Prince Abiola Kosoko, The Oloja-Elect of Lagos
Eko Hot Blog reports that King Kosoko Royal Family of Lagos, under the leadership of Prince Abiola Olojo Kosoko, the Oloja of Lagos-elect, says it is holding a two-day programme to commemorate the historical return of King Kosoko 1 to Lagos in 1862.
The warrior King Kosoko 1 as well as his chiefs and followers had gone into exile in Epe following the bombardment of Lagos by the British Royal Navy in 1851. However, the king and his subjects returned 10 years later, marking an end of hostilities.
In a statement, Prince Abiola announced the schedule of events for the 160th anniversary of the King’s return.
He disclosed that events will commence on Thursday, September 15, 2022, through Friday, September 16, 2022, in the Ereko area of Lagos Island.
Prince Abiola, who is a direct descendant of Olojo, King Kosoko’s first son, said the events will include a procession, the unveiling of the monarch’s statue, and other special programmes.
“The descendants of King Kosoko 1 and his followers in Lagos State have concluded plans to proudly celebrate the return of 1862 to Lagos, the end of hostilities as well as the return of the commercial spirit back to Lagos,” he said.
“On Thursday 15th, the Olowogbowo Fanti Carnival will be used to celebrate the return during which a procession will go round Ereko, Kosoko Palace area with an Atupa (Lamp) signifying the arrival of the Kosoko progenitor. The colour of the day will be yellow and the procession will be done jointly with the people of Epetedo community of Lagos Island who returned with King Kosoko.
Oloja of Ereko, Prince Abiola Kosoko
“On 16th, after the Jummat prayers, we will again converge at the Kosoko Palace, unveil the event logo, the King Kosoko 1 statue as well as give awards of recognition to prominent icons and personalities who played key roles during the King’s lifetime.”
The prince noted that the two-day programme is geared towards reinforcing the historical heritage in Lagos.
He argued that heritage, inheritance, and tradition will be lost if culture was not properly understood and applied.
Therefore, Prince Abiola called on the Lagos State government to do more in embracing culture because it holds great potential for development.
“With the events and programmes, we seek to significantly revive and reinforce historical heritage in Lagos to promote culture, values, and tradition, and foster peace, unity, and trade in the nation’s commercial epicentre for improved development,” he said.
“I urge the Lagos State government to significantly embrace culture. Sadly, culture is getting increasingly eroded by modernisation and its wild ways. Culture should be given more prominent platforms to thrive.
“This will aid heritage sites to be promoted with traditional religion and cultural beliefs of the people, then, you have more historical sites to showcase which will give improved historical meaning to the establishment of the State.”
The prince went further to cite the examples of the Chinese and Indians, arguing that they have excelled in creating futuristic platforms that integrate modern Western practices and cultural beliefs and attitudes to thrive together.
He added that African youths and people should understand and appreciate the full benefits of culture in a manner that shapes them to align modernisation to the typical practices in exhibiting identity.
“Culture is the natural guidelines designed by people to prepare them for future and guide their activities, as it helps to guide tradition, promote heritage and serves as instruments to nurture humans in various spheres of life,” Prince Abiola stated.
He concluded that tradition, religion, and moral trainings are preserved through culture.
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