By
Ibrahym Mojeed-Sanni
The maiden edition of Ipakodo Day, a celebration of the culture, tradition, and socio-economic importance of Ipakodo, the gateway community to Ikorodu, started on Monday, October 3, 2022, with Woro (Traditional Procession) around Ipakodo vicinities by the traditional worshippers.
The Procession started from Ipebi Ipakodo (Oba’s seclusion hermitage) and ended at the palace of the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa; where various cultural displays, spiced by traditional music and dance, were held.
Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa thanked the organizers of Ipakodo Day 2022 for their tenacity and determination in bringing the occasion to fruition, after being in the embryo for five years. The commencement of Ipakodo Day, according to the Sekumade of Ipakodo, was akin to a pregnant woman delivering a newborn baby.
On display to celebrate Ipakodo Day were the Igunnuko worshippers, Turuku Masquerade, the Osun worshippers and many others.
Prince Olasunkanmi Sotonwa, Chairman of the Ipakodo Development Association and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ipakodo Day 2022 hailed the successful commencement of the cultural assemblage. “Our committee has gone well beyond our expectations. Also, almighty God has also blessed us with good weather for us to have a good outing”.
The Lisa Ipakodo (traditional prime minister), High Chief Oludayo Ajose Sotomiwa while commending the organizing committee and congratulating the Sekumade of Ipakodo on the successful take-off of Ipakodo Day, which has been fixed for every October of the year, stressed that “Ipakodo Day is geared towards announcing Ipakodo to the world as the Gateway community to Ikorodu.
“If you are going to other South West states like Ogun and Oyo states, the access to those states is the Ipagodakodo Kingdom.”
Economically, the importance of Ipakodo to business growth and sustainability cannot be overemphasized. Ipakodo is the second place to host a seaport in Lagos State. After the well-known Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) seaport in Apapa, the second seaport in Lagos State is domiciled in Ebute Ipakodo, in Ikorodu. The Lisa of Ipakodo reiterated “We are desirous of making the best of the lucrativeness and prospect inherent in our tourism potentials for revenue generation. People want to see Igunnuko, they want to see boat regatta etc”.
The week-long event will also feature Free Health services to citizens and residents, artisans day & homage by Iyalojas/babalojas to the Oba’s palace, youth day and the grand finale at Ipakodo Ferry Terminal on Saturday, October 8, 2022.
