Kunle Adelabu
Royal and eminent personalities joined sons, daughters and residents of ljede in ljede Local Council Development Area of lkorodu division, at the grand finale of the 34th Ajede Luwasa Day Celebration, where a video: Overview of the Historical Documentary of Ijede’, was unveiled.
The grand ceremony, which held was at the Alajede palace, was the culmination of a week – long activities commemorating the annual festival being used in promoting cultural heritage of Ijede people, and rallying residents and friends of the community in raising funds for projects that would enhance socio – economic developments of Ijede.
This year’s celebration was themed, ‘Enhancing the Future and Uplifting Our Heritage’.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, FCA, the Ranodu of Imota who is the royal father of the day, joined other eminent guests including Mr Kola Adeshina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group who chaired the occasion and Asiwaju Olayinka Akeju, the Distinguished Guest of Honour.
Aldo, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru represented by Dr. Saheed Adedapo Ibikunle, Rep. Babajimi Benson, representative, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on LG & Rural Developments, Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Gbenga Oshin, former Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Barr. Luqman Akinsanya, Founder, PepC Foundation, Mr Bashir Hassan, a senior legislative aide, and many other guests to drum support for ljede community and its people, at the memorable occasion.
The Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Moturayo Gbadebo – Alogba and the representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, both of whom were the hosts, and High Chief Musediq Alliu, the Regent/Olisa of Ijede who was the Royal Host, were on the ground to welcome guests to the celebration.
Hon Aro Abiodun, welcoming guests, sons and daughters and residents to the celebration, thanked invited guests for gracing the occasion and supporting Ijede community.
“I stand before you today with immense gratitude as we gather to celebrate the annual Ajede day. As an illustrious son of this land and a representative of the people in the Lagos State House of Assembly, it is both an honor and a privilege to address this distinguished gathering”.
He also commended the Alajede – in – Council and members of the Ajede planning committee and others that were responsible for organizing the 34th edition of the annual celebration.
The lawmaker described the celebration as a means of showcasing the rich cultural value of Ijede, while calling for unity and collaboration towards further development of Ijede LCDA.
“Today’s celebration is not just a mere event, it is a testament to our rich cultural heritage, unity, and collective progress”, he said.
“I express my heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible. Your commitment and dedication to the success of Ajede Day, are truly commendable in the spirit of unity and love. I implore every one of us to work together, transcend individual differences, and contribute wholeheartedly to the development of our beloved Ijede kingdom.
“Our strength lies in our unity, and it is through collaboration and shared efforts that we can build a brighter and more prosperous future for our community. As we partake in the festivities, let us also take a moment to reflect on our aspirations for the coming year.
“May our collective prayers be answered, and may we gather here next year to celebrate Ajede Day in the presence of our new king, ushering in a new era of leadership and prosperity. In closing, let us join our hearts in prayer for the peace, protection, and continued prosperity of the Ijede kingdom. May our community thrive, and may the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that unite us remain unbreakable”, he said.
Chairman Planning Committee for Ajede Luwasa 2023, Mr Kazeem Yekeen Adele, also emphasized that the celebration is all about promotion of cultural values of people of Ijede, and preserving them for development and the future generations.
“Today, we come together not only to commemorate a rich tradition, but also to witness the unveiling of a short video encapsulating the vibrant history of our beloved Ijede town. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated media team whose creativity brought this historical journey to life”, he said.
“Your tireless efforts have ensured that the essence of Ijede’s past is preserved and celebrated in a compelling manner.
“To the committee members, your commitment, collaboration, and hard work have been the driving force behind the success of this celebration. Together, we have woven the tapestry of memories and milestones that define our community.
“As we partake in this festivities and luncheon, let us not only savor the flavors of our local delicacies, but also the richness of our heritage. Let’s celebrate our shared identity together, honor our traditions and look forward to a future filled with prosperity and unity. Thank you all for being an integral part of this momentous occasion. Here’s to Ajede Luwasa, to Ijede town, and to the countless chapters yet to be written in our collective story”, he said.
Ace fuji artiste, Alhaji Sule Adio ‘Atawewe’, was on the ground to entertain guests and residents.
Other important dignitaries in Ijede who were at the celebration were Hon. Kabir Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Mr Kunle Olanbiwoninu, Secretary to the Ijede LCDA, Hon. Saheed Adefarasin Hassan, the Alajede – elect, High Chief Rasaq Oyebanjo, the Aro of Ijede, High Chief Babatunde Ogunmuyiwa, the Odofin of Ijede, and Mr Kunle Matti, General Secretary, Ijede Development Foundation.
Also at the celebration were several cultural, political, professional, trade groups like iCare Foundation, Alanu Omo Foundation and Atawewe Fans Club among others.
