The 2024 Igboora World Twins Festival commenced on Monday, October 7, 2024, with prayers and a world press conference. The event was graced by the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. A.M. Ayoola. Also in attendance were the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Sola Adeleke, traditional rulers, twins, researchers, and distinguished personalities from across Oyo State.
Held at the Igboora Town Hall, the event spotlighted the festival’s activities and addressed the phenomenon of twin births in the region.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Sola Adeleke expressed his gratitude to God for making the event a reality. He thanked the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for recognizing the significance of twin births in the Ibarapa community. He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, traditional rulers, and the people of Ibarapa Central Local Government for their continuous support of the global Twins Festival.
The Chairman of the 2024 Igboora Twins Festival Planning Committee and Oluaso of Iberekodo, HRM Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmos, expressed his appreciation to the Oyo State Government, the Igboora community, and all those who contributed to making the festival a reality.
Oba Badmos outlined the activities planned for the weeklong celebration, which is set to be filled with cultural displays, festivities, and memorable experiences. The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Methodist Grammar School playground, Saganun, Igboora, Oyo State.
“The festival will attract twins and lovers of culture from around the world,” said the monarch. “This year’s event will feature a blend of educational programs, cultural performances, sporting events, and prestigious ceremonies, all culminating in a grand finale that promises to be the highlight of the week.”
The festival, which has grown into an international event, continues to serve as a symbol of cultural pride, unity, and tradition, celebrating the unique occurrence of multiple births in Igboora.
According to Oba Badmos, notable personalities expected at the grand finale include the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, members of the Oyo State Executive Council, the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, who will serve as the Royal Father of the Day, and Hon. Agboworin of the Federal House of Representatives, who will act as the Chairman of the event. Other dignitaries include Dr. Amos Adepoju, Asiwaju of Igboora, and Alhaja Ranti Adedigba, alongside politicians and prominent sons and daughters of Igboora.
Addressing newsmen, the Olu of Igboora, HRM Oba Jimoh Titiloye, expressed his gratitude for the community’s ongoing celebration of twin births, which has become a hallmark of Igboora’s identity since the festival’s modern revival six years ago.
Oba Titiloye thanked the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his continued support of the festival and his frequent attendance. He also expressed gratitude to Hon. Sola Adeleke, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, and the ministry’s representatives, Dr. A.M. Ayoola and Director Alhaja Adejoke Agboola, for their contributions.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Oba Titiloye referenced records from the old rural health center, which affirm that Igboora witnesses an astounding five multiple births per 1,000 deliveries.
“The phenomenon of twin births in Igboora has contributed immensely to the peace and stability of our community,” Oba Titiloye noted. “While some societies once rejected twins, our forefathers in Igboora celebrated and revered them. We are truly blessed.”
He also emphasized that the festival, free from any fetish practices, is deeply rooted in prayer, with the community continually experiencing the blessings of unity and peace. Special prayers will be offered during the grand finale on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in accordance with the faiths of the elders.
Responding to questions about why twins from Igboora are rarely seen begging, the monarch emphasized the community’s strong values of hard work and discipline. “You would never find a mother in Igboora parading her twins for alms. Instead, you might encounter a twin who has succeeded through hard work,” he said.
Addressing the potential for collaboration between the Oyo State Government and the Igboora community, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. A.M. Ayoola, praised the Makinde administration’s commitment to preserving culture and tradition through various festivals, including the Sango Festival, Oke Ibadan, and Isese Festival. He also shared the government’s plan to have the Igboora Twins Festival recognized in the Guinness Book of Records and by UNESCO.
“We are working towards securing a place for Igboora Twins Festival in the Guinness Book of Records, and we need everyone’s support to make it happen. Our twins must be physically present to achieve this,” Dr. Ayoola emphasized.
He also appealed to well-meaning individuals and stakeholders to support the proposed Twins Village and Twins Radio, capital projects aimed at promoting the unique cultural heritage of the community.
Traditional rulers present at the opening ceremony included Oba Jimoh Titiloye, Oluaso of Iberekodo Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmos, Babaaso of Igbole Oba Olusanjo Ojo, Onisaganun of Saganun Oba Fasasi Jinad, Onidofin of Idofin Oba Adeleye, and Jagun of Pako.
