Lipakala Day
Lipakala Day is the principal annual community celebration of Ògèrè Rẹ́mọ. Established in 1976, it brings together sons and daughters of Ògèrè, both at Home and in the diaspora, in remembrance of the town’s ancestral heroes, particularly Olipakala, the founder; his wife and co-warrior, Yemogun; and Lowa-Lida, who played an important role in the community’s early development and spiritual life.
The Grand Finale is held on the third Saturday of October each year. Over five decades, Lipakala Day has developed into a platform for celebrating the history and culture of Ògèrè, promoting unity and community identity, showcasing traditional music, dress and performances, recognising distinguished individuals, mobilising resources for development, and strengthening the connection of younger generations with their heritage.
Why Lipakala Day Matters
Lipakala Day honours the enduring legacy of Olipakala, Yemogun and Lowa-Lida, the founding figures whose courage, resilience and communal responsibility shaped the town’s identity. Olipakala is remembered as a brave hunter, warrior and philosopher who protected his people. Yemogun, his wife and co-warrior, is remembered for her courage and knowledge during difficult periods. Lowa-Lida was an early migrant, traditionalist and community leader who contributed to Ògèrè’s growth and spiritual development.
The celebration has grown from an ancestral commemoration into a wider civic platform. It brings together traditional institutions, families, age groups, clubs, associations, professionals, artisans, young people and the diaspora around a common identity and shared responsibility. Project records show that Lipakala Day grew from the community’s desire to remember its founders while bringing people together around the advancement of the town.
History of Lipakala Day
Lipakala Day was established in 1976 as an annual civic celebration in remembrance of Ògèrè’s founders. In the 1980s and 1990s, participation broadened across families, traditional groups, clubs, associations and community stakeholders. The 2000s saw diaspora participation and organised community mobilisation become increasingly prominent, while the 2010s strengthened the celebration’s role in cultural preservation and in advocacy for development. From 2020 to 2025, programmes expanded across youth, education, health, sports and culture, alongside fundraising for development. The 2026 Golden Jubilee marks fifty years of continuity and launches the next chapter of partnership.
Heritage and Community Development
Lipakala Day sits at the intersection of remembrance and renewal. Traditional displays and community heritage activities connect present generations with the town’s historical identity, while education, health, youth, sports, enterprise and fundraising programmes direct attention towards contemporary needs.
The celebration is an important platform for celebrating the history and culture of Ògèrè, bringing together indigenes at Home and in the diaspora, promoting unity and community identity, showcasing traditional music, dress and performances, recognising distinguished individuals and community contributions, mobilising resources for development, engaging government, businesses and development partners, promoting local businesses and entrepreneurship, and strengthening the connection of younger generations with their heritage.
The Ògèrè Community Development Association (OCDA) plays a central role in using Lipakala Day to mobilise sons and daughters of Ògèrè towards the advancement of the community.
Programme Themes
Heritage & Culture
Education & Ideas
Youth & Enterprise
Health & Wellbeing
Sports & Recreation
Entertainment & Thanksgiving
From 2024 and 2025 to the Golden Jubilee
The 2024 and 2025 Lipakala Day publications document the continuing role of OCDA and the participation of the Ologere, community leaders, public officials, associations and partners. Both editions also included development fundraising as part of the wider celebration.
The 2026 edition marks fifty years since Lipakala Day was established. The Golden Jubilee is therefore being treated as a landmark anniversary and as a platform for the next phase of cultural preservation and community development.