Saturday, January 30, 2010

We stand by our Governor. Show your support.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos Restaurants. Bambuddha, Victoria Island (Thai

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos Restaurants. Guaranga Vegeterian, Apapa (Indian food)

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos Restaurants. Marcopolo, Victoria Island (Seafood)

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos Restaurants. Yellow Chili, Victoria Island (Nigerian cuisine)

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Lagos Restaurants.Saipan, Victoria Island (Chinese food)

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Lagos Restaurants. Reeds, Awolowo Road (Thai food)

Lagosians and Entertainment – A Strong Bond Augusta Okon


Lagos state, once tagged as “The Home of Aquatic splendour” but now referred to as “The Centre of Excellence” plays home to Nine Million multi-ethnic based people. A controversial figure declared by the National Population Commission, based on the census conducted in March 2006, and vehemently opposed to by the Lagos state government. The city nests thousands of residential and non-residential buildings, scattered across its beautiful unmastered planed landscape, which Governor Fashola is fighting to transform into a “Mega city”. Declared as the hub of economic activities in the Nation, the state has also added another feather to its cap by uncontroversially clinching the title as “The hub of Entertainment”, beating the other 35 states to it.

The Nigerian Music and Movie Industries which are firmly rooted in the state’s soil, still tap from the economic and social resourceful nutrients which abound on a mega scale. They have over time matured into Iroko trees, spreading their branches internationally, and invariably act as canopies for wary talented individuals, who gladly sit under the economic shade of the industries, enjoying the protective cooling effect from the unbearable scorching financial heat. Dance shoots have sprouted above the soil and have instinctively bent towards the sunlight of entertainment, while Comedy is steadily growing.

Lagosians generally love to have a good time and always look forward to the end of the working week, and declare “Thank God, it’s Friday”. The time to unwind, hang out with friends and loved ones, attend numerous shows flung right in our faces majorly through the TV and in other cases via the Radio. Musical concerts/promenade shows, stand up comedy shows, Theatrical performances, family and children inclined events, organized by individuals and various corporate bodies within and outside the industry lock horns in an advertorial battle during the week to tactically gain the coins we part with at the end of the day. “There’s no money in the country” is the usual boring phrase one hears frequently, but despite this constant untrue declaration, entertainment spots are never de-bee hived, as Lagosians are bent on having fun no matter the price tag attached to it.

The irony of such a ‘fun loving attitude’ is tragically projected during charitable clarion calls, when donations to help the poor, weak, displaced, orphaned, widows and generally the less privileged in the society are made. The financial response seems to be anchored on the low side, but a call to have fun for thousands of Naira, sees Lagosians scampering to the venue, after all they insist they’re having value for their money!. Business moguls aware of the lucrative market entertainment is fast yielding are busy building, acquiring, expanding and renovating premises and adding exquisite interior and state of the art facilities, with a view to clinching the title as “The preferred venue”, for the occasion, laying to rest the prior display of indecisiveness adopted by organizers of various events.

The night crawling rate has declined over the years rapidly, following the successive crime rates perpetuated by men of the underworld, amidst a mental projection of their safety and the devastating effect it could have on their loved ones. Unfortunately, the heady ones who defy the laws of the night attend a blind dating game with death, while a minute fraction escape from the dare devils or unforeseen potentially life claiming incidents by a hair’s breath. Age is certainly no barrier in the ‘fun catalogue’ as a thousand and one events centre, entertainment spots gladly extend their arms to embrace their guests irrespective of gender, tribe, and educational background. The unappealing parallel social strata which systematically places a large unwarranted deep gulf between the upper and lower class, some times painfully dictates the places both classes can visit to have fun.

Public holidays offer memorable platforms for the families, friends and loved ones to have fun, the prominent ones ranging from the Easter, Christmas, Edil kabir to Children’s, Workers, Independence day and New year’s day celebrations organized by a few TV stations such as Television Continental(TVC), Lagos Television(LTV), NTA 10 and other Corporate bodies. “The Silver Bird Galleria”, “Nu Metro”, “Genesis Deluxe”, City Mall cinemas, offers a wide range of genres of exciting movies to watch especially from Hollywood ranging from action, comedy, family, romance, thriller, science fiction, crime, to adventure, suspense, musical, fantasy, horror, guaranteed to keep your eyes fixed on the gigantic screen till the closing credits roll.

