After several months of suspense, the much publicised epic stage play, the Heroism of Erelu Ota, took the centre stage, at the Ikorodu Town hall, on Monday, May 1, 2023, amidst huge acceptance and accolades.
It was indeed an historic moment as scores of residents, including traditional chiefs, eminent personalities and school children trooped to the Arc. Olutusen main hall of the Ikorodu Town hall, to have a thrilling experience with the play set in the 19th century, and captures some of the heroic exploits of a legendary goddess in Ikorodu, who was the Iya Egbe of Ikorodu kingdom.
Apart from being a source of entertainment, the stage play, which was directed by Mr Ibrahim Nurudeen, was also a remarkable effort by the initiator, Waliyu, to showcase the cultural heritage of Ikorodu and its tourism potentials.
The graduate of the Bachelor of Arts Hons in English program at the University of Ilorin, is a skilled creative writer and social commentator with an impeccable portfolio and outstanding projects accomplished.
He is currently an adjunct technologist at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), where he teaches the Practical of Drama. The Heroism of Erelu Ota is his third official theatrical production, produced under his creative outfit, D’bard Creative Media.
The beautiful and serened atmosphere in the hall coupled with the well-blended light effects set the right tones for the business of the day, as the stage play was declared open by the Chairman of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
For almost one hour, the dignitaries and other residents were kept at the edge of the seats, by the action-packed play which was impeccably delivered by professional youthful theatre actors and actresses, in fluent English and Yoruba languages.
According to the story line, a mysterious young girl (Erelu Ota) was whirled away for over 15 years, while her mother worried over her absence. However, she returned to the land in an equally strange manner to deliver the town with her mysterious power. Most notable among her bravery was huge contribution to the victory of Ikorodu against its Egba enemies in the Agbala war in the 19th century.
By the time the curtain was drawn on the play, the entire gathering gave a thunderous applause to acknowledge the wonderful performance by the cast and the intellectual capacity of Adeyeri to re-enact the historical event through such an e exciting stage play.
The current Erelu Ota of Ikorodu, Chief Nusirat Shonibare who led other family members to the event, could not hide her joy over the honour conferred on her progenitor and her family as she showered Adeyeri and the entire cast with prayers, for a job well done.
Earlier, the IKODASS Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Erogbogbo, had commended Waliyu for taking the path rarely taken by people, with the staging of the stage play which, according to him, would preserve the culture of Ikorodu, and its tourism potentials.
While stating that IKODASS would contribute towards the cultural and tourism development of Ikorodu division, he urged other people, particularly the youths to emulate Adeyeri, by promoting other cultures and traditions heritages of Ikorodu, for further appreciation and preservation.
Meanwhile, Prince Adeyeri, in his address, said that the initiative was aimed at beaming searchlight on historic personalities and events in Ikorodu.
“The need to beam spotlight on Ikorodu’s historic artefacts and its people birthed this project. Also, the need to celebrate Ikorodu women who are pulling giant strides in their chosen fields as a means of motivating the younger generation”, Prince Adeyeri said.
“As a literature student, I had the opportunity to read some epic works from personalities like Ola Rotimi, Ahmed Yerima, Femi Osofisan, Wole Soyinka, to mention a few. This motivated me to look into the historical accounts of Ikorodu Kingdom, and the Legend Erelu Ota came to mind.
“Aside being a theatrical production, the play set out to celebrate some outstanding women in Ikorodu who are doing great in their chosen field. Initially the project was scheduled to hold in March in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, but due to the election and the cash crunch, we had to postpone it to Monday, May 1, 2023 at Ikorodu Ultra-modern Townhall”, he explained.
“The event is not just a Theatrical production, it will feature an award presentation session for outstanding female personalities in Ikorodu whose stories will be shared as a means of motivation to all, especially the youths.
He also disclosed that the Erelu Ota family were fully behind the initiative, as well as stakeholders in Ikorodu, and expressed his profound gratitude to them.
“I have been able to get the endorsement of the family. As a matter of fact, the story was narrated by some members of the family which include the current Iya Egbe and Erelu Ota of Ikorodu, Chief (Mrs.) Nusirat Shonibare”, Prince Adeyeri said.
“We appreciate everyone who has supported this program in Ikorodu. I also appreciate individuals who have made commitments to this project in cash and in kind. We look forward to getting more support as this would immensely help propel the project”, he said.
The event was rounded off with award presentations to some notable Ikorodu women in honour of their great accomplishments, and as way of inspiring another generation of accomplished women.
On the list of the honorees were: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Alhaja Modupe Shineshine, Chief Executive Officer, Shine-Shine Cosmetics, Olori Sola Kosoko, Olori Oloja-Elect of Lagos and an Ace Broadcaster and Media Personality, Alhaja Doyin Kukoyi, Seasoned and Award-winning Nollywood actress and TV Presenter, Alhaja Sherry Ogunniyi, Award-winning Educator and Former Principal of Oriwu Model College and Hon. Folashade Olabanji-Oba – Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, as well as Pepe Foundation, a non-governmental and non-profit making organization which has impacted greatly on women, education and humanity in general.
Others at the event were Hon. Abike Dabiri (represented), Hon. Jimi Benson (represented), Prince Abiola Kosoko, Oloja-elect of Lagos, Chief Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun, Hon. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Baales, IKODASS executives