Kunle Adelabu, Mariam Akinloye with Kehinde Faleti, Austin Onah & Mariam Oyekan (SIWES)
-Foreign visitors laud Ikorodu’s cultural heritage
The much – anticipated 34th edition of Ikorodu – Oga Celebration lived up to the expectations as residents trooped out in their large numbers to herald its commencement on Saturday.
Hundreds of residents and traditional groups gathered as the annual celebration commenced with Interdenominational prayers, Woro procession and Fanti carnival, which is a new introduction. On the opening day, there was also another new addition – All White Party.
The week-long long programme will be celebrated with different activities up to November the 15th when the grand finale will be staged.
The procession took the usual traditional routes moving from the Ikorodu Town Hall after the inter denominational prayers through Olubi Street, Ayangbure Road, Oriwu Road, Ita Elewa, Aga, Ireshe Road, Odulate Street, Obun Oke, Ita Aro, Itunmeko, Oriwu Road, Obun Ale, Itunla, Ejina, Oba Alagbe Road, Itunmaja, Alhaji Street, Ladega, Ikorodu Roundabout, Ojubode, Ayangbure Road and terminated at the Ayangbure Palace.
At the palace, traditional groups like Osugbo, Meboi, Egungun masquerades, Igunnuko, Asa, Obatala, Olorisha, and Turuku, among others performed.
While welcoming guests including Europeans and residents back to his palace after the procession for the commencement of traditional performance and homage paying, HRM Oba (Dr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, thanked them for identifying with the celebration of Ikorodu culture and heritage.
He assured them of the security and friendliness of Ikorodu people contrary to the perception that there is insecurity all over the country.
“We are celebrating the 34th anniversary of the existence of the Ikorodu Oga Festival. All the children within and in the diaspora are here to witness this year’s anniversary. I want to thank them and our good friends from Abuja, Ireland and Germany. I thank you very much for being in our midst.
“You have seen that everywhere is lively. There’s no threat to life and no insecurity. We’re living together Christians, Muslims, and others. We’re all together here. Thank you very much for being here today, and I want to thank everybody for participating in this year’s anniversary.”
While acknowledging the buildup and the great expectations for the Fanti Carnival, Oba Shotobi assured residents that the call for the separation of the Fanti from other Ikorodu Oga activities because of its large participation would be considered in the subsequent years.
He thanked the Ikorodu LG Chairman, Hon. Adedayo Ladega for his full participation in the Oga Day Celebration and assured him of further support from the palace.
The royal father also charged and emphasised why Ikorodu must produce the next Governor of Lagos State come 2027.
IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole Olayiwola, commended stakeholders for their support and entire residents of Ikorodu for turning out in their large numbers for the celebration.
“This celebration is just the beginning; we’ll do many more, and it won’t be the last. Ikorodu has been lively and peaceful, and it will continue to be so. Every part of Ikorodu – Aga, Ijomu, Isele have come together as one united family. We are one. This is just the start; the best is coming in the years ahead.”
Hon. Adedayo Ladega , Chairman Of Ikorodu LG, in his remarks also thanked the royal father, IKODASS and residents for coming together to make the festival what it is today with improvements added every year.
He assured them that the next edition would be better.
Mr Franklin, an European Union Immigration officer, commended Ikorodu people for sustaining their tradition and cultural heritage.
“Kabiyesi, thank you very much for having us here at the festival. It shows the rich culture of Nigeria and the Ikorodu people.
“It’s good to keep your heritage because it’s something that belongs to you and that will never be taken away from you. That’s something we really appreciate in Nigeria, Lagos and also here in Ikorodu.
“It’s a great pleasure to see you celebrating together and keeping your culture for the elderly, the younger ones and for the young ones. It’s important to keep it together and we’re happy to be here and enjoy being with you,” he said.
Another foreign visitor, Mrs Basrah from England and Turkey, speaking with reporters said that she is attending the festival to learn about the people’s culture.
“I am here to learn about your culture and to experience it. Also, to see all the great things you guys do. I am very grateful to be able to come to this festival and see all the culture and traditions that the people of Ikorodu have. So, thank you so much for having me.”
Another member of the EU delegation, Mr Ron Hendricks, described the festival as great while commending Ikorodu people for sustaining their culture.
“It’s very interesting. It shows the great culture of Nigeria, and specifically of Ikorodu. It shows how you keep your culture together, celebrated together as a community, with everyone from the young to the elderly, and it’s a great experience for us to be here, and I’m very blessed to be here.
“We from the European Union support cultural diversity. We support the preservation of cultural heritage to make sure that you keep what you have and to make sure that the community can live together.
“I’m impressed to see how the people celebrate their culture and dress up. We are pleased to be in the same colours as you and that everybody is enjoying it together. That’s important, because that’s what’s in your heart and in your blood. You should not lose it. And then also the invitation from the king, and to meet him. So that’s it. Okay. Thank you very much.”
