Kunle Adelabu
The annual Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration is not only coming back to its full force which it was known for when it started over three decades ago, as the cultural celebration is redefining itself and enlarging under the present administration of Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
What used to be affair of few clubs, societies and political groups in the past 10 to 15 years, is now gaining momentum and turning into an assemblage of cultural and other groups, a situation that has added glamour and colours to the 32nd edition of the celebration, making it a carnival to remember for a long time for thousands of people that attended it.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, who was the Chief host and whose support encouraged the emergence and full participation of ‘Regberegbe’ ( social clubs), was conspicuously filled with joy and fulfilment at what the annual celebration is turning out to be.
Oba Shotobi was joined by other Royal Majesties: Oba Fatai Aremu, the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Ahmed Moruf Olalekan Ogunnaike, Alagura of Agura, who all savoured every bit of moment spent at the Ayangbure palace witnessing the cultural parades of ‘Regberegbe’ groups comprised of beautiful and elegant ladies of substance who were resplendent in their respective colourful cultural attires.
Egbe Gbogeniyi Obinrin, Egbe Bobakeye Obinrin, Egbe Gbobaniyi Obinrin, Egbe Arabayo Obinrin, Kiki Ewa Social Club, Egbe Tobalase Obinrin and the Unique Sister Club among many other social clubs, were at their best at the Ayangbure palace during the grand finale of the 2023 lkorodu-Oga Day celebration, as they displayed the beauty of Ikorodu culture to guests and tourists.
Among male ‘Regberegbe’ groups that participated that were in attendance were: Egbe Gbobaniyi Okunrin, Blissful Family, Elite Gathering Club, Achievers Enlightenment Association (Achievers Forum), The Knight Club and The Zenith Peers Club.
They were joined by the Senator Abiru group, iCare Foundation of Rep. Babajimi Benson, Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa Ladies, the Onward Movement of Nigeria of the immediate past Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade and Prince Ibrahim Alani Onibudo’s group among others.
Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, the Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), speaking with our reporter, said that the turnout of event was an outcome of a deliberate plan.
“It is as a result of our deliberate plans and actions. It started many years ago, but at the moment, we are taking the Ikorodu – Oga Celebration to another height; another level and status that is deserving of a city like ours”, he said.
“What you are seeing today (Saturday) is an attempt to bring back what is ours. Regberegbe is an Ikorodu creation, only that it was relaxed over time. When you remember what Ikorodu used to be in the past years, when our socialites like Jarin Fakus and her contemporaries used to dominate the social circles, you will realise that what we witnessed today is just a tip of the iceberg.
“That is what we are bringing back to the Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration. We are bringing back the glamour, beauty and colours, and our Regberegbe and others groups are fully ready to identify with us.
“This is just a tip of what to come next year. You will be seeing more Regberegbes showcasing the beauty of our cultural heritage and joining us to further project Ikorodu to the world’, Erogbogbo said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Rep. Babajimi Benson, who also had a great moment at the colourful outing, said that the annual event is used in celebrating the culture of his town and people and also, to advance developments.
“I am honored to be here today as the Chairman of the 32nd Ikorodu Oga Festival, an annual event that celebrates the culture, arts, style and traditions of Ikorodu Division, and also promotes its growth and development”, he said.
“Today’s event marks the end of a week-long series of activities, including a fitness walk, Woro, beauty pageant, cultural exhibitions, and more, all aimed at fostering unity and progress among the people of Ikorodu Division”.
