The World Ògún Onírè Cultural Heritage Trust is a registered, non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization established as an Incorporated Trustee under Nigerian law. We are charged with the sacred responsibility of preserving the cultural identity of Ire-Ekiti, sustaining the annual World Ògún Onírè Festival, and securing global recognition for the Umeru/Uju Sacred Forest. Our registered office is at the Onire Palace, Ire-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
To establish the Ògún Onírè Festival as a globally recognized cultural heritage event and secure international recognition for the Umeru/Uju Sacred Forest as a world-class heritage site.
• Preserve, promote, and protect the cultural heritage of Ire-Ekiti.
• Organize and sustain the annual World Ògún Onírè Festival.
• Advance the recognition of the Umeru/Uju Sacred Forest as a National Monument and global heritage site.
• Promote tourism, research, and cultural education.
The Trust works year-round to:
• Organize the Annual Festival: Coordinate the World Ògún Onírè Festival, a gathering that draws participants from across Nigeria and the global African diaspora.
• Document and Conserve: Protect sacred sites, rituals, oral traditions, and cultural practices.
• Collaborate Globally: Partner with governmental bodies, international heritage organizations, and cultural researchers.
• Develop Tourism Infrastructure: Promote sustainable cultural investment and heritage tourism in Ire-Ekiti.
• Engage Youth: Foster cultural education and active participation among younger generations.
• Mobilize Resources: Raise and manage funds for heritage development and conservation.
The Trust is guided by a robust governance structure that respects traditional authority while ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Board of Trustees: Provides strategic direction, holds property in trust, and ensures compliance.
Members include all Quarter Baales, High Chiefs (Olamodire, Elepe Ogun, Aworo Ogun, Aworo Eru), and the President of the Ire-Ekiti Development Union (IDU).
• Grand Patron: His Royal Majesty, the Onírè of Ire-Ekiti, Oba Victor Adeleke Bobade, Okeoro II
• Executive Management Committee (EMC): Handles day-to-day administration and festival coordination, led by Mr. Gabriel Olusuyi (Chairman) and supported by a dedicated team including an Executive Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and Legal Adviser.
• Standing Committees: Covering culture, festival logistics, finance, media, heritage conservation, and security.
At the heart of our work lies the Umeru/Uju Sacred Forest – a site of immense spiritual and historical significance.
We are committed to securing its recognition as a National Monument and, ultimately, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We operate with integrity, respect for traditional authority, and a deep sense of duty to our ancestors and future generations.
Whether you are a researcher, a devotee, a tourist, or a friend of culture, you are welcome to support our work.
Membership is open to individuals of good character who share our objectives. You can also support us through donations, sponsorships, or partnerships.
Together, we will ensure that the sacred fire of Ògún Onírè never fades.
“World Ògún Onírè Cultural Heritage Trust – Custodians of Ire-Ekiti’s Soul.”