Spirito-Physical Relevance of Iwure in Ekiti Ẹpa-Type Masquerade Festival: A Theoretical Appraisal

The erosion of Ìwúre ritual supplication one of the most significant aspect of Yorùbá indigenous communion which renders the spirituality and nobility attached to festivals irrelevant, making some of them to be at the verge of extinction is worrisome. Despite scholarly works on festivals, by seasoned scholars such as Enekwe (1987), Ògúndèjì (2005), Ògunbà (1987), Dáramo ̣́lá and Je ̣́je ̣́ (1975) etc. Concise attention has not been paid to this crucial aspect of indigenous festival. This study fills the gap. The study focuses on Ìwúre and its socio-religious relevance. This study is pivoted on Cultural performance theory propounded by Victor Turner (1981) which establishes ritual and mythico drama as form of dramatic performance. The study has employed qualitative research method for data collection and analysis in the study area. Namely Ikóro Ìlo ̣́ro ̣̀and Ajégúnle ̣̀ Èkìtì. This involves interviews schedules, focus group discussion (FGD) and participant observation. The finding of the study reveals that Ìwúre is not only vital aspect in Yorùbá festivals but in all socio strata of the society, engagements. It is believed that Ìwúre give succor and also helps adherents deal with difficult situation and also help people deal with difficult situations.