oyo State, Comrade Rotimi Olumo, said the festival had continued to grow as an important gathering for people interested in Yoruba culture and traditions.

Olumo emphasised that the celebration was not restricted to OPC members, but was open to all Yoruba people and others who value the preservation of the Yoruba cultural heritage.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity for participants to pray for peace, prosperity, good health, long life and progress for the Yoruba people.

Olumo also prayed for the traditional rulers who attended the festival, asking for wisdom, good health and long reigns for them. 

He equally prayed for Arogundade, wishing him strength, wisdom and sound health to continue providing leadership for OPC New Era.

The festival featured prayers, traditional observances and cultural activities, with some participants collecting water to take home as part of their personal cultural and spiritual practices.

The celebration also featured an entertaining performance by Ibadan-born Fuji musician Taye Currency, who thrilled the audience and added excitement to the event.

The organisers said the annual Olokun Festival would remain a platform for celebrating Yoruba identity, preserving ancestral traditions, fostering unity and promoting peaceful coexistence among the people.