Lidero Festival 2025 Begins in Idado — A Celebration of Peace, Ease, and Progress
Lidero Festival 2025 Begins in Idado — A Celebration of Peace, Ease, and Progress
By:Bamgbose Adedamola.
The LIDERO Festival 2025 commenced today, Friday, August 8th, in the vibrant and historic town of Idado, Sagamu, Ogun State. This marks the beginning of an eight-day celebration deeply rooted in culture, spirituality, and community development. With pride and reverence, the people of Idado gathered to honour Lidero—a revered deity of peace, ease, and unity.
Lidero is not just a symbol but a sacred presence in Idado community.It is believed to bring tranquillity, progress, and harmony to the community. Each year, the people of Idado come together to worship and celebrate Lidero, offering prayers and holding rituals to invoke blessings for peace, smooth living, and collective growth. The festival is a time of renewal, joy, and recommitment to the values that unite the people.
The festival was officially declared open today by His Royal Highness, Oba Musiliu Oriyomi, the Radanuwa of Idado, who welcomed the people with heartfelt words on the significance of this age-old tradition. He emphasized that LIDERO is more than a celebration—it is the embodiment of the community’s identity, culture, and enduring strength.
The first event of the day was the Iwure Owuro Ilase—a sacred early morning prayer session. This deeply spiritual rite was led by the Alase Lidero of Ilu Idado, the spiritual custodian of the Lidero deity. Held at the Radanuwa’s palace, this ritual was a solemn invocation for divine protection, peace, and smooth proceedings throughout the eight-day festival.
This was followed by the Iwure Ijo Orunmila Adulawo, also held at the palace—a midday session of traditional prayers by the elders and cultural custodians of the land. These rites served as spiritual fortification for the community, reinforcing the purpose of the celebration.
Later in the day, Muslim faithful observed the Jumat Prayers at the Idado Central Mosque, where the spirit of unity across faiths was evident. The prayers focused on thanksgiving, peaceful coexistence, and the success of the ongoing festival.
The day concluded with the sacred Igunwa Oba (Agemo) rite, performed at the palace grounds. This traditional ceremony connected the living with the ancestors, inviting ancestral spirits to bless the land and guide the community through the festival. The presence of the Agemo, an important spiritual figure in Yoruba tradition, added deep cultural meaning to the day’s events.
Throughout the day, there was a strong presence of tradition, spirituality, and joy. The palace was alive with activity, as community members, elders, and guests exchanged greetings, shared stories, and looked ahead to the coming days of the celebration.
Beyond rituals and prayers, the LIDERO Festival also promotes skill empowerment, entertainment, and youth engagement, with a focus on advancing the collective development of Idado. Each day features activities designed to inspire growth, strengthen identity, and unite generations through shared heritage.
As Day 1 comes to a close, the tone has been set for a meaningful and impactful week ahead. The unity, peace, and spiritual energy experienced today are reflections of what the LIDERO Festival stands for. The people of Idado are ready — to celebrate, to reflect, and to move forward in strength.
