Olla, Kwara

The word Olla comes from a blend of the Yoruba words (“nominalizing prefix”) and (“to survive” or "to be saved"). According to oral tradition, Dada Arokoletiọpọn, the founder of Olla, was initially a resident of Ifẹ before going on exile after he lost the struggle for the vacant throne of Ooni to his younger brother. Supposedly, when his acquaintances from Ifẹ saw him again they were astonished, to which he responded "Mo là", meaning "I survived". == Demographics ==

Festivals In Olla, there are several festivals that are celebrated by the residents and natives. Most of them are rooted in Yoruba culture and tradition. Aworoko Festival The Aworoko Masquerade Festival takes place every three years. It is believed by Yoruba religious practitioners to be a period when magical beings come out and interact with the people, giving them blessings of childbearing, wealth and prosperity. The masqueraders cover their entire bodies in raffia leaves and put on decorated calabash helmets. The festival involves lots of singing, dancing and offering prayers and performing rites to the Orisha (benevolent deities). It is probably the most attended festival in Olla. Other festivals Apart from the Aworoko festival, other festivals held in Olla from time to time include the: • Egungun Festival • New Yam Festival (Ọdun Ijẹṣu) • Sango Festival • Ogun Festival == Traditional rulers ==

The ruler of Olla community is referred to as the Ọlọla of Olla. His Royal Majesty, Prof. Stephen Billy Olajide, ascended the throne of Olla as the Ọlọla in August 2017, becoming the 18th recorded monarch to lead the ancient Kingdom of Olla. According to customs, Olla community has four major ruling houses of Iketa, Odi(Odi), Ariko and Osigiri (Odo Omi). The passing of the Oba title rotates in that order. Following is the list of the Obas according to their tenure of office and their house hold in order. There is no recorded date for the first eight ancient kings. == See also ==