Stand up comedy has taken its pride of place in the entertainment spheres with comedians reeling out rib cracking jokes to lovers of comedy. Regular shows by various A-list comedians are held at different times of the year such as “Basket Mouth uncensored”, “A.Y live”, “Crack your ribs”, “Live n Naked”. Other highly rated comedians such as Koffi, Owen – Gee, Teju baby face have also towed the path with the pioneer stand up comedy show “Nite of a Thousand laughs” bringing various comedians together under one roof. “Stand up Nigeria” by Bumi Davies, provides a comedial platform while A.Y’S “Open mic night competition” discovers talented celebrity wanna be comedians who also entertain the crowd. The beaches such as “Lekki, Eleko Coconut, Alpha, Kuramo, Akodo beaches, whispering palm, Tarkwa Bay”, plays host to enthusiastic fun seekers.

One thing is crystal clear, that though money is a veritable tool in the fun quest especially one with class and style, Lagosians however remain undaunted, strategically powering alternative mediums to have fun. Lagosians are poised to show case to the world the entertainment side of life and as our able governor constantly declares “Eko oni baje o!”

So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com

Author: Augusta Okon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos.The slave route that cuts through Coconut Island in Badagry, leading to the Atlantic Ocean

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos..Chains at slave museum

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos.An artist's impression of the slave experience in the Mobe Family House Museum

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos.First Storey building in Nigeria.

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos. First copy of the Bible translated into Yoruba language by

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Thomas Birch Freeman, first missionary from England to Nigeria.

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Images from Badagry. cannon used to enforce the abolition of slavery, aimed at the "Point of No Return".



cannon used to enforce the abolition of slavery, aimed at the "Point of No Return".

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Badagry, Lagos...



This ancient town of Badagry was founded around l425 A.D. Before its existence, people lived along the Coast of Gberefu and this area later gave birth to the town of Badagry. It is the second largest commercial town in Lagos State, located an hour from Lagos and half hour from the Republic du Benin. The Town of Badgry is bordered on the south by the Gulf of Guinea and surrounded by creeks, islands and a lake. The ancient town served mainly the Oyo Empire which was comprised of Yoruba and Ogu people. Today, the Aworis and Egun are mainly the people who reside in the town of Badagry as well as in Ogun State in Nigeria and in the neighboring Republic du Benin.

In the early 1500's, slaves were transported from West Africa to America through Badagry. It is reported that Badagry exported no fewer than 550,000 African slaves to America during the period of the American Independence in l787. In addition, slaves were transported to Europe, South America and the Caribbean. The slaves came mainly from West Africa and the neighboring countries of Benin and Togo as well as others parts of Nigeria. The slave trade became the major source of income for the Europeans in Badagry.

The town of Badagry wants to enlighten the world to its historic sites, landscapes, cultural artifacts and relics of human slavery. Badagry wants to share this world heritage site with others. They are preserving buildings, sites and memories of this iniquitous period so those tourists can unearth the dark impact of this era. Places of interest include the Palace of the Akran of Badagry and its mini ethnographic museum, the early missionaries cemetery, the District Officer's Office and Residence, the First Storey Building in Nigeria constructed by the Anglican missionaries, relics of slave chains in the mini museum of slave trade, cannons of war, the Vlekte slave Market, and the Slave Port established for the shipment of slaves before the l6th century.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Eko O ni Baje-Tribute to the city of Lagos By JESUROBOOWIE GIFT IMAFIDON


A beautiful landscape crisscrossed
With fascinating bodies of water
Naturally beautiful and densely populated
From various lands we have come
From different tribes, tongues and race
Our destiny is tied to the chord here
Yes, it is our Eko.

Home to all, hope to many
Blessed land of great opportunities
From Badagry to the breaches of the atlantics
The vast seas of human heads at Oshodi
To the farmlands in Ikorodu
And the fishermen's delight in Epe
Yes it is our Eko

The mainland and the island
Divided between the rich and the poor
Yet we mix up so easily in the epicenter of isaleko
With nightlife like day time in las vagas
With a faster wallstreet in lagos island
and our Maryland is in the mainland
yes it is our Eko

Oh ye city that knows no sleep
Not without the oceans of beautiful faces
Unceasing hustling and struggling is our trademark
We know how to relax in our owambe parties
And cause the fireworks in the sky with our eyo
Beautiful masquerades from the dead that ensure we thrive
As we relentlessly dance and sing, Eko oni baje
O baje ti!

MEANING OF YORUBA TERMS USED IN THE POEM
EKO=the Yoruba word for Lagos
EPE, ISALEKO, IKORUDU, BADAGRY, OSHODI=Areas in lagos
OWAMBE=Lavish celebration
EYO=cultural masquerade dressed in flowing white gown, the symbol of lagos state
EKO O NI BAJE=Lagos will not spoil(a popular slang in lagos)
O BAJE TI=It won’t get spoilt forever

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Fashola Unveils The Logo Of Lagos Carnival 2010.



