The third Edition of the Festival Colloquium for the Lagos at 50 Festival came but its memories and impact on the people that attended the event would remain fresh as ever.
The event started a little behind schedule ,at about 1.27Pm,Dignitaries,Government Officials,Royal fathers and the amiable people of Lagos state were already sited, waiting for the arrival of the Keynote Speaker of the Colloquium; in the person of his Imperial Majesty,Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (ojaja II). The Ooni of ile ife,Osun state.
Like prayers answered in an instant,his imperial Majesty in all glamour and royalty appeared with his lovely Olori Yeyelua Wuraola Ogunwusi. The Mammoth crowd already awaiting the arrival of the royalties were all excited to catch a glimpse of the royal father.
The event proper kicked off with a welcome note from Jahman Anikulapo the event anchor and by protocol acknowledged the presence of the royal fathers and dignitaries in the house. Afterwards,Dr Adeniran of the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding (Oshogbo) gave a brief introduction to the achievements of the Ooni of ife,describing his love for the development of ile-ife and how he has been a source of blessing and inspiration to the Yoruba land,and to Nigeria at large.
Ushered in with his royal escorts,and an “awure”,the Ooni of Ile-ife gave his keynote address,with the theme “Tourism Potential in Yoruba Land: Landmarks, Culture and History”. He went on to share the essence of landmarks and cultural center points in Lagos state. Like a teacher that he is, his Imperial majesty went as far as giving deep insight into the original meaning of some of the high point areas and landmarks in Lagos state. It was a refreshing and informative session
Delivering his Keynote address successfully, the Ooni got a standing ovation from the audience. Right afterwards the Honourable Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave a message on behalf of the Federal Government.
This was followed with a wonderful artistic performance by Dance Professionals, the Spirit of David.
The event continued with,the Chairman of the Occasion, former governor of Cross Rivers state, Dr Donald Duke’s talk on how the Ooni’s involvement has helped the growing spirit of Nigeria’s culture and tourism, he later talked about the film that was billed to be screened for the evening which is “EKO:Iwure Olofin” Produced by Bukky Wright and Fola Onifade
The Movie which was screened for the first time tells the story of how Olofin came to Lagos (iddo),his rise to power, the conflict with the Bini tax collectors ,how he was betrayed and how the first Oba of Lagos(Ado) was installed. The story gives a rare view of the Benin connection to the establishment of “Eko” which later metamorphosed into the “Lagos” that we know today.
The event had top Dignitaries in the Nigeria’s Art and Culture scene in Attendance, Top Government officials from Oyo State, Lagos and Abuja in full attendance.
Picture Credits:TOJ Photos
