The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has commended the people of Igbo-Ora in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area of Oyo State for preserving their history, heritage and culture, which he said had helped establish the community as a tourist destination.
The monarch, represented by his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke, made the commendation in a message to this year’s World Twins Day celebration in Igbo-Ora.
According to a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Owoade said twins occupy a unique and revered position in Yoruba culture, symbolising important spiritual and cultural beliefs.
He said twins, known as Ibeji in Yoruba, are traditionally regarded as a blessing and are associated with good fortune and prosperity.
“In Yoruba culture, twins are believed to possess special spiritual powers. They are often regarded as divine beings or messengers from the gods. The Yoruba term for twins is Ibeji, which translates to double birth. The birth of twins is seen as a blessing, and they are thought to bring good fortune and prosperity to their family,” the monarch said.
He explained that Ibeji is also an Orisha, or deity, in Yoruba traditional religion, with devotees offering prayers and performing rituals to seek protection, fertility and blessings for twins.
Owoade added that twins are celebrated through special ceremonies, festivals and cultural practices that reinforce their significance within Yoruba families and communities.
He also highlighted the role of artistic expressions, including Ere Ibeji sculptures, in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage associated with twins.
The Alaafin noted that Igbo-Ora had gained international attention for its unusually high rate of twin births, with the phenomenon attracting researchers seeking to understand its possible causes.
The statement said it was believed that about one in every four births in the community resulted in twins, although the reasons for the high rate remain inconclusive.
According to the monarch, the people of Igbo-Ora regard twins as a source of pride and good fortune, celebrating them annually through the town’s Twins Festival.
Beyond its reputation for twin births, Owoade said Igbo-Ora also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including skilled craftsmen known for producing wooden carvings sold across Nigeria and beyond.
He also identified Oke-Mosan Hill as one of the town’s attractions, offering panoramic views of the community and its surroundings.