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By Jonah Agye
The Oyarore Salt Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration in Keana, Nigeria, to commemorate the discovery of salt and the establishment of the Keana Settlement in 1232 AD. Traditionally, this week-long festival is a showcase of the rich cultural heritage, customs, and rituals of the people.
This festival is not just a party, it’s a heartfelt celebration of life, existence, and the roots of the Keana people. It’s also a get together of all sons and daughters and a moment to express gratitude to God and the ancestors for the gift of salt and blessing of wonderful harvests.
During the festivities, you can expect traditional dance, songs like folkloric songs and storytelling, and see lively masquerades displays, wrestling matches, and various cultural talents that aim to foster community spirit and strengthen social ties.
When it comes to organizing the event, the Osana of Keana, the traditional ruler, takes the lead, with support from community leaders and traditional title holders known as Igabwo.
In the past, the Igabwo were the backbone of the festival’s organization and execution. They were responsible for gathering the necessary resources to make the event a success. Visitors were assigned to a specific Igabwo, who took care of their accommodation and overall well-being during the festival.
The Igabwo also had designated sections of the wall or fence to either build or renovate, and they were in charge of maintaining the shrine. Additionally, community members who were taxable contributed financially through their Oteyagwa, which helped bolster the festival’s funding.
This traditional approach to organizing and financing the festival highlights the community’s deep sense of collective responsibility and dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Oyarore Salt Festival. Everyone is expected to pitch in to ensure it’s a resounding success!
