Kunle Adelabu
It was another convergence at the Ajina market square by the chieftains and members of the traditional institution in Ikorodu Kingdom, and residents as the 2024 Eyibi Festival, also known as Agemo/Eluku festival, kicked – off on Wednesday.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, led the traditional chiefs, Baales and chieftains of the Agemo/Eluku traditional group led by the Alashe of Itunmoja, High Chief Wasiu Akinsanya, to the Ajina market square for the formal opening of the annual celebration.
The festival will last for seven days with the king and residents converging on daily basis at the market square to witness various performances by the Agemo masquerades.
At the memorable opening ceremony, residents trooped out enmasse to the market square to celebrate with the Ikorodu monarch and his chiefs, and also welcomed Agemo (a traditional masquerade wrapped in mat) which is an important deity which the festival is being used to celebrate.
The deity usually heralded the coming of Eluku, another major deity in Ikorodu and other Ijebu Kingdoms, which can only be seen by original Ikorodu indigenes/ ljebu-born persons.
The atmosphere at the Ajina market square on that the evening of that Wednesday, cut the picture of a carnival-like event as each traditional group took turn to pay homage to the Ayangbure who wore green damask with beaded crown to match and sat majestically in the midst of traditional chiefs throughout the festival.
The Alashe Itunmoja paid the last respect to the monarch before the Agemo was ushered into the arena by large followers. The deity’s entrance caused deafening uproar as young men carrying long canes, jubilated and cheered.
The Agemo was then immediately led by his minders to where Oba Shotobi was seated, for special rites.
Earlier in the day, the Aworo masquerade, another deity, had moved round the major traditional areas in Ikordu, with a large number of youths, in a carnival – like procession, going from one house to house to pay homage in celebration of the Agemo/Eluku festival.
Meanwhile, the Kolujo team of Comrade Japheth Odesanya, a Chairmanship aspirant for the Ikorodu Local Government, while identifying with the royal father and the entire residents of Ikorodu on the occasion of the Agemo/Eluku festival, prayed that the festival will bring good turnaround to Ikorodu Kingdom.
“On behalf of the indigenous Ikorodu sons & daughters, the Kólùjó Team proudly & heartily felicitates with the Alayeluwa, HRM, Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Shotobi, on the auspicious occasion of the Eyibi festival 2024.
“May it become a significant opportunity for us to bond together and build a meaningful consensus on how to rise to our common challenges as a community, and likewise achieve our collective aspirations.
“We wish you a happy, progressive & meaningful celebration”.
Also celebrating the Eyibi festival with the monarch and residents, Ibrahim Alani Onibudo, another aspirant for the lkorodu Local government Chairmanship seat, wished them a joyous celebrations.
“Ọba wa Kábíyèsí Aláyélúwà, on behalf of myself and BUDO ALLEN CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION, I wish you a joyous and peaceful celebration of Ẹ̀yìbí Festival 2024.
“May this special occasion bring our community together, strengthen our cultural heritage, and usher in prosperity and progress for our people. Your leadership and wisdom are invaluable to us, and we pray for your continous good health and reign.
“Long live the Aláyélúwà! Ọmọ Umalẹ̀ Afèlèjà”, he said.
