The ancient town of Badagry will on Monday buzzle with excitement as Chief Jesuyon Avoseh, the Baale of Luda Tome, Ajara Agamathen, Lagos set to celebrate his 7th year coronation anniversary with a cultural dance tagged Akohun dance and sports festival.
Speaking with newsmen in Badagry, Avose, announced the inaugural Akohun Drum and Sport Festival, a dual-purpose celebration aimed at preserving the rich Ogu heritage and fostering communal unity.
According to him, the anniversary celebration is less about personal accolades and more about community development.
“Since ascending the throne as the Baale of Luda Tome, I have 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
“I believe that by integrating sports with tradition, the festival will appeal to all demographics, creating a shared sense of pride and belonging,” he said.
Avoseh said that the festivities were 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.
“The cultural centerpiece, the Akohun Drum Festival will take place on March 30, 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Aholu of Agamathen kingdom in Badagry, Aholu Agano Toniyon 1 has hailed the initiative as a vital tool for cultural reconnection, particularly for the younger generation who may be drifting away from their ancestral roots.
Speaking on the importance of the event, the traditional ruler emphasised 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.
Also speaking, Chief Ajo Paul, the Gbefa of Ajara-Vetho, said that the 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.
“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,” he said.
Mr Viyon Awhanse, a Film Producer and Festival Director, Badagry International Film Festival commended the traditional chief for creating a great initiative like this which will add value to his community and the creative industry.
He lauded Avose humanitarian efforts for running a restaurant to assist his people which had also made him an employer of labour.
