Like Ojude Oba, Ibeju Lekki Festival Holds Great Potential for Development – Chief Mayegun
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Mayegun of Ibeju Lekki Kingdom in Lagos, Chief Oluwasina Ayoola Gideon, has reiterated the immense benefits that the Igi Meta Ibeju Lekki Festival offers to the youths, community and Lagos State.
According to him, the list includes economic development, growth, cultural renaissance, as well building enduring links with indigenes in the diaspora.
Drawing comparisons between the Ibeju Festival and the popular Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode, which was celebrated earlier on Sunday, Chief Mayegun who spoke at the Ibeju Lekki Festival on Monday, 9th June pointed out that both festivals serve as catalysts for development and cultural renaissance.
He stated, “At the Igi Meta Ibeju Festival, we are striving to elevate our celebrations just as we appreciate and invested effort into the Ojude Oba Festival. We are progressing from level to level, achieving the same purpose that this programme embodies.”
“In Yoruba land, we have various ways of celebrating, but the ultimate aim remains the same. What is the Ojude Oba Festival about? It is a time for community members and different families to come together to honour their king and pay homage in a highly fashionable, sociable and peaceful manner. This tradition has evolved significantly over time, and the Ojude Oba Festival on Sunday reached a new level of celebration.”
Chief Mayegun also commended the Ibeju royal father and paramount monarch, Oba Waliu Rasaki Olasunkanmi, describing him as a man of prestige and honour with a vision dedicated to revitalising cultural traditions that have long been forgotten.
He noted, “Through his reign, many of these customs are being revived and taking on a new form. I commend him for his efforts, as he is a leader we look up to, and I believe he has much more to offer.”
When asked about the additional benefits the platform provides for young people, he emphasised the importance of culture. “As Yorubas, we hold culture in high esteem. This occasion serves to remind our youth that there is still hope for them. They have a foundation to build upon within our cultural system. Modern chiefs are not like those of the past; we are evolving and expanding our culture to make it more accessible for them.”
He highlighted the significant contributions of the diaspora to major festivals, stating, “Even today, as we celebrate Ibeju Day, we have two chiefs installed from the diaspora. This signifies our efforts to connect our children abroad with their roots at home, giving them the opportunity to showcase their experiences and knowledge within their community.”
“By conferring titles and positions upon them, we instil a sense of responsibility. When someone from the diaspora is honoured with the title of Otunba of Ibeju, they are likely to invest in the community, whether by building a home or establishing a business. This adds considerable value to our community and inspires our youth. When they see that such possibilities exist, they are motivated to work hard and aspire to become leaders themselves.”
On the significance of the Mayegun office and its role in benefitting the community, Chief Mayegun explained, “The term ‘Mayegun’ means ‘he who brings balance, he who brings equity.’ Our office is a registered non-profit organisation that bridges the gap between youths and the cultural system.
“It is important for our youths to understand that cultural practices are not solely for the elders. For example, when accompanying an elder to a funeral, a younger sibling learns how to perform the rites for their own future. By engaging them in our activities, including cultural aid, educational programmes, scholarships, excursions, and empowerment initiatives, we help them realise that they are integral to the system and not overlooked. This is the essence of Mayegun:providing balance and fostering inclusion.”