Eko Pride and Culture Week. Modern day Eyo. .
















Eko Pride and Culture Week. Modern day Eyo. . Alakete Pupa Presents Traditional Staff To Fashola





Alakete Pupa Conclave (Eyo Laba or the Royal Eyo) on Monday presented the traditional staff of Eyo to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for blessing at the Lagos House, Ikeja .

The ceremony featured chants by the staff bearers led by the leader or Olori Eyo, Chief Kabiru Adesina Oshodi to present the staff to the Governor, after which he offered detailed prayers for the continued well being of the Governor, his team, the state and the nation.

The ceremony, known as Ikapa, is traditionally held to present the staff of Eyo for blessing to the Governor, the Oba of Lagos and other eminent Lagosians as well as herald the hosting of the Eyo Festival. It began on Sunday with the Eyo Adimu Conclave presenting the Staff of Eyo to the Governor at State House, Marina.

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Modern day Eyo. Traditional staff @ the state house for Ikapa ceremony







The ceremony, which was preceded by a meeting of the planning committee to review preparations for the event, featured the leader of the Okolaba, the Eyo Adimu Conclave, leading other conclave members to present the staff to the Governor and offering prayers for peace and prosperity of the State.

The ceremony, known as Ikapa, is traditionally held to present the staff of Eyo for blessing to the Governor, the Oba of Lagos and other eminent Lagosians as well as herald the hosting of the Eyo Festival.

According to the order of presentation, the Alakete Pupa Conclave (Eyo Laba or the Royal Eyo) will present the staff to the aforementioned prominent indigenes on Monday followed by the Eyo Oniko Conclave on Tuesday while the Eyo Ologede Conclave and the Eyo Agere Conclave will perform similar ceremony on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Favorite Eyo Song With Translation. Eyo Laba aka Eyo Oba oil canvas Painted by Adeodunfa


Eyo o, Onikoyi Eyo o! Hail! Eyo Onikoyi!

Eyo baba ni t'awa! Eyo our father!

T'o n fi goolu sere! Who plays with gold!

Awa o ni sanwo We won’t pay the onibode/tollkeeper!

O d'ile ! Home we go!

Eyo o, Obanikoro Eyo o! Hail! Eyo Obanikoro!

Eyo baba ni t'awa! Eyo our father!

T'o n fi goolu sere! Who plays with gold!

Awa o ni sanwo onibode! We won’t pay the onibode/tollkeeper!

O d'ile ! Home we go!


Eyo Laba aka Eyo Oba oil canvas Painted by Adeodunfa * oil on canvas

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Adimu Orisha Play aka Eyo Festival.


THREE CENTURIES OF THE ADIMU ORISHA PLAY

The play takes place only on the Street of Lagos Island and does not extend beyond the boundaries of (Eko Carter Bridge Entrance and Macgregor Canal) of Lagos Island. It is forbidden to stage the play beyond these boundaries.

Origin Of The ORISAS


The Adamu Orisa, in whose name the play is staged, Orisa Ogunran Adimu were originally brought to Lagos by Alase Odu, Chief Olorogun Agan while Elegba Opopo was brought by Segbeni, Chief Olorogun Igbesodi form Benin during the reign of Oba Ado, over 350 years ago. While Orisa Ogunran is a male Adamu on the other hand is a female.

Both Chief Olorogun Agan and Chief Olorogun Igbesodi settled at Oju-Olokun Street, Chief Olorogun Agan towards the mater side and Chief Olorogun Igbesodi at the beginning of Oju-Olokun Street, which is today known as Abegede, where the Elegba Opopo's shrine is installed.

The Authorities Of Staging "ADAMU ORISA PLAY"


Whenever the Adamu Orisa Play or Eyo Play is to be staged, both the people of "Ita- Ado" and the people of Agbede" must come together for arranging and effectuating the staging of the outing. Only these two families of Olorogun-Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi are the sole authority on the performance of any Eyo play from the time immemorial and announcement by the reigning Akinsiku of Lagos who is by Right and Tradition the Head of "ADIMU CULlL" in this country.

The name "ADAMU ORISA" rings much bells to the hearing of people than the name "OGUNRAN"which is relatively unknown to many, this is so because the Orisa Ogunran is too powerful and too expensive to stage as a play, "RITUAL"? wise: hence the Orisa comes out once in a Blue Moon.

