Saturday, 11 December, 2021, will remain indelible in the minds of sons and daughters of Ota, as they celebrated Odun Omo Iganmode in grand style. Theme: Culture: A Module For Sustainable Leadership”. The event was historic and fun-filled in all its ramifications as top-notch dignitaries from all walk of life graced the occasion. City People’s TIMOTHY FOWOMOLA brings you gists of the event.
CHOICE VENUE
Kudos to the planning committee chaired by Aare Ayodeji Bankole for choosing Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive College, Ota in Ogun State as the venue for the grand finale of a week-long programme to celebrate the Odun Omo Iganmode Festival. The venue which accommodated over, 5000 guests both regular and VIP, had more than 20 big canopies mounted in strategic positions.
ARRAY OF AWORI OBAS
Truly, Yoruba are known for their rich cultural heritage. The Awori Obas really proved their worth as they came to support one of their own, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Abdul-Kabir Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, Olota of Ota, Awori Kingdom to celebrate Odun Omo Iganmode day 2021. In attendance were: Elegbeda of Egbeda, Onijana of Ijana, Onikosi of Ikosi, Onijakin of Ijankin, Olojodu of Ojodu and a host of others.
MASQURADERS’ COLOURFUL PERFORMANCE
Ota in Aworiland are known for Masquerader deities, this year Odun Omo Iganmode day celebration witnessed different Masqueraders from different families. Indeed, they added glamour to the celebration.
WATER-TIGHT SECURITY
The Central Planning Committee didn’t joke on the issue of security and Covid-19 protocols. They engaged the service of the Nigeria Police force, Amotekun, Civil Defence Corps, Trace and other local hunters to safeguard the venue as well as lives and properties.
FOOD AND DRINKS IN ABUNDANCES
For an event that has over 5000 guests in attendance, the Caterers make sure every guest is attended to with sumptuous meals and choice drinks, thumps up for the planning committee.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
To add colour and dignity to this year’s Odun Omo Iganmode day celebration, selected indigenes were recognised for their contributions to the uplifting of Ota kingdom. The recipients of awards were: Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Special Adviser to the President; (Ota-Awori daughter of the year) High Chief (RTN) Olawale Cole, former Commissioner of Finance in Lagos, (Ota Awori son of the year), Chief Mrs Taiwo Ajayi Lycett (Lifetime Achiever Award) also the Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun MF bagged Tourism Commitment Awards.
OGUN STATE EXCO IN ATTENDANCE
At least, five Commissioners in Ogun State paid homage to his Royal Majesty Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Obalenge, Lanlege Ekun II. Present were: Hon. (Dr.) Taiwo Emmanuel Oluwatoyin, Comm for Culture and Tourism, Commissioner for Budget/Planning Laolu Olabitan, Commissioner for Health, Commissioner For Foresty, Commissioner for Transport and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health.
OGUN STATE LEGISLATORS SHOW SUPPORT
This year Odun Omo Iganmode enjoyed legislators’ smooth support from Ogun State. They were led by Senator Tolu Odebiyi representing Ogun West Senatorial district, Senator Akin Odunsi (Maiyegun of Ota). From Lagos was Senator Olamilekan Yayi, Lagos West Senatorial district ably represented by Mr. Babatunde Raji Labehan, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele representing Ado-Odo Ota Federal Constituency, Hon. Sheriff Abiodun Yusuf majority leader, Ogun State, Ogun State House of Assembly, representing Ado-Odo Ota Constituency I and a former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji.
IYALOJA GENERAL ABLY REPRESENTED
Chief (Mrs.) Abisola Azeez (Iyaloja of Computer Village), Ikeja represented Iyaloja General, Chief Mrs. Folashade Ojo Tinubu who was unavoidably absent.
SEAMAN SCHINAPPS VERY SUPPORTIVE
Seaman Aromatic Schinapps, a frontline in the liquor businesses, showed solidarity and support for Odun Omo Iganmode. The firm distributed take-away Schnapps, Umbrellas, Souvenirs in goodies bag to guests.
ODUN OMO IGANMODE TURNS POLITICAL RALLY
As 2023 election draw nearer, politicians were using available avenues to sell themselves to the electorates, it was evident at the recent Odun Omo Iganmode day celebrations in Ota as politicians turned the celebration into a political rally. Party members adorned their preferred candidate T-shirts, banners as different slogan rent the air.
SOCIETIES IN ATTENDANCE
Egbe Bobagbade of Ota, Club 15 of Nigeria, Egbe Bobaniyi of Ota, Gbadys Club of Ota, Ota Country Club, Amoran of Ado-Ota, Iganmode Club, Zonal CDC of Ota, Ota Elite Club, Lion Club of Ota, NANS.
ROLL CALL
The Odun Omo Iganmode celebration witnessed the presence of the high and mighty in society. They included were Dep. Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Mrs. Noimot Ojedele and husband, Sen. Akin Odunsi, Alhaja Abass (Iyaloja General, Yewaland) Prince Gbolahan Dada, Comm. Laolu Olabitan, Araba of Ota land, Fashola Faniyi, Asiwaju Olawale Cole, Oba Salako Mukails, ACP Muyideen Bello, Chief Segun Osifeso & wife, Rt. Yemi Ikuforiji, Olori Bolanle Ogunsanwo, Rasak Sofayo-Borokinni of Aworiland, Abimbola Dada, Iyaloja of Ota, Olori Arch Kadri among others.
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