The city of Osogbo is bustling with celebration, as Muslims mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival, popularly known as “Ileya” among Yoruba people.

Ileya, known globally as Eid-el-Kabir or Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims across the world. However, among the Yoruba people, the festival carries a unique cultural flavour that blends religion, tradition, family values and communal living.

Eid-el-Kabir celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command before God replaced the child with a ram. The festival therefore symbolises faith, sacrifice, obedience and devotion to God. For many Yoruba Muslim families, this lesson remains at the centre of the celebration.

Beyond the religious significance, Eid-el-Kabir has become a period of reunion as many Nigerians living in major cities travel back to their hometowns and villages to celebrate with extended family members. Roads become busier, parks crowded and homes livelier as people reconnect with loved ones they may not have seen for months or even years.

In Osogbo, the celebratory mood has been visible for days now. From major roads to bustling markets and relaxation spots, the Osun State capital has been in a festive mood since the days before the celebration, with commercial activities rising across different parts of the city.

Before the Eid prayers were observed on Wednesday, May 27, traffic congestion had started across major routes within Osogbo. Areas such as Oke-Fia, Olaiya Junction, Ayetoro, Alekuwodo, MDS Road, Old Garage and the ever-busy Igbona Market axis witnessed intense vehicular movement as people rushed to make last-minute preparations for the festival.

The situation became more noticeable on Tuesday night which happened to be Igbona Market-day, coincidentally coming the day before the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. Traders, buyers and transport operators struggled through severe traffic congestion due to the volume of people trooping into the market to purchase foodstuffs, accessories, clothing materials and household items needed for the festivities.

For many residents, moving through the Igbona area on Tuesday evening became a test of patience as vehicles remained stuck for long periods while pedestrians squeezed through every available space.

At the popular Oja-Oba Market and surrounding streets, business activities also rushed as traders recorded increased patronage from customers shopping for rice, tomatoes, peppers, vegetable oil and other cooking ingredients commonly associated with Ileya celebrations.

On the morning of Eid-el-Kabir, Muslims gathered at praying grounds and mosques dressed in colourful traditional outfits such as agbada, buba, iro and fila, as well as different types of abayas. The atmosphere was filled with joy as worshippers exchanged greetings and prayers after the special Eid prayer session.

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One of the major highlights of Ileya is the slaughtering of rams; in many homes, children excitedly watch as the slaughter is performed according to Islamic teachings. The meat is then shared among family members, neighbours, friends and the less privileged. This act of sharing reinforces the values of generosity, hospitality and communal support that Eid-el-Kabir symbolizes.

Until the early hours of Thursday, May 28, ram sellers in Osogbo continued enjoyed brisk business, particularly where temporary ram markets attracted buyers bargaining for animals of different sizes.

Across Osogbo, the festive mood remains evident. Children dressed in colourful attires moved from house to house, while families continue to gather, share meals and entertain visitors.

Restaurants, lounges and relaxation centres have also experienced increased patronage since yesterday. Popular areas remained lively late into the evening as people stepped out with friends and loved ones to continue the celebrations.

Transport workers were not left out of the season, as commercial buses, tricycles and motorcycle riders recorded high passenger movement as people travelled across town visiting relatives and attending social gatherings.

Despite the excitement, there remain concerns over the growing traffic congestion that accompanied the celebrations, especially around major commercial centres, raising questions of better transport planning and urban development.

In spite of the traffic challenges, the atmosphere across Osogbo remains one of joy, reunion and cultural expression as Muslims continue to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, a festival rooted in sacrifice, faith and generosity.

For many families, this year’s Ileya may come with economic challenges due to rising prices of ram, cow, food items and transportation costs, but the spirit of togetherness and celebration has continued to echo across the city.

As the festivities continue, Osogbo stands lively, filled with the aroma of festive meals, the sounds of celebration and the energy that accompanies one of the most cherished festivals.