How The ORISA Finally Settled At ISALE- EKO

It must be noted however, that when Adamu Orisa was brought from Benin in 1630, the Orisa was settled at "Okepa" with the consent of Oba Ado of Lagos. It was at this Okepa the Oba of Lagos and his Chiefs would go and witness the performance of the Adimu Orisa; but the venue changed during the reign of Oba Ologunkutere of Lagos, because he (Ologunkutere) did not support the idea of the Oba of Lagos and his Chiefs, leaving the Island of Lagos to watch the performance of the Adamu Orisa. He therefore decreed that the Adamu Orisa be brought down to Lagos Island.

With his order, Chief Olorogun Agan IV, in 1772 brought down the Adimu Orisa to "DUNMOJOKUN"? otherwise known as "ITA ADO"?, where the "AWE ADIMU"? (The Conclave) has remained ever since. The performance of the "Adamu Orisa� is traditionally called the "EYO PLAY"?.
They introduced Eyo in to it to make it more glamorous

Procedure For Staging ˜ADAMU ORISA" Play or Request For Eyo Masquerades To Represent A Family

Any person or family that can afford the expenses of staging an Adamu Orisa play, or any family that wants Eyo Masquerades in the name of their house, must first consult the families of Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi to formally inform them of such a desire thereafter The two families will then direct the person or family to the Reigning Oba of Lagos; whom it is believed, is in better position to know whom and who had contributed to the progress and development of Lagos; hence, the play (Adamu Orisa Play) is not staged for less important person or family.

The Oba will then direct that person or family, who can afford the expenses of staging an Adamu Orisa Play to the traditional owners of Adimu Orisa play, that is the Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi families at AWE-ADIMU, situated at Ita-Ado, Isale-Eko, Lagos. The person or family will be led to the Awe-Adimu with the King's official staff (Opa-Oba). SUKU, and accompanied by two white capped Chiefs. At the Awe-Adimu, such a person or family will be issued with IKARO (all the articles and cash requirement for providing certain things for the Obsequities etc). Until all the "IKARO" agreed upon are supplied to and accepted at the Awe-Adimu, the Adamu Orisa Play or Eyo Play WILL NOT be publicly announced or staged.

It is pertinent to note that no other family or families is or are allowed to be present at the presentation of the "IKARO" to "AWE ADIMU" by the family or person wanting to stage Adamu Orisa Play, than the two families of Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi, that is "Ita- Ado" and "Abegede" families. No other Orisa family or Eyo Iga family than the two families aforementioned.


Announcement Of Date Of PLAY


The Awe-Adimu is virtually responsible for announcing the date of performance: After consulting the Ifa Oracle" and other "Rituals" were performed and Permit to stage the festival obtained from the Lagos State Government and after the Ikaro is accepted and the Ifa Oracle is consulted and a date is assured, the Elders of Awe-Adimu will send message to the other four groups of Eyo. These are The head of red cap Eyo {Olori Eyo Onilaba or Alakete Pupa}, the head of family of Orisa Oniko (Raffia), the head of family Orisa Ologede (Banana) and Olori Eyo Agere (Stilt). It must also be noted that only two out of the four groups are known to be having Orisa. They are Orisa Oniko (Raffia) and Orisa Ologede (Banana) which means that we have only THREE ORISA in the Adamu Orisa Play or Eyo Play.

Eyo Alakete Pupa or Okolaba is not an Orisa in anyway, but they are known and referred to as "Eyo Olori Eyo"?. The person who is chosen by any Reigning Oba to lead the Eyo Onilaba or Alakete Pupa is known as (OLORI EYO ONILABA) which means that, the Eyo Masquerades following their leader, chosen by the reigning Oba are known to be "Eyo Olori Eyo Onilaba"? only.

The Bag, made of Skin, Hung on Somebody among the followers of Onilaba Masquerade or Alakete Pupa (Red Capped) Masquerade is called "LABA".

The "Laba"? is a symbolic Bag, symbolizing them ( the Eyo Onilaba) that they are form the Oba. The symbolic Bag, otherwise known as Laba is the property of any Reigning Oba of Lagos; and this "Laba" is rotational to different houses; for it is not stable to any house or person, but it is given out according to the wish of the Reigning Oba, after the Laba must have been blessed by the Elders of Awe-Adimu.

Ageree (Stilt) too is not an Orisa, but mere fancy. He is only recognized for the jewelries he is putting on, with his dancing on a long stick. The only Orisa we have as the Traditional Supreme Head and Leader of all Orisa? is the Orisa Adimu followed by Orisa Oniko (Raffia) and Orisa Ologede (Banana).

The Eyo Onilaba or Alakete Pupa is placed second in the row, simply because of any reigning Oba whose symbol they are putting on; as the Oba are known to be second in command to Orisas, (Oba Alase Igba Keji Orisa).


