PLACES: Erinmo Day 2014 – Revival Of An Age-Long Celebration

A Yoruba adage “Nkan ti a nwa lo si Sokoto, o wa ni apo sokoto”, when translated in English literarily means “Why travel far when what you seek for is close by”.
Every year myriads of Nigerians travel to the city of Israel and Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage and for prayers. However, right here in the South Western part of Nigeria, Erinmo mountains in Erinmo Ijesa from time to time is visited by several people from different parts of the country for prayers of help to surmount their numerous challenges. Little wonder, this serene town is blessed with a renowned man of God like Prophet S.K. Abiara of the Christ Apostolic Church.
Historically, Erinmo is a town whose origin can be traced to the cradle of the Yoruba race, Ile-Ife. It is believed that Erinmo was founded by the third and fifth Ooni of Ife.
Geographically, Erinmo is located at the border between Osun and Ekiti State making it a transit town through which people can reach several parts of Nigeria.
Erinmo Ijesa is an autonomous community in Oriade Local Government area in the State of Osun.
The town can aptly be described as a Jerusalem of some sort due to the several thousands of people from within and outside Nigeria that visit the popular ‘Oke Erinmo’ (Erimo Mountain) for various prayer requests. Many who had visited the prayer mountain can attest to answered prayers. For those who had visited, they can proudly say that God works wonders at Oke Erinmo and testimonies abound to validate this fact.
No doubt, Erinmo Day Celebration is not new to the people of the community (at least the older generation), but this year’s event is a very special one given the fact that it marks a revival of the annual event after being rested for 18 years.
indeed indigenes both home and abroad received the news of the revival of the age-long celebration with much Exhilaration and anticipation.
The people of Erinmo, while still basking in the euphoria of the enthronement of HRM Oba (Dr.) Michael Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II, a well educated, young, dynamic and intelligent man as the new Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesa, were equally greeted with the news that the Ilufemiloye (as the Kabiyesi is fondly called) has inaugurated a committee to resuscitate the hitherto rested Erinmo Day Celebration, with the aim of bringing more glamour into it and making it a common base for the rapid development of the ancient town.
The young indigenes of Erinmo especially those born some 20 years ago who had never witnessed such celebration are looking forward to it with so much expectation, as well, the older generation are quite nostalgic about it.
Kabiyesi Oba Elerinmo no doubt is leaving no stone unturned to make the event a memorable one. He has however made available his vast contacts in both the business and corporate world and within the traditional council for the planning committee to leverage on and mobilise for this year’s celebration.
Activities for Erinmo Day
This year’s celebration is billed to be a five-day (5) event, starting from 24th December to 28th December 2014, with various activities such as Ayo Olopon game, Novelty football matches, street carnival, children’s Christmas party with the Elerinmo, interactive session between the Elerinmo and the indigenes and Jumat prayers.
The high point of the event will be on Saturday 27th December where a N300 million ultra-modern palace and other developmental projects’ fund will be launched. Erinmo will play host to various dignitaries from far and near, several royal fathers are expected to grace the occasion and as well many captains of industries and business leaders. Several political leaders across various political divide have equally indicated their readiness to attend this year’s celebration.
The governor of the State of Osun Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola is the Special Guest of Honour while the highly respected Yoruba Elder, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun is expected to chair the occasion. Many other prominent Nigerians too numerous to mention are billed to attend.
The celebration will be brought to a close on Sunday 28th December with an interdenominational thanksgiving service to be led by no other than the world renowned Evangelist (an indigene of Erinmo) Prophet S. K. Abiara.
Prospects of Erinmo
In a statement released by Abiodun Olusesan Ogundele, chairman, Erinmo Day 2014 Planning Committee, he stated some of the benefits and prospects of Erinmo Ijesa.
The popular Oke Erinmo is still under-utilized. There are about five (5) other mountains suitable as tourist attraction and destination; we have a massive arable land that is well suitable for large scale Agricultural activities.
Erinmo people are warm, loving, hospitable, receptive and very peaceful. Government and other private investors are hereby requested to look in the direction of Erinmo as we guarantee a huge and quick return on investment. I must equally mention the abundance of human resources in Erinmo. We are proud to state that Erinmo has very educated, highly skilled and competent sons and daughters both home and all round the globe.
The Clarion Call
The time has come for all Erinmo indigene to come and join hands together as we march on in this journey to our new era and as we reposition Erinmo Ijesa to take its rightful place in the scheme of things in Osun State and in Nigeria as a whole. Erinmo a gbe wa! Igba otun de!
DAILY TIMES