The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has commended the people of Igbo-Ora for preserving their rich history and cultural heritage, a feat that has turned the ancient town into a global tourist destination.
Oba Owoade gave the commendation on Saturday in his goodwill message to this year’s World Twins Festival held in Igbo-Ora, Oyo State.
A release by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and Superior Head of Yorubaland was represented at the event by his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwumi Olajumoke Owoade, who was warmly received by traditional rulers in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
In the message, the Alaafin noted that twins occupy a unique and revered position in Yoruba culture, symbolizing deep spiritual and cultural beliefs.
According to him, twins, known in Yoruba as “Ibeji” meaning double birth, are believed to possess special spiritual powers and are regarded as divine beings and messengers of the gods.
“The birth of twins is seen as a great blessing. They are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to their families. In Yoruba religion, Ibeji is an Orisha that represents twins. Devotees worship Ibeji to seek protection, fertility and blessings, with offerings and rituals conducted to ensure the well-being of twins and harness their positive influence,” the monarch stated.
Oba Owoade added that twins play significant social and cultural roles in Yorubaland and are often celebrated with special ceremonies and unique names that reflect their status.
He said festivals such as the Igbo-Ora World Twins Festival underscore the importance of twins and reinforce their place in the cultural fabric of Yoruba society.
“The significance of twins in Yoruba culture is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, social practices and cultural traditions. Through rituals, festivals and artistic expressions like Ere Ibeji, the Yoruba people celebrate and honour the presence of twins,” he stressed.
The Alaafin also lauded the Oyo State Government for its commitment to cultural re-engineering, growth and development.
Igbo-Ora, located in Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State, is globally renowned for its unusually high rate of twin births. It is estimated that one in every four births in the town results in twins, compared to the global average of one in 80 births.
While the mystery behind the phenomenon remains unresolved, the town continues to cherish its twins as symbols of good fortune and pride. Theories ranging from genetics to dietary factors, particularly the consumption of yam and cassava, have been advanced by researchers.
Apart from its twinning heritage, Igbo-Ora is also noted for its rich craftsmanship, especially exquisite wood carvings, and the scenic Oke-Mosan Hill which offers a panoramic view of the town.
This year’s festival attracted hundreds of twins and their families and featured traditional music, dances and rituals to honour the twins and seek blessings from the Ibeji Orisha.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of a set of twins to the Alaafin’s Queen Consort by a mother, which was received with excitement.
