Wale Jagun
The umbrella body of all clubs, societies and associations in Ikorodu and the organisers of the annual Ikorodu –Oga Day Celebrations, the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), has endorsed the staging of the play, ‘The Heroism of Erelu Ota’, during the 32nd edition of the annual carnival.
Activities for this year’s Oga Day Celebrations begin November 11 and end on November 18, 2023.
The Heroism of Erelú Ota, is a play that narrates the heroic exploits of the first Iya Egbe of Ikorodu, her ordeals, altruistic support, and her bravery during the Agbala War of the 19th century.
The play was premiered on May 1, 2023, at the prestigious Ikorodu Ultra-modern Town Hall, and received lots of adulation from the old and young generations present at the event.
As part of efforts to enrich the annual events, IKODASS announced in the endorsement letter to the DBard Creative Media, the producer of the play, that it will be staged on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
The letter of endorsement, signed by the IKODASS Chairman, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, stated that it was an easy decision to endorse the play, because of its theme which promotes the rich cultural status and values of Ikorodu.
“Having followed the staging of Heroism of Erelú Ota, in May, coupled with the adulation of the packed hall and the rave reviews the play received thereafter, IKODASS does not hesitate to endorse the staging of Heroism of Erelú Ota on Thursday, November 16, 2023, as part of the interludes at the 32nd Ikorodu Oga Festival. This piece, projecting history, is worthy of all the support it should get”, IKODASS Chairman said.
“We commend the efforts of DBard Creative Media and Mr. Waliu Adeyeri, for unearthing this masterpiece from Ikorodu”, he added.
Waliu Adeyeri, the producer and playwright, speaking on the endorsement, expressed gratitude to IKODASS, for counting the project worthy of its endorsement.
“On behalf of my team, I express my gratitude to God Almighty. Also, I appreciate IKODASS for the endorsement of this piece”, he said.
“Staging the play at the 32nd Ikorodu-Oga Day Festival, is not only a huge privilege; it is also a challenge for us at DBard Creative Media, to deliver a handsome production, beating our previous performance.
“We appreciate the spectators at the Erelú Ota performance debut in May, 2023, for the positive reviews, and objective criticisms. We are determined to improve upon all to deliver the best subsequently”.
He also extended his appreciation to cast and other technical partners.
“In the same vein, I appreciate our cast, the Nurudeen Ibrahim Arts Foundation Troupe (NIAF), for the revered production in May, and we cannot forget the relentless effort of the technical director, Mr. Oyewole Salami of Lagos State University”, he said.
“As we set forth on this mission to rejuvenate our historical and cultural artifacts, we call on stakeholders and individuals to support this project”.
The Heroism of Erelú Ota (The Return) is scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, by 4 p.m.
Interested sponsors and others should contact 07012356101 or 08163503024, for more information.
