RIKAY Hails Traditional Rulers, Cultural Custodians on 2025 Ìṣẹ̀ṣé Day

By Peter Dansu  The Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, popularly k...

By Peter Dansu 

The Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, popularly known as RIKAY, has extended warm felicitations to traditional rulers, Baales, heritage custodians, and cultural stakeholders across the council area as the world marks the 2025 edition of Ìṣẹ̀ṣé Day.

In a goodwill message released on Wednesday, Hon. Yemaren described Ìṣẹ̀ṣé Day as a profound reminder of the depth and richness of both Ogu and Yoruba traditions. He noted that Badagry West stands tall as a custodian of diverse cultural values and urged the people never to lose sight of their heritage.

“A community without culture or tradition is like a tree without roots. We must preserve our identity, for our heritage remains our pride,” the Chairman said.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the Ogu people, Yemaren pointed to cultural symbols such as Zangbeto (the guardian of the night), Gunuko, Kori, Oro, and other sacred practices which, alongside Yoruba traditional rites, enrich the cultural fabric of Badagry West.

The Chairman commended revered royal fathers — HRM Oba Oyekan Adekanmi Ilufemiloye Ajose Posi III, the Alapa of Apa, Egun Awori Kingdom, and HRM Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom — as well as all Baales and lineage heads, for their roles in safeguarding and promoting tradition.

Reaffirming his administration’s support for cultural development, Yemaren stressed inclusiveness across religious lines.

“As a government, we carry everyone along irrespective of religion or belief. Whether Christian, Muslim, or adherents of traditional faith, we remain one united Badagry West,” he assured.

On behalf of the government and people of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Yemaren wished all residents a peaceful and colourful 2025 Ìṣẹ̀ṣé Day celebration, while calling on youths to learn, respect, and uphold the traditions of their forebears.