Kings Day 2017.
Traditionally King's Day is the time during the year that the American African community joins together to celebrate the natal birthday of the progenitor of the African Cultural Restoration Movement. As such, it is customary for all attending the event to generously bestow gifts on the Royal Ancestors and the King. Gifts that are appropriate to give include but are not limited to fruit, works of art, sculptures, jewelry, money, candles and other notables. The ceremonious gift giving during the festival is done on behalf of the community to celebrate and encourage the upcoming year of the King's reign. Showing admiration, appreciation and support of the Crown of all Yoruba of North America.
Opening festivities will begin Friday, October 6th at dusk; in the form of a Meet & Greet and an informal reception. Friday’s activities will conclude with a special screening by Great Benin Films. General public is encouraged to attend for an opportunity to meet Oyotunji African Village’s HRM Oba (King) Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II and HRM’s Royal Court. Admission to Friday’s event is $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the gate for general public and free for all Media and Press [Press Contact: info@oyotunji.com confirm attendance]. Tickets for the entire weekend can be purchased in advance for $15 and $20 at the gate. To pre-purchase tickets and for a complete list of the weekend’s activities, please see below. History of Kings Day
In 1981 Oba Efuntola was sponsored by the Caribbean Visual Arts and Research Center to present a paper at a conference of Orisa-Vodu priests at the Univeristy of Ile-Ife,Nigeria. The King of Ile Ife ( Ooni) took notice of Adefunmi's diligent recreation of Yoruba Culture in America. Oba Ofuntola was presented to His Divine Royal Majesty King Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II the "Ooni" of the ancient city of Ife, who ordered the Ife chiefs to perform coronation rights on him. Thus Adefunmi became the first in a line of new world Kings, consecrated at Ile-Ife.
This event did not over shadow the efforts of the first "Yoruba" Americans. On October 5 1975 this small band of Yoruba Americans crowned the first King in the USA in Sheldon, South Carolina. The Villagers sat Nana Oseijeman on a stool and placed an Adeleke ( beaded crown) upon the head of Adefunmi and proclaimed him King of the Yoruba of North America. This became one of the first efforts by Yoruba Americans to create their own state. July, 3rd 2005 Oba Adejuyigbe was crowned at Oyotunji. The coronation was attended by thousands over the course of A weekend. Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi was also crowned in the holy city of Ile-Ife Nigeria May 26th, 2006. The Kings Group of Benin summoned Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi to perform coronation rites in the ancient city of Ophia Ketou, Benin Republic. Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi is the present monarch reigning at Oyotunji Village USA. Oba Adefunmi II has become the only King born in America to be crowned on 2 continents and 3 cities. Celebrate Kings Day!! *All events listed below are open to the public*
PURCHASE TICKETS & PAY CHIEFTAIN DUES
PRE-PURCHASE King's Day Festival Weekend Tickets Online *DISCOUNT APPLIED*
Oyotunji African Village's Odun Oba is open to the public.
Early Bird tickets for the entire weekend can be purchased for $15 *Tickets for the 2 day festival will increase to $20 at the gate; beginning Oct 7th*
$
20.00
PRE-PURCHASE King's Day Festival Per-Day Tickets Online *DISCOUNT APPLIED*
Oyotunji African Village's Odun Oba is open to the public.
Early Bird tickets per day can be purchased for $7.50 *Tickets per day will increase to $10 at the gate; beginning Oct 7th*
$
10.00
Chieftaincy Dues
Dues payable by Oyotunji African Village Chiefs
$
100.00
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