More Conversations On Eyo Play As Pelu Engages Stakeholders -

Kunle Adelabu

Pelu Awofeso, the author of the book, ‘White Lagos: A Definitive and Visual Guide To The Eyo Festival’ in group photograph with Princess Adenike Adedoyin Ajayi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Amb. Metche Isaac – Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Goge Africa, Amb. Nneka Isaac – Moses, Managing Director, Goge Africa, and Mr Lawal, the owner of the Onikan House, Mrs Awofeso, mother of the author, Mrs Abiodun Ogunbiyi, a tour operator and Mrs Anike – Ade Funke Treasure, a broadcast journalist and teacher among other guests displaying copies of the book, ‘White Lagos’, at the event tagged, ‘Old Lagos: Conversations Around Eyo Festival’, held at the Onikan House, 32, Military Street, Onikan, Lagos on Sunday.

It was another opportunity for Pelu Awofeso, the author of the book, ‘White Lagos: A Definitive and Visual Guide To The Eyo Festival’, to interface with stakeholders in the tourism sector in Lagos State on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

At the event, tagged, ‘Old Lagos: Conversations Around Eyo Festival’, held at the Onikan House, 32, Military Street, Onikan, Lagos, were Princess Adenike Adedoyin Ajayi, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Amb. Metche Isaac – Moses, Chief Executive Officer, Goge Africa, Amb. Nneka Isaac – Moses, Managing Director, Goge Africa and Mr Lawal, the owner of the Onikan House among others.

Mrs Abiodun Ogunbiyi, a tour operator and lawyer, did the review of the book and raised some salient points and at the end of her session, referred to Pelu as an unsung hero.

Mrs Anike – Ade Funke Treasure, a broadcast journalist and teacher engaging Pelu Awofeso, the author of the book, ‘White Lagos: A Definitive and Visual Guide To The Eyo Festival’ during the event tagged, ‘Old Lagos: Conversations Around Eyo Festival’, held at the Onikan House, 32, Military Street, Onikan, Lagos on Sunday.

The occasion, like other previous conversations on the book, presented Pelu the opportunity to discuss his experiences on being part of the Adamu Orisa Play also known to some people as Eyo Festival and, according to him , documenting it for the future.

Mrs Anike – Ade Funke Treasure, a broadcast journalist and teacher, engaged the author in the interview session on his travel and books, especially on his ‘White Lagos’.

While Pelu was of the view that there is need to have an annual Eyo play to further develop its tourism potential, Mrs Toyin Basorun, SAN, and some other participants were of the view that it cannot be for the play to retain its tradition and essence.

Mr Pelu presenting a copy of the book, ‘White Lagos: A Definitive and Visual Guide To The Eyo Festival’ to Mrs Abiodun Ogunbiyi, a tour operator, who reviewed the book at the event.

Advancing his position further, the author said that its proposal for the annual staging of the event could be ceremonial to celebrate important events.

The Author who said that he would be willing to review the book to accommodate new facts, pleaded with custodians of Eyo for their cooperation and support in his quest to properly document the cultural and traditional display.

In addition, those opposed to the idea are of the position that the drama is to commemorate the death of great Lagosians and should stay the way it is.

Mr Pelu Awofeso, the author of the book, ‘White Lagos: A Definitive and Visual Guide To The Eyo Festival’, Princess Adenike Adedoyin Ajayi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State and Mrs Abiodun Ogunbiyi, a tour operator who reviewed the book and other guests at event tagged, ‘Old Lagos: Conversations Around Eyo Festival’, held at the Onikan House, 32, Military Street, Onikan, Lagos on Sunday.

Other questions raised by participants also made the travel journalist raised the bar of the discourse on one of the most important cultural displays in Nigeria.

Mr Lawal, also speaking, said that the session was organized to connect the young folks to the past and future of Lagos.