Owners Of ORISA

It must be noted with strong emphasis that these Orisas are the Properties of Certain House or Families in Lagos. And these families are the Custodians and Owners of these Orisas. These Orisas perform Assigned Traditional Functions in connection with the performance of Adamu Orisa Play.
It is an approved Custom and Policy that Leader of the house of Orisa should be a recognized person from the direct lineage of their Forefathers, who brought the Orisa into the Town of Lagos.

The families and owners of the Orisas are as follows:

a) ORISA ADIMU and ORISA OGUNRAN Belongs to Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbasodi Families respectively: and only these two families of Olorogun Agan and Olorungun Igbesodi or ITA-ADO AND AGBEDE have the SOLE AUTHORITY on the performance of any Eyo Play since the time immemorial in Lagos

b) ORISA ONIKO" is the property of AJILU OR ONIGEMO FAMILY.

c) "ORISA OLOGEDE" is the property of AMALAKIN FAMILY.

d) The symbolic Bag called "LABA" is the property of any Reigning Oba of Lagos.

e) AGEREE (Stilt) is the property of BANTE-SEDA

f) The Eyo Masquerade coming out on the day of Adamu Orisa Play from different Palaces (IGA) are under the control of the reigning white-capped Chief in that Palace or the head of the family of that Chieftaincy Family.

FUNCTIONS
Each "Orisa" has traditional functions which it must perform and as directed by the Supreme Head of all the Orisas, the Orisa Adimu?, including the Eyo Onilaba known as the Eyo Oba or Eyo Alakete Pupa.

a) Eyo ONILABA ( EYO OBA): They are the "Police" of the Orisa Adimu Administration. They are to ensure and maintain maximum discipline among the Eyo groups. They must ensure that Eyo groups keep to the rules and regulations of Adamu Orisa Play or Eyo Play. They take directives from Awe-Adimu and maintain regular contact with Awe-Adimu throughout the preparation period and Adamu Orisa Play Day.

b) "ORISA ONIKO" The outing of this Orisa during the midnight/ early morning of Adamu Orisa Play Day is to ensure that the devil and other evil spirits are driven away from the town. The Orisa must choose some of his followers, whom is believed would be taking part in the Adamu Orisa Play, to lead â€Å“Opa Processionâ€? for the announcement of Adamu Orisa Play Day.

c) "ORISA OLOGEDE"? Similarly, the above mentioned functions of "Orisa Oniko"? must be performed within different time of the early morning of the Adamu Orisa Play Day. The purpose of Orisa Ologede's outing at this time is to ensure peace, Tranquility and Safety to the performance of the day. The followers of Orisa Ologede also lead 'Opa Procession'? for the announcement of Adamu Orisa Play Day.

d) 'EYO AGERE? It has no special functions to perform than to entertain the spectators on the Adamu Orisa Play Day. And they are among the Eyo groups to lead Opa Procession? for the announcement of Adamu Orisa Play.

All these four groups and the Eyo Igas, act on the directives of Awe Adimu, on staging of Adimu Orisa Play. Similarly, no Orisa can prescribe or inflict punishment on any other Eyo group without first obtaining the approval and consent of the Supreme Head ( Awe Adimu).

The Orisa Adimu is the traditional Supreme Head and Leader of all ORISA?. No Eyo must come out before Orisa Adimu? and its Eyo are on the streets.

It is worth knowing as well that all the white-capped Chiefs having Eyos ( Eyo Iga the Palaces Masquerades) got permissions from Awe Adimu, the Sole Authority on Ikaro Ope Eyo?.
The Oba of Lagos himself, if he wishes to give Eyo Masquerade to any house or to any of his white-capped Chiefs, must take permission from the Awe Adimu, where the families of Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi will give their directives on whether to be or not to be; Provided Conditions are satisfied. For instance, the Lagos State Chiefs of

ONIFILA-FUNFUN
{White cap chiefs} AKARIGBERE, IDEJO, OGALADE AND ABAGBON? got their Eyo Igas from the families of Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi, and NOT from any Oba or their Co-Chiefs.

EYO ORU" Apart from the Day time Adamu Orisa Play being staged, there is what we call the ˜Eyo Oru {The Mid-night Eyo Play}, this is staged within the late hours of 12am to 5am to honor a deceased person by the family or a person, that cannot afford the expenses of the Day time Adamu Orisa Play; which is believed to be more expensive than the ˜Eyo Oru.

During this time, No Orisa must come out, but only few Eyos from Eyo Adimu, about Twelve (12) Eyos.
Eyo Onilaba, Eyo Oniko, Eyo Ologede and Eyo Agere, who will supply eight (8) members each of their Eyo group or as wish by the Elders. The movements or Eyos are limited to certain areas of the environments, where the play is taking place. And all the ˜Ritual" performed are known and done by the Elders of Awe Adimu only.

