Kunle Adelabu
Ona Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and other dignitaries at the stand where Ikorodu Local foods were displayed during the 2022 Food Festival which is part of the activities commemorating the 31st Ikorodu Oga Day Carnival
The introduction of the indigenous foods of other tribes into the Ikorodu Food festival, has received wide commendations with participating residents describing the initiative as a way of promoting unity and love in Ikorodu and the entire country.
The festival, also known as the ‘Local Diet Day’, has been part of the annual Ikorodu –Oga Day and has become an avenue to promote indigenous foods of Ikorodu and Ijebu people and prevent them from going into extinction.
However, at this year’s celebration which is the 31st in the series, the administration of Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo led lkorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), the organisation of the weeklong event, with the approval of His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, encouraged other tribes residing in Ikorodu to also display their respective local cuisines.
Urhobo chef explaining the community’s cuisines to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and members of his entourage during the tour of food stands.
At the Food Festival, which was held at the fourth day of the annual and state recognized Ikorodu – Oga Day, at the Arch. Olutusen Onafowokan Auditorium of the Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, Ikorodu, on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, tribes such as Igbo, Urhobo and Egbira wowed the gathering with their sumptuous indigenous meals.
The usual Ikorodu indigenous foods on display were – Akara Oka, Afon, Sagidi, Akara, Ebiripo, Igbekere, Ifoko, Egbo and Oti – Agadagidi.
At the Igbo corner were: Onobu (bitter leaf) soup, Egusi soup, Ofekwo (vegetable soup) and melon soup, while the Urhobo showcased Owho soup, Banga soup with starch and eba.
Members of the Egbira community also presented varieties of their local foods.
Meanwhile, Oba Shotobi declared the food display open for people to taste the various local delicacies, while he also went round the traditional market staged outside the hall to relate with the traders.
In his royal speech, the monarch thanked the three communities that were part of this year’s edition of the food festival. He also thanked local caterers that preparing Ikorodu’s local food every year.
Inspection of Igbo stand at the 2022 Food Festival in Ikorodu
He also commended IKODASS Chairman and the entire executive members of the socio – cultural and developmental organization, for the annual celebrations and propagation of Ikorodu.
The royal father prayed for all the attendees and wished them and entire lkorodu residents many more celebration.
While charging residents to enjoy the celebration, Oba Shotobi also took time out to charge people to collect their voters’ cards for the 2023 general elections.
“I want to hope that you have all collected your voters’ card. If you have, ensure that you keep it very well and use it on the Election Day and if you have not, ensure that you go and get it”, Oba Shotobi said.
“It is the card that we can use to thank the government of Babajide Sanwo – Olu by re –electing him and also make Jagaban (Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu) win the Presidential election.
“I am pleading with you to support me by voting enmasse for them because I have made promises to the government in the state that Ikorodu’s vote will be more than that of Badagry, Kosofe, Alimosho and Lagos Island, but I am not the only one that will vote. That is why I am calling on you to join me in voting for them so that we would fulfill the pledge and have more developments in return”, Ayangburen charged.
Oba Shotobi purchasing food items at the traditional market staged during the Food Festival organised by the Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS) during the 31st Ikorodu Oga Day celebrations.
Apostle Emmanuel Ogenewe, Welfare Officer, Urhobo community in Ikorodu and a professional chef who expressed his happiness and that of his entire community at their inclusion in the programme, said that they will be ready to be part of the subsequent editions.
“I feel very elevated and happy because the Oba recognized us. He came with his chiefs and other dignitaries to taste our food. We will be willing to identify with the festival in subsequent editions of Ikorodu-Oga Day”, he said.
“I pray for the monarch and the organisers of this laudable initiative, may God continue to empower them. It is a worthy programme”.
Mrs Odesey Nnamani, a professional counselor and Woman Leader, Ndigbo, Ikorodu Central LG, while also commending the Ayangbure and entire Ikorodu community for the opportunity availed to them, described the gesture as a unifying factor.
“Honestly, I feel great because with this method, Nigerians will be united. It has shown oneness. Different tribes have tasted one another’s food today. It is a way of uniting Nigerians and encouraging love to rule. It is a wonderful thing”, she said.
“I am appreciating Kabiyesi and IKODASS, from the deepest of my heart, to have initiated this new innovation. Ikorodu – Oga has been in existence for long; but they are just introducing this initiative where they allow other tribes residing in Ikorodu to join them in showcasing their local foods too.
Oba Shotobi, Mr Erogbogbo and other dignitaries inspecting the Igbira local foods.
“The kabiyesi is worthy to be a father and leader. It is a way of showing love within Ikorodu and the entire country”, she added.
The IKODASS Chairman, Mr Erogbogbo, speaking earlier, said that the food festival is aimed at ensuring the continued existence of indigenous foods in Ikorodu by ensuring that new generations also take to it.
He also said that the festival is a way of documenting the local cuisines and ensuring that they are popularized.
Erogbogbo added that the introduction of other indigenous foods of other tribes is a way of promoting unity and also ensuring that their cuisines too are sustained.
Also at the festival, Yewa Senior Secondary School, Ikorodu, was announced the winner of 2022 Ijebu Debate, while Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, emerged second. Both schools were presented prizes.
