Kunle Adelabu & Bolu Orebajo
There is no doubt the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day Carnival or Festival has evolved to a new trend in the last four years since Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo has taken charge as the Chairman of Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
Onwards from his inception, all associations, clubs and groups have increased drastically in the umbrella body. The numbers of Regberegbes (cultural and traditional groups) that are today competing qualitatively to outshine one another, and in the process contributing to socio – economic developments of Ikorodu which is the second largest city in Lagos State; third in the Southwest and fifth in Nigeria.
As usual, the Regberegbe, associations and even political groups came out in huge numbers; but, it was massive this year at the Palace of Ayangbure where the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat was present with members of the state executive council, federal and state lawmakers, royal fathers and dignitaries.
The groups exhibited spectacular cultural beauty with their attires and general outfit to add colour, glamour and glitz to celebration.
As stated by the IKODASS Chairman in his address on that day, the celebration is more than that of culture and traditional values, but also, the acknowledgement of progress made by the people of Ikorodu.
And indeed, the celebration exemplified that as residents enthusiastically celebrated in a way and manner that mesmerized the guests and made the Chief Host, and the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, face radiated with fulfilled smiles and pride in his subjects and citizens in light of what Ikorodu has achieved and what is on the way to achieve.
During the procession, the groups in their colourful cultural attires matched, paid homage to the King before proceeding to the musicians’ stand.
At this year’s festival were Egbe Arobayo Obirin, Elite Fathering Club, Egbe Bobamayegun Obirin, Bobaseye of Ikorodu, Kiki Ewa Social Club, Akile Obirin of Ikorodu kingdom, Egbe Bobakeye of Ikorodu korodu kingdom and Egbe Gbobaniyi of Ikorodu kingdom.
Others were Igbo General Assembly, Justice Forum, iCare Foundation, Asiwaju Bashorun Super Ladies, Educay Ambassadors, #Doing Good Team, Great People Forum, De Cubano Group, Oga Babes, Omolere Market , BUDO ALLEN Campaign Organization [BACO] among others.
