The traditional ruler at the podium of the Ogidi New Yam Festival

The traditional ruler at the podium of the Ogidi New Yam Festival. The traditional ruler of the land, the Ologidi of Ogidi, usually opens the ceremony with prayers of thanksgiving for the favour of nature and the importance of yam to the community and its farmers. Royal fathers and dignitaries of other communities, especially those ones that share boundaries and affiliations with Ogidi, pay respect to the Oba (Ologidi) of Ogidi land during the festival, and thrones, kings and dignitaries honour the festival to show solidarity and support of the people.