In the royal land of Ogbomoso, there is a revered masquerade known as Agbon Bi Agba—ti o ni iwa ati ogbon bi agba to ni iriri. It belongs to the Ile Laoye lineage, a royal masquerade (egun oba) that is neither violent (ki se janduku) nor troublesome (ki se oniwahala), but noble in its purpose and dignified in its bearing. Its existence stretches far back into the time of the ancestors—lati igba awon baba nla wa tele—long before the fathers of today’s fathers. Agbon Bi Agba is a custodian of the land’s peace (alakoso alaafia ilu) and wellbeing, called forth in moments of great need. A Masquerade for the Town’s Restoration When the town is troubled—whether by prolonged drought (ojo ti ko rọ fun pẹ́), unrest, or misfortune—this masquerade is brought out for rituals (etutu ilu) to restore harmony. As it moves, o maa n bo gbogbo igun ati abala ilu, offering prayers (adura) for the town’s safety and prosperity (ire ati alaafia ilu). Its procession culminates in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, where it pays homage to the king (fi iyin fun oba). All ruling families are considered omo egun—children of the masquerade—also called omo alaso, the children of the cloth. When Agbon Bi Agba comes out, the entire town gathers—ilu gbogbo a k’ero. One of its signs is the weather: in the morning, rituals are performed, and when the masquerade steps out, there is often light rain (ojo riro die), followed within two hours by a blazing sun (oorun gbona). Yet, ko tii ṣẹlẹ pe ojo ti rọ lórí egun yi, nor has it been forced to retreat by a storm. The Sacred Garment The clothing of Agbon Bi Agba is never washed—it is alabawaye (“came into this world with me”). Each year, the cloth is changed, and this very act—pipadà aso—becomes a prayer ritual for those seeking blessings (awọn ti n wa ire ati ayọ). The masquerade’s yearly appearance is both a spiritual (ti emi) and communal (ti ilu) event, as it parades (n rin larin ilu), dances (n jo), and shows honor, especially to the king. Unlike many others, it does not engage in intimidation (ko ni pidan). A Bringer of Blessings Those who come to appease Agbon Bi Agba—awọn ti n bọ egun yi—often leave with their heart’s desires fulfilled—be it children (omo), prosperity (aye rere), or other requests. It is believed that the masquerade hears (ngbọ) and answers (n dahun) according to the faith (igbagbo) of the seeker, granting blessings (ore ati ibukun) in abundance. And so, odun si odun, Agbon Bi Agba continues to walk the streets of Ogbomoso—nrin larin ita ilu Ogbomoso—a symbol of dignity (iye ati iwa), protection (abo), and prosperity (ayọ ati ire gbogbo), carrying with it the weight of tradition and the prayers of the people.