Kunle Adelabu
The importance of the legendary King Kosoko came to the fore again as family members and guests came together to celebrate the late King and Oloja of Lagos, 151 years after his demise.
The remains of the late Oba Kosoko was interred at the Kosoko palace in Ereko which today serves as the Oloja palace and King Kosoko Memorial Museum, which was the venue of the celebration themed, ‘Reminiscence III’, held on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
During the celebration, which started with traditional prayers by Kosoko palace priests, lfa priests, Liwe group from Ebute – Iga and others, followed by brief Christian and Muslim prayer sessions. There event also featured a display by a masquerade.
The occasion provided guests in attendance the opportunity to tour the King Kosoko Memorial Museum.
Meanwhile, during the Muslim prayer session, several surahs recited, while special prayers were also offered for Prince Abiola Kosoko, the Oloja – elect, and the entire Kosoko family.
Alhaji Ibrahim Afinih, Olori Omo Kewu of Lagos, recalling the roles of late Oba Kosoko to religion, trade and tradition of Lagos, commended the family for preserving his heritage.
“The former Oloja Inubilu, continued with recognition of Islam and on yearly basis, organized Iftar during Ramadan periods and for about two years during the period, I was the one sent from the Ministry of Home Affairs by Alhaji AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem to represent him. I also recalled that I used to follow the late Oloja to some places and whenever it was time to pray, he always recited verses from Suratu Yasin”, he said.
“There is a strong bond between the house of Kosoko, that of Animashaun and those in Epe, which must be sustained.
“I am also happy that the active and performing Oloja – elect is the one celebrating the 151st anniversary of the late King Kosoko. There will be a need for special 151 prayer points that will be conducted by Kosoko sons and daughters alone which will be led by Imam Kosoko. I have no doubt that after the prayers, all the lost glory of the house will return”, he said.
“I thank you for not forgetting your source and the impacts of the late King that you are remembering today. There is no profession or human endeavor that we do not have Kosokos impacting – in governance, administration, arts and theatre. The late Maulud Kosoko, former Permanent Secretary, ordained most of the Alfas on the Island today.
Mallam Audu Umar, the Marafa of Lagos who represented the Seriki Fulani of Lagos, His Highness (Dr.) Mohammed Bambado II, commended the Oloja – elect for sustaining the tradition of acknowledging and according the three popular religions – Traditional, Christianity and Islam, necessary importance, as it was since the time of the legendary Oba Kosoko.
He also commended him for his roles in propagating Kosoko heritage, Lagos and Yoruba history.
While recalling the legendary roles of King Kosoko and how he fought the British, Mallam Audu also said that it was the late King that invited his great grandfather who was a business and merchant to join him in doing business in Lagos which has metamorphosed into a cordial and lasting relationship till date.
The Marafa of Lagos, who also called for unity and peace across the country, pleaded that Igbos should be embraced and not condemned for their political activities in recent times.
Meanwhile, the Oloja – elect, Prince Abiola Kosoko thanked guests and family members who came from far and near to grace the occasion and made it a memorable one.
“I am using this opportunity to thank everybody who has made today a promising one. I pray that you return to your various destinations peacefully and safely. Thank you so much for coming.”
At the remembrance ceremony were: Prince Olumide Akinluyi, Ampoyegeso Oniwonlu, HRH Taiwo Kolawole Shokunbi, Olu Jagunna Ijeja Egbaland, Abeokuta and Prince Ibikunle Ibrahim, the Olorogun Agab of Lagos, Alhaja Oyinlomo Kudirat, Hon. Dayo Awodogan, Supervisory Councilor for Tourism, Ikorodu West LCDA and Chairman, Supervisory Councilors for Tourism Forum and Hon. Babatunde Haruna, Supervisory Councilor for Tourism, Lagos Island LG and Secretary of the forum.
