In the heart of Ogbomoso, there is a masquerade whose presence carries both joy and sacred power — Egun Omoyeran, also known as Egungun Mele. This egungun is used to pray for the progress of the land, to keep Ogbomoso prosperous and at peace. Egun yi ti wa kí a tó bí. It existed long before today, rooted in the days of the forefathers. The origins of Egun Omoyeran go back to a time of sorrow — the days of àbíkú, children who would die before reaching their full years. In those days, the elders sought a divine solution. Wọ́n ní kí wọ́n lọ ṣe Egun Omoyeran fún àbúrò tí wọ́n bí, kí ìkú ọmọ lè parí. It was a spiritual instruction — a rite to break the cycle of premature death. For decades now, the custodians have carried on the tradition faithfully. And true to its origin, Egun Omoyeran is not a figure of fear, but of joy. Bẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó máa ń jó gan-an, the elders say with a smile. Egun yi fẹ́ ayẹyẹ — it loves celebration. When the Spirit Comes… The coming of the festival is heralded by signs the community knows well. Ó máa rọ̀ ní ọjọ́ ayẹyẹ rẹ, they say with certainty — it will rain during its period, as if heaven itself joins the celebration. O máa seri, tori pé ologbojo ni — a mystical assurance that peace will settle upon the land. The power of Egun Omoyeran is not limited to the festival. Individuals can come before it with personal requests — for health, children, or success. Ohunkóhun tí a bá béèrè, yóò ṣe. Even if a child makes the request, as long as it is made in prayer before the egungun, it will be granted. Though the festival is an annual celebration, it is held twice each year. Each appearance is a moment of cultural pride, where song, drumming, and dance fill the air. The Ever-Changing Robe The costume of Egun Omoyeran is a living thing. A máa ń yí aṣọ rẹ̀ padà lọ́dọọdún — each year, its garments are renewed, vibrant with colors that match the spirit’s celebratory heart. As the elders chant the oríkì (praise poetry) of Egun Omoyeran, words heavy with history yet light with joy, they pray aloud for Ogbomoso — Ki ìlú wa má bàjẹ́, kí ìlú wa lè dàgbà, kí ìlú wa lè láyọ̀. In Ogbomoso, the dance of the masquerade is not just movement — it is a prayer in motion, a cultural heartbeat that refuses to fade.