Oro lle Wa “The Tradition of Our Heritage”

Every year for the past 38 years on the first Saturday of December, the Odogbolu Community gathers its sons and daughters to celebrate a year of good works by individuals, clubs and societies.  The citizens of Odogbolu take an active role to access and support security of the community, health programs and sponsor education.  No matter how far an Odogbolu son or daughter roams, home is home and one must respond to the needs of their hometown and return ‘home’ from time to time.

To celebrate this dedication to Odogbolu, a week of traditional games, traditional masquerades, football and spelling quiz competitions, and marathon races are organized by the Odogbolu Community Development Council. To culminate the festivities, a Woro Carnival Parade winds through the dusty streets that leads to the Community Town Hall. Here, the traditional ruler, town elders, local government officials, age-groups, members of clubs and societies, and guests gather to raise funds for next year’s town improvements.

It is a high honor that the Alaya of Odogbolu, Chief Oludemi, President of Odogbolu Community Development Council, and the town elders invite me to preside on this day as ‘Mother of the Day’. Thirty-eight years ago, my first son was born so it is a two-fold joy to celebrate!

Left:Chief Gbenga Oludemi, President Center: Omo-Oba Sam Ogundogba, Chairman Board of Trustees

Left: Omo-Oba Sam A. Ogundogba (Labiromi Junior) Sahirman Baord of Trustee, O.C.D.C.

In this increasingly globalized world, there is a tendency to look to corporations or government for economic solutions and support. The Odogbolu aspiration is to preserve its local character and have an economic advantage by supporting its local industry such as cassava and palm nut agricultural production. The citizens of Odogbolu recognize the need to build a strong community by sustaining an active town center and contributing to local causes. This ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will benefit from the impacts of those decisions. Furthermore, Odogbolu is proud of its Yoruba heritage and on Odogbolu Day, we enjoy a variety of traditional drummers and dancers:

Music by : Orin Orisa. Yoruba Traditional Songs of Praises for OrisaAdedayo Ologundudu 2009, Oro lle Wa “The Tradition of Our Heritage”

Masqueraders on Odogbulu Day

Eyo Masquerade -(particular to Lagos a Yoruba masquerade, sometimes seen in masquerades outside of Lagos.

Agbo Traditional Dance

Egun Olotun masquerade. Egun means masquerade; the name of the masquerades Olotun. (Incredible, intricately designed traditional masquerade apparel. I am so far unable to find out the history and meaning.)

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