By,Olaide Gold
The President of the International Congress for Ifa and Orisa Spirituality (ICIOS), Chief Fakunle Oyesanya, has called on devotees of Ifa and Orisa traditions across the world to remain united and committed to preserving the authenticity of their ancestral heritage following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Ifa and Orisa Festival and Pilgrimage in Ekiti State.
Speaking at the closing of the week-long spiritual gathering, Chief Oyesanya described the festival as a celebration of culture, spirituality, identity, and shared destiny, noting that the event once again demonstrated the growing global acceptance of Ifa and Orisa traditions.
According to him, the 2026 edition, the 12th since the festival was inaugurated in 2014, attracted pilgrims, traditional worshippers, scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists from different parts of Nigeria and across the world who gathered in Ekiti State to reconnect with their roots and participate in sacred rites and spiritual activities.
He said the festival provided participants with opportunities to visit and venerate various sacred sites associated with Orunmila and other revered Orisa, while also exploring historical locations of cultural and spiritual significance within the state.
Chief Oyesanya emphasized that Ifa and Orisa spirituality remains a universal system that promotes moral values, communal responsibility, environmental harmony, and peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds.
The ICIOS President reiterated that the teachings of Ifa, particularly the principle of Iwa Pele (good character), offer guidance for addressing contemporary social and moral challenges facing humanity.
He also stressed the need to preserve the integrity of Ifa and Orisa traditions through responsible documentation, research, and protection of sacred sites, warning against practices that could distort the true essence of the ancient spiritual heritage.
While commending the Ekiti State Government, traditional rulers, custodians of shrines, volunteers, sponsors, and members of the organizing committee for their support, Oyesanya urged stakeholders to continue working towards developing pilgrimage and heritage sites to attract more visitors and boost cultural tourism.
He further noted that despite differences in language, geography, and cultural expressions, devotees across Africa, the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world remain connected through a common spiritual source.
The ICIOS President expressed appreciation to all pilgrims and participants for making the 2026 festival a success, stating that their commitment continues to strengthen the global Ifa and Orisa community.
The festival, which featured spiritual rites, cultural displays, scholarly engagements, and visits to sacred sites, concluded with prayers for peace, unity, wisdom, and prosperity for humanity.
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