Announcement (OPA PROCESSION)

For the Public to know and believed that Adamu Orisa Play would be staged, there must be public display of the King's staff "OPA PROCESSION" throughout the Street of Lagos Island, by the Five groups ie of Eyo Adimu, Eyo Onilaba, Eyo Oniko, Eyo Agere, Eyo Ologede, a week before the Adamu Orisa Play Day.

"IMOKU"
between the midnight of Thursday and Friday morning the ˜IMOKU" will be performed, which is the Symbolic Corpse of the deceased person who is being honour, is laid in State for public viewing to pay the last respect and to the traditional weeping for the departed deceased.

IKARO
It should be noted that Head of the Family of the Orisa Oniko, Orisa Ologede, the Olori of Eyo Onilaba, and Eyo Ageree, must before the day of performance of the Adimu Orisa Play as part of the preparation for the play, attending meetings on invitation at AWE-ADIMU for the purposes of receiving and collecting their respective requirement for their various rites, which each of them is by Tradition, required to perform in connection with the Play. These requirement and in perquisites are known as ˜IKARO; and must be collected before the day of the play at Awe-Adimu.

Rituals For The AGODO Construction

At about or before twelve noon (12pm) on Friday, the Elders of Awe-Adimu will send for the Olori Eyo of Eyo Onilaba or Alakete Pupa; who on the instruction of these Elders, will go and construct the ˜AGODO" or ˜PARA" (an enclosure constructed with mats on the eve of Adamu Orisa Play Day along Enu-Owa Street, now Iga Idunganran Street to house the Drummers).

This mats are supplied by the Awe-Adimu and carried away by the leaders of Eyo Onilaba on the instructions of the Elders of Awe-Adimu he will have to return with the remains of the mats used to construct the Agodo, including the sticks he used, to the Elders of Awe-Adimu; where the usual thank you for a job well-done and breaking of Kolanuts by the Elders of Awe-Adimu.

He will then be re-instructed to go back and keep watch of the Agodo, until the Elders of Awe Adimu are therein to perform some RITUALS and declare the ˜Agodo open for certain Hours of that Mid-night and early morning of Saturday of the Adamu Orisa Play Day. Nobody must be inside that ˜Agodo or ˜Para before and when RITUALS are being performed except the Elders of Awe “Adimu, who will lead a procession in white robes and carrying long staff (Opan Bata) with the Drummers behind and following them in procession to the Agodo or Para.

Inside the Agodo or Para, where the rituals are being performed the Drummers are a little bit far away from the Elders of Awe Adimu, that are performing the rituals; only a white-capped Chief on the instruction of the Elders of Awe-Adimu in person of Eletu Odibo as a representative of the Oba will be present and must also be far away form where the rituals are being performed.

After the process, the Drummers can then beat the drums and ˜Arigo on the instruction of the Elders performing the rituals.

After the ˜Agodo is declared opened that early morning of Saturday only the elders of Awe Adimu, leaving behind the drummers inside the ˜Para or Agodo, will go to the Oba's Palace, to pray for him, then to ˜Imoku, where another rituals are performed in favour and memory of the dead, in whose name, the Adamu Orisa Play is about to be staged.

It is only these two families of the Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi who have been performing these rituals from time to immemorial up to date.

In the early hours of the performance of the Adamu Orisa Play Day, the Orisa Oniko (Raffia) must first go round the area of the Agodo but not the whole of Lagos Island. This takes place around 2am in the morning of the day of performance; and the purpose of this special outing is to drive away ˜the devil and other ˜Evil Spirit in the town.

The ˜Orisa Oniko will report back to Awe Adimu where he receives blessings and likewise, and then ordered back home to off his load of Raffia by the Elders of Awe Adamu, and be keeping watch of when the Traditional Supreme Head ( ADIMU ORISA) would be out for the day's Play.

After the Orisa Oniko (Raffia) shall have returned from his special outing, the ‘Orisa Ologede’ (Banana) will also come at around 3am on the same early morning, and would go round the same area as well. The significance of his own outing is for the purpose of adding ˜Peace and Trandquility to the performance that will take place later on that day both the Orisa Oniko and the Orisa Ologede will report to the Adimu Orisa at Awe-Adimu in turn; and it is after this that the ADAMU ORISA, the Supreme Head, will lead his own Eyos out for the public performance of the day.

