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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Chief Jesuyon Avoseh |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – The ancient coastal town of Badagry is buzzing with excitement as Chief Jesuyon Avoseh, the Baale of Luda Tome, prepares to celebrate his 7th year on the throne. To mark this milestone, the traditional ruler has announced the inaugural Akohun Drum and Sport Festival, a dual-purpose celebration aimed at preserving the rich Ogu (Egun) heritage and fostering communal unity.
The festival has received a significant boost with the official endorsement of His Royal Majesty, Aholu Agano Toniyon I, the Aholu of Aganmathen Kingdom, Ajara, Badagry. The monarch hailed the initiative as a vital tool for cultural reconnection, particularly for the younger generation who may be drifting away from their ancestral roots.
The festivities are designed to engage both the body and the soul. The sporting segment, featuring a marathon, is scheduled to kick off on March 28, 2026. This event is expected to draw youth from across the Badagry corridor, promoting physical fitness and healthy competition among the various communities.
Following the marathon, the cultural centerpiece the Akohun Drum Festival will take place on March 30, 2026, at Luda-Ajara. This segment will showcase the intricate rhythms and dances that have defined the Ogu people for centuries, providing a rare platform for traditional drummers to display their mastery.
Speaking on the importance of the event, Aholu Agano Toniyon I emphasized that the Akohun is more than just an instrument; it is a vessel of history. "Akohun is one of the drums we use to perform cultural dances, which is very important to the Ogu people," the monarch stated.
He expressed concern that many children today are unfamiliar with the specific sounds and significance of traditional drums. "If we don’t celebrate festivals like this, how are we going to come together? By celebrating together, our kids will know more about our culture and the identity of their forefathers," he added.
Providing deeper historical context, Chief Ajo Paul, the Gbefa of Vetho-Ajara Kingdom, explained that the Akohun drum holds a unique place in Ogu society. He noted that the drum's function is divided into two distinct realms: the secular and the sacred.
"When used in a traditional or spiritual setting, the drum is no longer referred to as Akohun; it is called Ahlihun," Chief Paul revealed. He explained that these drums provide the rhythmic backbone for native songs and "relics" used during the sacred rites of Vothunsi a period of spiritual seclusion practiced by initiates.
For the host, Chief Jesuyon Avoseh, the 7th-anniversary celebration is less about personal accolades and more about community development. Since ascending the throne as the Baale of Luda Tome, Avoseh has been a staunch advocate for the "Greater Badagry" vision.
"This is an avenue to celebrate the rich culture of the Ogu people and to promote unity among Badagry communities," Avoseh remarked. He believes that by integrating sports with tradition, the festival will appeal to all demographics, creating a shared sense of pride and belonging.
Local observers suggest that the Akohun Drum and Sport Festival has the potential to become a staple on the Lagos State tourism calendar. By showcasing the unique "Ogu" identity distinct from the more commonly known Yoruba traditions in the state the festival offers a fresh cultural product for domestic and international tourists.