Seun AJAYI
The ancient town of Igbogbo community ,located in
Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDAs) in Ikorodu Division,
Lagos State ,on Tuesday , August 20,2018,observed the annual cultural
celebration popularly known as “Isese day”.
The event was held at the Adeboruwa’s palace and was
well attended by traditional leaders, culture enthusiasts, while there were
exciting displays by several traditional groups and masquerades like
Abilefo, Babalawo, Osugbo, Alangere, Wonpari ,Turupu, Mole Iseri and many more.
Many residents also trooped out to witness the cultural and
traditional celebrations.
Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo,
speaking at the event ,stated that the cultural celebration is a way of
rallying round the residents in protecting traditional and cultural heritages
of Igbogbo kingdom,adding that religion should not be a factor of division.
“Isese (tradition) is very significant among our people. It promotes peace and tranquility.
“I want to enjoin our people to be tolerant of one another.
Religious beliefs ,rather than causing disharmony, rather, should unite us and
also we should honor the tradition of our ancestors who left this wonderful
legacies and heritages for us” ,Oba Kasali appealed.
The King reiterated that the celebration is an opportunity for traditional leaders and culture enthusiasts in Igbogbo kingdom and around the globe to retain and keep practicing the Yoruba culture and tradition.
High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo kingdom , speaking with THE IMPACT ,commended the government initiative in setting a day aside for the traditional celebration.
He stated that solutions can be found for many problems
confronting the country and the continent as a whole through culture and
tradition.
“Setting a day aside to celebrate traditional
culture and practices has become imperative” ,he stated.
“In our culture and tradition, we can find lasting solutions
to the myriad of challenges facing the Nigeria and the continent.
He added that the festival is an annual ritual which was designed by God Almighty to bring together traditional rulers, believers and adherents of traditional religion with the aim of celebrating the Isese Day to promote and sustain
“our cultural and traditional practices which must not be allowed to go into extinction”.
Many of the participants expressed their delights at the
event , stating that it should be sustained.
Awards of honour were presented to many chiefs who have
contributed significantly to the sustenance of the traditional practice in the
kingdom.
