EJIWA ELEGBA FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF UNITY AND TRADITION……. AS HRM OBA ABDUL FATAI AROMIRE OJORA HOSTS TRADITIONAL RULERS, OTHERS.

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BY ADERONKE FAKEYE .(08053912959).

The Ejiwa Elegba Festival, a vibrant and culturally significant event for the Awori people of Lagos State, recently concluded its 2024 edition with grandeur and unity. Hosted by His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul Fatai Aromire Ojora, the festival brought together traditional rulers, indigenes, and descendants of the Ijora Kingdom for a week-long celebration filled with dancing, singing, and merriment.

The Ejiwa Elegba Festival, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Awori people, spans seven to nine days of continuous festivities. This year’s event saw a remarkable turnout, with participants from various Awori communities, including Ikate, Elegushi, Iru, Ilase, Irede, and Tomoro, among others. The festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Awori, who are considered the original inhabitants of Lagos, tracing their lineage back to Olofin Ajaiye.

One of the highlights of the festival is the appearance of masquerades, representing different family houses, to which people pay homage. The festival also features traditional chieftaincy title holders, who don white wrappers as a symbol of their status and participate in the celebrations with singing, drumming, and dancing.

This year, Oba Fatai Aromire Ojora hosted over ten traditional rulers from various regions, including Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikate, Iru, Ajah, Iba, and Igbobi Sabe. The gathering of these royal fathers underscored the festival’s role in fostering unity and solidarity among the Awori people.

The significance of the Ejiwa Elegba Festival extends beyond its cultural displays. It serves as a platform for promoting peace, progress, and communal achievements. The festival’s ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds in a spirit of love and unity highlights its importance in the social fabric of the Awori communities.

As the festival concluded, participants reflected on the sense of togetherness and cultural pride that the Ejiwa Elegba Festival instills. It remains a cherished tradition that continues to strengthen the bonds among the Awori people, ensuring that their rich heritage is celebrated and preserved for future generations.