LASG Pushes Ikorodu Heritage Trail for UNESCO Recognition

Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is working to add three sites from the Ikorodu Heritage Trail to a preliminary list of 14 sites recognized by UNESCO.

This initiative was announced during a visit to Ikorodu on Tuesday, led by Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka.

She was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, Heritage Consultant Mr. Gbolahan Ajala, and several French investors, including Regis Charpentier, President of WinWinAfrique.

The team engaged with key stakeholders in the Ikorodu Division.

During their visit, Benson-Awoyinka and her delegation convened with the six traditional rulers of the major towns within the Ikorodu kingdom at the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, where they outlined the purpose of their meeting. 

Benson-Awoyinka urged the traditional leaders and their chiefs to trust the state’s intentions, emphasizing that the initiative would benefit and uplift the Ikorodu Division.

She expressed the Lagos State Government’s desire for their support, highlighting the region’s wealth of heritage sites and traditional festivals that could be documented and showcased to enhance tourism.

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She further emphasized the importance of promoting the unique cultural significance of various masquerades, including Eyo, Agere, Igunnuko, and Agemo, pointing out that the Eyo masquerade is not the only one representative of Lagos State. 

Additionally, the Commissioner announced the upcoming Yoruba Heritage Week, scheduled for November, which will be a week-long celebration of Yoruba culture, tradition, and heritage.

Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, representing the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, expressed gratitude for the Commissioner’s visit, noting that the people of Ikorodu have long anticipated such engagement and are eager to collaborate.

He mentioned that a committee would be formed to work alongside the Ministry’s team to facilitate the project.

Honourable Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Government, also welcomed the delegation and highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ikorodu, affirming its potential to host significant tourist attractions.

Among the traditional rulers present were the Oba of Igbogbo, Oba Abdulsemiu Kasali; Oba of Imota, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro; and Oba of Egbin, Oba Abdul-Hakeem Oyebo, along with various chiefs and titleholders.

The visit included tours of significant local sites, such as the Old Obas Palace and various traditional worship houses.

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