By Fidel Ozugha
Recently, the indigenes of Badagry area of Lagos State rolled out drums and other musical instruments in celebration of their annual Olokun World Festival. It was held at the popular Suntan Beach in Badagry.
A lot of preparations were put in place to make it spectacular as 50, 000 guests were expected to participate in the carnival sort of a festival. Spiritual and cultural activities were seriously involved as it was celebrated with music, dance, puff-puff, picture-taking, cowry art and craft. Activities were conducted in three main ways – African tradition, Islam and Christianity.
The host tribe, Yoruba leaders invited their Igbo friends and leaders to come and celebrate with them. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour as King Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON led other notable Yoruba leaders like Secretary General of Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Barrister Babajide Tanimowo, Special Adviser to OPC, Prof Kolawole Raheem, etc to the festival. The 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, was also in attendance.
In the same vein, the Igbo community resident in Lagos was led by three first class Ndieze Igbo in Lagos State including Eze Dr. Alex S. M. Nwoye; Board of Trustee (BOT) Chairman of Ndieze Udo in Lagos State, Eze Ikem Agbasi, Eze Udo of Isolo; Eze Uche Dimgba, Eze Ndi Igbo of Ikeja and member of the BOT; Eze Austine Ojukwu, Eze Udo of Amuwo Odofin. The Onowus, personal assistants, etc of these Ndieze were also around for the celebration.