Iyawo alasepo, Mass wedding is one of the culture and tradition of the people of Shao in Moro local government area of Kwara state, its an annual event that is brings people from all walks of life to the historical community.
The event is primarily organized to perform the traditional rite of bethrothing the famale adults to their husband and prayer for success in the matrimonial journey as well as fertility.
Though during the mass wedding their husbands are usually in their various homes, only the bride to be will attend the event and they do dress in nice outfit and must hold umbrella.
The traditional wedding is not limited to singles alone, Shao’s female indigenes who married outside the town do come home for the rite but it is not mandatory for all indigenes of the town only those whose lineage fall into that traditional aspect must not miss it or else they will not enjoy the marriage
Alawon of Shao, Oba Omitokun Ojetunde explains that christians and Muslims indigenes are allowed to do their marriage according to the dictate of their religious but the traditional rite ia a must for members of some families in the town
Alawon said ” During this event, the ladies will sing and dance from the palace down to the venue of the event, they will dress up in my house before leaving for the venue and after the programme everybody will go back to her husband’s house for celebration and that is why you see everywhere in the town rocking today.
On saturday 30 2020, about 30 female participated in the iyawo alasepo and they are all happy that they are participating in the event,
A indigene of the town in a chat with our reporter spoke about the economic value of the event as well as the need for government to consider the event as one of the festivals that promote domestic tourism, “If we package anz promote this very well more tourist will come to Kwara during the event and more revenue will be generated “
