Kunle Adelabu
-To honour important women, Pepc Foundation
The Creative Director, D’Bard Creative Media, Prince Waliu Adeyeri, has assured residents of Ikorodu and guests who are going to be attending the premier of the drama, ‘The Heroine of Erelu Ota’, a drama about the legendary Ikorodu woman who played significant role in the victory of Ikorodu over the Egba in what is known as ‘Ogun Agbala’ (Agbala War), and said to always journey between Ikorodu and Lagos Island on a mat spread on the lagoon, of an epic drama.
The drama, which will be staged at the Arch. Olutusen Hall, Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, Ikorodu, on Monday, May 1, 2023, will also be used to honour eminent women who had contributed greatly to Ikorodu and humanity in general, through their respective careers.
Adeyeri disclosed this while speaking on the initiative during his appearance on THE IMPACT WhatsAPP Platform.
While attendance at the event is strictly by invitation, interested persons can book tickets from the organisers to attend the event. The ticket categories which are named after significant terms in Ikorodu are: Omo Orúnsèn (Regular) – N1,500, Ògá (VIP) – N5,000 and Ayangbure Royal Table for 5 – N30,000.
On the list of women to be honoured at the event are: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Alhaja Modupe Shineshine, Chief Executive Officer, Shine-Shine Cosmetics, Olori Sola Kosoko, Olori Oloja-Elect of Lagos and an Ace Broadcaster and Media Personality, Alhaja Doyin Kukoyi, Seasoned and Award-winning Nollywood actress and TV Presenter, Alhaja Sherry Ogunniyi, Award-winning Educator and Former Principal of Oriwu Model College and Hon. Folashade Olabanji-Oba – Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government
Also going to be honoured is Pepc Foundation, a non – governmental and non – profit making organization who has impacted greatly on women, education and humanity in general.
“The royal father, eminent personalities, guests, and residents should expect an epic performance”, he assured.
Speaking on the drama, Prince Adeyeri, who is an adjunct technologist at the drama session of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, LASUSTECH, said the initiative is to beam searchlight on historic personalities and events.
“The need to beam spotlight on Ikorodu’s historic artefacts and its people birthed this project. Also, the need to celebrate Ikorodu women who are pulling giant strides in their chosen fields as a means of motivating the younger generation”, Prince Adeyeri said.
“As a literature student, I had the opportunity to read some epic works from personalities like Ola Rotimi, Ahmed Yerima, Femi Osofisan, Wole Soyinka, to mention a few. This motivated me to look into the historical accounts of Ikorodu Kingdom, and the Legend Erelú Ota came to mind.
“The Heroism of Erelú Ota is a theatrical production inspired by the enigmatic and heroic exploits of an Amazon in Ikorodu, who contributed hugely to the victory of Ikorodu against its Egba enemies in the Agbala war of the 19th century.
“Aside being a theatrical production, the play set out to celebrate some outstanding women in Ikorodu who are doing great in their chosen field. Initially, the project was scheduled to hold in March in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, but due to the election and the cash crunch, we had to postpone it to Monday, May 1st, 2023 at Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Townhall”, he explained.
“The event is not just a Theatrical production, it will feature an award presentation session for outstanding female personalities in Ikorodu whose stories will be shared as a means of motivation for all, especially the youths.
The Creative Director of the D’bard Creative Media, also informed that the Erelu Ota family are fully behind the initiative, as well as stakeholders in Ikorodu.
“I have been able to get the endorsement of the family as a matter of fact, the story was narrated by some members of the family which include the current Iya Egbe of Ikorodu, Alh. Nusirat Shonibare”, Prince Adeyeri said.
“About the acceptance of the project, a lot of people are communicating their interest online; however, we hope the interest is converted to the purchase of tickets in the next few days.
“We appreciate everyone who has supported this program in Ikorodu… I also appreciate individuals who have made commitments to this project in cash and in kind. We look forward to getting more support as this would immensely help propel the project”, he said.
He also stated that free slots have been given out to schools for students participation.
“In order to achieve the objectives of this project, we have given out slots to various secondary schools and students’ associations to partake in the event”, he said.
