Many people know the meaning Alaga Iduro/Ijoko, but do not really know their difference. The Alaga Ijoko (the sitting MC) is for the bride’s family and the “Alaga Iduro” (the standing MC) is for the groom’s family. These terms are usually used in the settings of a Yoruba traditional wedding. They coordinate the affairs at the event. The Alaga Iduro introduces the groom’s family and helps them make a formal introduction to the bride’s family. The Alaga Ijoko, in turn, introduces the bride to her husband’s parents and family..
This responsibility requires research and knowledge about different traditions and cultures, in shouldering such responsibilities, Adeoye Titilope Olawumi popularly called Ajoke Amodedun excels and has become an expert in the field. Ajoke Amodedun is a sure plug for any Yoruba traditional engagement including packages like collection and organising Eru Iyawo, packaging and consultancy.
Ajoke Amodedun is also a vibrant vanguard in maintaining the tradition of Alaga business. It is in this context that she founded WUMBOD Worldwide Academy. In an interview with City People’s Reporter, DAMILOLA AKANDE, Amope Amodedun shared her journey from a regular 9-5 job to becoming a traditional wedding compere. Read excerpts!
Can you tell us about Ajoke Amodedun?
I am Adeoye Titilope Olawumi. I am popular with the brand name, Ajoke Amodedun. I am a certified wedding compere also known as Alaga Ijoko/Iduro. I started my educational journey at African School where I had my primary education. I then proceeded to Methodist Grammar School located at Igboora, Oyo State where I had my secondary education. I obtained my first degree at the University of Agriculture in Abeokuta. For my Master’s degree, I attended the University of Ibadan, where I studied Public Health.
With your discipline in school, how did this Alaga business start for you?
Allow me to say that it is inborn because I grew to see my mother excelling in this field. So, in my University days, I belonged to a drama group which helped me develop my love for entertainment. So, fast forward to when I got married and had to relocate to Lagos. I realised I could not cope with the 9 to 5 job palava. I worked with an NGO at UCH Ibadan and after coming to Lagos. I joined another NGO, the kidney consult. So, with all that came with it, I went back to my drawing board and went on to master the arts I knew from childhood.
Asides from being an Alaga Ijoko/Iduro, would you have done something differently?
As I said, I joined the drama group while I was in the university and I have always had a flair for anything entertainment. So, if I wasn’t a traditional wedding compere, I would have been an actress or a radio presenter. To the glory of God, I am still a radio presenter.
How did you go into radio presenting?
This is another thing that comes naturally to me. I had the pleasure of learning under the tutelage of the powerful and the mighty in the media industry. While in the University, I had the pleasure of going to the studio with great legends like the late Gbenga Adeboye and The Malian Boy. I later did proper training under the late Dare Best.
What are the challenges you face doing this business?
The number one challenge is the time factor. Clients will say work is to start by 10a.m but mostly such events don’t even start at 2 pm. Besides, many young people are on daily basis coming into the business with many negative photos of what and who is an Alaga Iduro/Ijoko.
The Alaga Iduro/Ijoko is a cultural and traditional business but you now see many of them wearing revealing clothes, and singing hip-hop songs thereby the traditional value is lost in the process.
With your insight on the young Alaga’s approach, how do you intend to correct the misrepresentation of the business?
I have an academy in place for this. I founded Wumbod Worldwide Academy (Ajoke Amodedun School of Engagement) in 2016/2017. I started the academy to teach people the rudiments of traditional engagement anchoring. Some people come into the business with the wrong notion. So, we bridge the gap between the old and the new Alagas by merging trends and tradition. At Wumbod Worldwide Academy, we have over 30 trainees and intents with more than 20 certified young and well-trained Alaga graduates.
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