ẸJẸ A RE ILÉ OLÚWA

"Ẹjẹ A Re Ilé Olúwa" is a vibrant Entrance hymn composed in the Okun dialect of the Yoruba language. Drawing its inspiration directly from Psalm 122, the song opens with the familiar, joyful declaration: "I rejoiced when I heard them say, let us go to the house of the Lord." For Nigerian Catholic choirs, this piece serves as a perfect call to worship, gathering the congregation and setting a bright, uplifting tone as the procession begins.

Sanctus Oleka and Abraham G. Jibrin have arranged the piece with a lively, rhythmic drive that naturally encourages movement down the aisle. The verses call the tribes of Israel—and by extension, the local parish community—to step into the holy place with praise and thanksgiving. Singing this in the Okun dialect adds a distinct cultural warmth to the Mass, grounding the universal words of the Psalmist in local expression. It is a wonderful choice for Sunday mornings, feast days, or any celebration where the choir wants to invite the people into God's presence with genuine gladness.