LIFESTYLE: The Ilaje People and Their Flamboyant Funeral

The Ilaje people are one of the many dialects of the Yoruba race in Nigeria. The people speak Ilaje dialect of Yoruba and occupy Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.  They can also be found in Ajegunle and Majidun Lagos and in other riverine area across the country including Makoko. This is because their main occupation is fishing.
 

The Ilajes hold burial ceremony in high esteem that it seems to be more important than marriage, naming ceremony, or any other good in life. Generally, Yoruba doesn’t celebrate the death of youth, children, or any young person especially one that was survived by parents because they believe that it is a very sad situation. Therefore, the Ilajes only perform burial rite for an aged man or woman survived by at least a grown child.

This rite begins from the day the deceased gave up the ghost till the day he or she is buried. It consist of cleaning the dead and reserving it in the mortuary, Ere Iseyinde (farewell play), having series of family meetings, and the last stage which include church service, a mega party and finally, burial. Our focus here is actually on the Ere Iseyinde.

The importance of Ere Iseyinde is that it is the farewell play used in informing the public of the unexpected news and as a performance to celebrate the decease to the underworld. It consists of singing, drumming and dancing to traditional songs joyously by the participants. The songs are traditional and anyone among the congregation can lead at any point that suit him and the rest of the sympathizers.

TIME: Ere Iseyinde is usually performed in the evening till anytime in the night and possibly till dawn for seven consecutive days from the day of demise.

PARTICIPANTS: Family members, friends, neighbors, and wishers; both men and women. Children are involved as spectators.

INSTRUMENTS: The main traditional instrument is a pair of foot-length bamboo stick for each person. These bamboos are hit against themselves melodiously to the tune of songs. It is typically accompanied with supporting instruments that include Traditional Drum, Sekere (Shaker) and Hands to clap; together creating a percussive sound that gladdens and delights the listeners.

In conclusion, winning and dinning is significant. Traditional foods like Pupuru and Orugbo Soup’ will take centre stage and dominates the period. Also, various drinks headed by palm wine are available. Non-alcoholic drinks are also served but their intake cannot be compare to the amount of Ogogoro, gin and beers’. Trust the Ilajes, they take much alcohol but often not to stupor because it has become part of them.  

Ere Iseyinde Video: https://youtu.be/CwQOF47WC8g