Before Adimu Orisa is out for the day's play about eight (8) of her Eyo's would be send out to Imoku, and No Eyo of other ˜Igas (Palace) must be met by them when going or when coming back from ˜Imoku.
This takes places about 4.30am after the Eyo Adimu, must have returned from Imoku, they will go and off their dresses ( the Paraphernalia of an Eyo) in their own meeting place; because the EYO ADIMU and ORISA ADIMU? are not staying and must not stay in the same place. This is forbidden. (Ewo ni).

The Orisa herself has her own abode or citadel at No 33/35 Alagbeji Street, Ita-Ado, Isale-Eko, Lagos; while the Eyos ( Eyo Adimu) they all have their gathering or meeting place at No 45 Alagbeji Street, Isale-Eko, Lagos. But whenever the Adimu Orisa is ready for the day's Adamu Orisa Play Day, the Adimu Orisa will consult or send for her Eyos to be out. It is the two families of Olorogun Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi that are having control of both the Orisa Adimu and Eyo Adimu.

It is after all these preparations and rituals that the ADIMU ORISA herself will come out; for the gods have done a good job, and there is an assurance.

It must be stated that there is no fixed time for Adimu Orisa to come out on the day of Performance but it could be between the hours of 5-6.30am depending on the weather.

However, as the Traditional Supreme Head and Leader of All Orisas, No Eyo must come out before Orisa Adimu and her Eyos are out on the streets.

The Strong Traditional form of co-operation between the two families of Olorogun-Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi is borne out by the fact that on any occasion of the Eyo Play, when the "Adimu Orisa? leaves her conclave, the traditional home she goes to pay homeage to Olorogun-Agan and thereafter she goes to the OLOKUN? before she proceeds to the Shrine of Elegba-Opopo at Abegede; at the beginning of Oju-Olokun Street to pay homage

Both Chief Olorogun-Agan and Olorogun Igbesodi is First Class Chief of the 'AKARIGBERE' class.



It is after visiting all these Shrines and sites that the Orisa Adimu can happily proceed to 'Agodo' at Enu Owa? now Iga-Iduganran Street, then to Imoku, before visiting Oba and his Chiefs and afterward she homage to notable personalities in the town, Lagos Island only. The 'Adimu Orisa'?, having passed through "Certain Purity Processes? over a period of weeks and days, is endowed with Special Powers which the Orisa is out to use for Blessing the Citizens of Lagos and those who came out to pay homage for Peace of Mind, Progress and Prosperity.

But no other Eyo group crosses the path of the route and very near of Orisa Adimu and her Eyos.

The Evening Procession from family houses, through Igbosere, Tokunboh, Bamgbose, Broad Street, and Nnamdi Azikwe Street, terminates at â€Å“Idumotaâ€?, where the Oba, Chiefs, Top Government Functionaries and other Notable Personalities gathered.

The Orisa Adimu is a Peaceful and in fact it is a unifying Play. Immediately after the Adimu Orisa and her Eyos leave the stand at Idumota, that action signifies the traditional end of the Adimu Orisa Play. The Orisa Adimu? then proceeds to Agodo and demolishes the "Para housing the Agodo?, the Orisa then return home.


Administration

The Spiritual Head of all the Orisa is the ORISA ADIMU"?. The natural and traditional residence of the ˜Orisa Adimu is the house owners, the Palace of Iga Chief Olorogun-Agan, which is situated at No 33/35, Alagbeji Street, Ita-Ado, Isale-Eko, Lagos. The Administration Head Quarters of Adamu Orisa Play is known as â€Å“Awe Adimuâ€? and no other Orisa must use the word ˜AWE", to name or signify their meeting place; Because, No other meeting place is known as "AWE" than "AWE ADIMU" from time immemorial. The sole authority Administrator and National Head of the Adimu Orisa Play is known and designated as "AKINSIKU"? of Lagos; Recognized and Accredited by the Oba of Lagos.

The Akinsiku is advised by a council of Elders (Awon Agbalagba) who are versed in the knowledge of rites and performance (Rules and Regulation, etc of Adimu Orisa Play), and have administrative experience of performance of Adimu Orisa Plays of not less than "Eighteen Performance"? each.

This Administrative Council endowed with the knowledge of performance of Adimu Orisa Play and have come from the families of the Orisa Adimu owners, from generations dating back to the reign of Oba Ado, 1630-1669 A.D ( Over 250 years). It is a pride and note-worthy to mention that owners of the Orisa Adimu and Awe Adimu had and still consistently administer the preparations, disciplines and staging of the Adimu Orisa Play in this modern era, dating from 20th February 1854 to 12th October 1985 (131 years).

