The annual
Oranyan/Oranmiyan festival is an event held in Oyo in the ninth month of the
year. The festival has its origin from Oranmiyan, Oduduwa’s grandson, who
founded the Oyo Empire in the 15th century. The Empire grew to become one of
the largest in West Africa.
Its strength, gained
from the empire’s organizational skill, was used to prosecute many wars through
which the empire was able to expand its territory.
Its wealth was gained from trading .The old Oyo Empire
was the most politically important state in the region from the mid-17th to the
late 18th century, holding sway not only over most of the other kingdoms in
Yorubaland, but also over nearby African states, notably the Fon Kingdom of
Dahomey in the modern Republic of Benin. Despite the collapse of the old Oyo
Kingdom, the people of Oyo have remained blessed and a force to be reckoned
with in Yorubaland.
The Oranyan festival is held in honour of the first ever
Alaafin of Oyo, Oranmiyan. The festival is also used to remember great Yoruba
heroes
This year, the
event was supported by Eagle Aromatic Schnapps, a brand at the fore front of
promoting tradition and culture from the stable of Intercontinental Distillers
Limited.
The current
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, while receiving the
Intercontinental Distillers limited team during the Oranmiyan festival,
stressed the importance of knowing and celebrating past heroes. He further
added that ”the celebration of culture was neither fetish nor against
civilization norms but rather enables people appreciate their ancestors and
connect with their roots and heritage”. According to him, this is the 5th year
of celebrating the Oranyan festival in Oyo state.
Some of the
activities held during the weeklong festival were an International Press
Conference, Visits to Cultural Sites, Exhibitions and Yoruba quizzes. The
festival had a day set aside for welcoming back Yorubas in Diaspora called the
Gbegiri day. The grand finale included beautiful Masquerade displays from
Dahomey.
The Head of Marketing
of Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Mr. Mobolaji Alalade said Eagle
Schnapps is at the forefront of promoting culture and tradition hence the
brand’s partnership with one of the biggest festivals held in the Yorubaland.
Furthermore, Eagle schnapps is a drink used to pour libations to our
ancestors.
Visitors had
the opportunity to experience the brand via sampling.
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