In the ancient days, when the forefathers journeyed to found the great town of Ogbomoso, they did not come empty-handed. Among the sacred treasures they brought was a most revered and mysterious presence — Ologbojo Oba Egungun. From the beginning, it was known: Egun yi, baba ni fun gbogbo egungun to wa ni ilu yi. It is the father of all masquerades in the land. Even after the king himself (Oba ilu) has given each egungun a date for their festival, they cannot begin until Ologbojo has spoken. All must first come to pay homage, take reference, and receive spiritual clearance. Before any other masquerade’s drum beats, the path must lead to Ologbojo. There, sacrifices and sacred rites are performed — ati esin, ati etutu — as commanded by the ways of the ancestors. Only then can others proceed with their own rituals, offering rams and prayers. But unlike some others, Ologbojo does not come with trouble, ko ni ija, ko ni lu — no fights, no beatings. It walks the town in peace, ati ni alafia. Its fame is not in violent display, but in the quiet power it carries. They say, iru eni ti oju ba n pon, to ba wa toro lowo Egun yi, a da loun. Whoever comes to plead for relief or blessing finds an answer. Perhaps that is why, whenever it appears, the crowd swells — young and old, rich and poor — all seeking something only Ologbojo can give. It is called Oba Egungun because wherever the masquerades gather, its presence reigns supreme. Ologbojo is not a masquerade for endless dancing in the streets. It comes out only once a year, in the seventh month, lati se gbogbo oro to ba nilo lati se — to settle every matter, to make every offering, to speak to the heavens. And here lies its greatest mystery: whenever Ologbojo emerges, the skies respond. If the season is dry, ojo a ro — rain will fall. If it is not the time for rain, the dew will still come heavy upon the earth. The people say this is the sign that prayers have been heard. And so, the name lives on: Ologbojo, the one whose steps call down the heavens, the ancient crown-bearer of all masquerades.