The 'Ileya' festivities were always celebrated with great joy in my hometown, Oyo. It was a time when extended family members and relatives would come together to celebrate. During the 80s, Oyo was a peaceful and quiet town, with old mud houses outnumbering the newer block houses. The cold water from the clay pot was satisfying and quech thirst faster than what we the refrigerator we use these days. The tranquility of Oyo could be felt if one took the time to listen. The serenity was something truly unique and delightful. One of the many reasons we all loved celebrating 'Ileya' in Oyo was the delicious aroma of the popular 'gbegiri' and 'ewedu' soups, which we would enjoy with hot 'amala'. I love my hometown and pray God preserve our tradition for the generation yet unborn.

As soon as the mid-term break was declared, my father - Engr. Adeniyi Awoyemi...