Asa Carnival: How Agunbiade Promotes Unity in Ikorodu

By Wale Abideen, LAGOS/ “Hon. S.O.B Agunbiade has done what nobody or any political leader has done in our Division. In actual fact, nobody expected that such unification project could be possible or accomplished in Ikorodu Division. Truly, he (Agunbiade) is a true representative of the people and cultural ambassador of the people of Ikorodu Division” This was an encomium of brilliant performance showered on the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency 1 and Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Sinai O.B Agunbiade for his singular efforts at revitalizing cultural heritage which binds together all towns and villages that made up of Ikorodu Division.

Indeed, it was a cultural renewal and unification project as all components of Ikorodu Kingdom, including traditional rulers, chiefs and key political figures in Ikorodu graces the occasion.

As early as 9; am, residents and indigenes of Ikorodu troop out en mass to witness the unveiling of the ASA stature at Ogolonto, the entrance point into Ikorodu town.

ASA which is also known as Agere is a traditional festival of man walking on long stick to entertain the public.

The revival of Asa Cultural Festival also featured the launch of “Asa Arokolo” – a book on the festival published by Ikorodu Division Rebirth Foundation and the IREP Group of the humble lawmaker, S.O.B Agunbiade.

The Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, who initiated rebirth of the festival, said it would be an annual celebration in all the six divisions of the area.

“We have revived this culture in the six divisions of Ikorodu and we hope it continues.

“Just like Eyo festival is celebrated on Lagos Island, we want to be celebrating this too in our community annually, “said the Lagos lawmaker.

Lagos State Governo,r Akinwunmi Ambode lauded the initiative and stresses the need to make it an annual event. Ambode who was represented by another indene of Ikorodu and Lagos State Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture indene of Ikoorodu, Mrs Adebimbe Akinshola noted that Asa was a popular cultural heritage in Ikorodu which had been long forgotten.

“As an indigene of Ikorodu, I have known Asa during my childhood days but suddenly it faded away, “Akinshola said.

Chief Olumayowa Johnson, who represented the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, traced the Asa culture to Ile-Ife and commended Ikorodu Indigenes for

Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu commended the Lagos lawmaker for spearheading the revival of the festival. May God grant our very own, the Opomulero of Ikorodu, Sinai Agunbiade the wisdom and ability to do more for Ikorodu Division.

“We appreciate this and we are happy this is happening in our town,henceforth,we will continue to celebrate this festival,” the Ayangburen of Ikorodu said.

The cultural event was rapped off with musical performance by Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other notable artists.