Photo News: Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Hosts Loving Lagos Museum Team, Advocates Revival of Yoruba Culture
His Royal Majesty, the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi, on Wednesday received the team from the Loving Lagos Museum at his palace in the Yaba area of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The delegation was led by the Founder of the Loving Lagos Museum, Mr. Akinlawon Adams.
The visit provided an opportunity for the traditional ruler to emphasize the importance of promoting and sustaining Yoruba culture and traditions. Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi particularly stressed the need to promote the Gelede masquerade, describing it as a vibrant cultural heritage that brings joy and unity to communities across the South West.
He also noted that children and youths should be given the opportunity to participate actively in age-long Yoruba traditions to ensure their continuity.
The monarch, who expressed his intention to celebrate Gelede later this year at the palace, revealed that the event is rooted in the Abinjo compound and will span three days, featuring Games, Efe, and climaxing with Gelede on the final day.
During the visit, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi presented the Gelede crown to the Loving Lagos Museum team for public display at the Marina Museum. He urged the museum’s management to ensure the proper protection of the mask, given its cultural significance.
The Onisabe further stated that the age-old belief excluding women from participating in the Gelede celebration has been demystified, adding that such traditions must be preserved and modernized for future generations.
In his remarks, Mr. Akinlawon Adams said the Loving Lagos Museum initiative was designed to promote the rich cultures and traditions of Lagos State. He noted that both Lagos and Nigeria are blessed with enormous tourism potential that has been neglected over the years.
Mr. Adams added that the organization is ready to collaborate with the Lagos State Government and revealed ongoing engagements with Brazilians who continue to promote Nigerian culture even more passionately than many Africans.