With remarkable success on each occasion; because these families have kept continuously and strictly obey the laid-down traditional rites and customs of their Ancestors, in staging Adamu Orisa Play.


Advantages or Benefits

Some of the benefits derived from a performance of the Adamu Orisa are the publicity given to the family of person, at whose expense the play is being staged; since otherwise, many people may never have the privileged of knowing that family.
It will also impact positively on the economy of the state especially Lagos Island as traders will make more sales during the period.

The pregnant women will deliver without problems and there will be general happiness in several homes, particularly the homes where several Eyo comes from.

Eko Pride and Culture Week. Our people, our culture. Fanti Carnival.. Essay by Jeremy Weate, pictures by WRT and BumyPerfect.
























Carnival in Lagos
To the visitor, Lagos can seem a bit scary: fifteen million or more people crammed into one place amidst chaotic traffic. However, with a good guide and a sense of adventure, one can quickly sample the cultural currents rippling beneath the surface. One such cultural event is Fanti, the carnival that takes place four times a year on Lagos Island. Fanti is the Mardi Gras of Lagos; a Brazilian style celebration of life and community.

Having lived in Nigeria for over a year, I decided it was time to experience Fanti for myself.I arranged for a Lagos Islander friend to show our party around. Yemi arrived in a beaten-up old Mercedes and a pair of cool spectacles. As we made our way there, he gave us some historical context. Fanti takes place in the area where Brazilians with Nigerian ancestry settled after gaining freedom from slavery, around 150 years ago.The Brazilian returnees were known locally as the Aguda. They brought with them a vibrant culture that survives to this day in the architecture, cuisine and folklore of the Brazilian quarter. Surnames such as Domingo, Da Costa, Da Rocha, Vera Cruz and Da Silva mean many Nigerians can trace their roots back to African slaves who had been shipped to Brazil. The Agudas’ religious worship was a blend of traditional Yoruba belief and Catholicism, similar to that found to this day in Trinidad, Cuba and the province of Bahia in Brazil. The surprising fact is that Fanti itself is a relatively recent invention.

The original idea for a street carnival in the area emerged in the 1940’s when some
telephony workers from the Caribbean decided a big party would brighten the place up.
After a few events the carnival died out, only to be revived in the 1970’s. Today’s bash is growing bigger by the year and has now started to attract corporate sponsorship.

After navigating through a few narrow streets we managed to park the car, with the help of some obliging Area Boys. A pre-party vibe hung in the air. Bunting criss-crossed the streets and men fiddled with speaker wires. Others sat in plastic chairs under marquees, waiting for the carnival to crank into gear. We sat in a makeshift bar and surveyed the scene. Okada drivers (motorbike taxis) weaved in and out of the crowd, making music with their horns as sexy young Islanders sashayed about in their latest threads. A quartet of drummers surrounded our table, banging out a poly-rhythmic tapestry of sound. Yemi listened closely to the sing-song tones of the talking drum, decoding the sounds into Yoruba phrases and then translating into English for my benefit. It turned out the drummer was praising Yemi’s children, the immensity of his future wealth etc. Yemi ‘dashed’ him an appropriate amount of naira and the band was off again, in search of another customer to praise.
Sensing we were not quite in the right place, Yemi led us off into the crowd. We trekked past decrepit, crumbling buildings exuding charm, reminding me of the old town in Havana.

As many of the returnees were master-builders, carpenters and masons, the
Aguda created a distinct style of architecture which can still be seen today around the Campos Square district - houses with shuttered balconies and elaborate carvings on stucco façades, giving the neighbourhood character and atmosphere. I kept thinking
that with a dash of paint and a bit of a clean-up, the Brazilian Quarter could be a real tourist attraction on Fanti day.

Suddenly, we caught a flash of colour, the noise of a band and crowds down a side
street. Seconds later and we were in the thick of one of the carnival troupes. Each area of the Island has its own Fanti group. Yemi explained that in years gone by the troupes would often end up fighting as one group moved into another’s patch. These days, the fighting is a memory; everyone simply dancing and smiling to the drummers rhythms. We fell into the wake of the band. Up ahead, two trumpeters spitted out a tune to the crowds lining the streets. The dancers were dressed in red, with the men dolled up in wigs and dresses and the Carnival Queen at the head. I moved up close to take some photos and was suddenly surrounded by the group, with the trumpeter blowing notes into my face and faces full of joy and laughter all around. It felt like New Orleans, Notting Hill and Rio rolled into one. A few more notes and they were off again, whooping and bounding into the next street. Soon enough, the light started to fade and we decided to take our leave. From the energy of the crowds, it looked like the party would be carrying on deep into the night.

© Jeremy Weate 2005