Alaafia's wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade (middle) and twins during the programme. Photo: Alaafin's Palace.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has lauded the people of Igbo Ora town in Ibarapa Central Area of Oyo State for their sense of history, heritage and culture, which he said has turned the community into a tourist destination.
Owoade, according to a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, stated this in a message to this year’s World Twins Day, held in Igbo Ora.
Alaafin, represented by his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi Olajumoke, stated that twins hold a unique and revered position in Yoruba culture, symbolising various spiritual and cultural beliefs.
The monarch said, “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.
“Orisha Ibeji: In Yoruba religion, Ibeji is an Orisha (deity) that represents twins. Devotees often worship Ibeji to seek protection, fertility, and blessings. Offerings and rituals are conducted to honour Ibeji, ensuring the twins’ well-being and harnessing their positive influence. Twins in Yoruba culture play important social and cultural roles. They are often celebrated with special ceremonies and given unique names that reflect their status.”
He pointed out that twins are celebrated in various festivals and cultural events within Yoruba communities, as was done in Igbo Ora town, adding that these celebrations highlight the special status of twins and reinforce their cultural importance.
“The significance of twins in Yoruba culture is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, social practices, and cultural traditions. Twins are considered special, lauded beings with unique powers and roles within their families and communities. Through rituals, festivals, and artistic expressions like Ere Ibeji, the Yoruba people celebrate and honour the presence of twins, underscoring their importance in the cultural fabric of Yoruba society.
“However, Igbo-Ora is a unique town in Nigeria that has gained worldwide attention due to its high rate of twin births. While the mystery behind this phenomenon remains unsolved, the town continues to celebrate and cherish its twins, who are viewed as a blessing to the town.
“The town is located in Oyo State, and it’s believed that one in every four births in this community results in twins. This rate is incredibly high, considering that the global average is estimated at one in every 80 births.
“The phenomenon of twinning in Igbo-Ora has been a topic of interest for decades, and researchers have been studying the town to try and unravel the mystery behind it. While there is no conclusive evidence to explain the high rate of twin births in the community, many theories have been put forward.
“The people of Igbo-Ora have a deep cultural appreciation for twins, and they are viewed as a symbol of good fortune and a source of pride in the town. Twins are often referred to as Ibeji, which means double birth. The town celebrates Twins Festival every year.
“Apart from the fascination with twins, Igbo-Ora is also a beautiful town with a rich cultural heritage. The town is known for its skilled craftsmen who create exquisite wooden carvings that are sold all over Nigeria and beyond. The town is also home to the popular Oke-Mosan Hill, which provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings,” Alaafin stressed.