L-R: Mr. Olumide Somoye, Head of Research, Publication and Documentation Department; Mr. Idowu Johnson, Director/CEO, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture; Dr. Mrs. Adebusola Odedina, Director of Administration and Human Resources and Mr. Ibraheem Akinlolu, Head of Public Affairs Unit during the AATREN. Y2026 One-Day Seminar at Akowanjo playing ground, Ajako Bus Stop, Shasha, Alimosho, Lagos.
By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC), in collaboration with the Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN), successfully hosted a landmark 2026 one-day seminar on the theme “The Role of Nigeria in World Culture Development”, recently at Akowanjo Playing Ground, Ajako Bus Stop, Shasha, Alimosho, Lagos. The seminar served as a key preparatory event for the forthcoming Isese Day celebration.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Director of Administration and CEO of LSCAC, Mr. Idowu Johnson, urged members of AATREN to portray African Traditional Religion positively and exemplarily to the public, particularly to younger generations. He emphasized the importance of involving children in cultural events to ensure continuity and coexistence of traditional practices, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting religious groups across the state.
The seminar underscored the Lagos State Government’s dedication to promoting indigenous culture, fostering religious inclusivity and encouraging intergenerational dialogue. It provided a platform for unity among practitioners and stakeholders of African Traditional Religion, while reinforcing peaceful coexistence and respect for religious diversity.
The lecture delivered by Chief Otunba Lekan Ajirotutu (Otunba Gbasaniyi of Mushin Land) highlighted Nigeria’s Role in World Culture and Heritage Development — a theme that speaks directly to our identity and our collective responsibility. Nigeria is a nation blessed with extraordinary diversity. Our languages, traditions, festivals, and spiritual practices form a cultural mosaic admired across the globe.
From the rhythms of Yoruba drumming to the artistry of Nok terracotta, from the wisdom embedded in our traditional religions to the vibrancy of our contemporary creativity, Nigeria has consistently enriched the global heritage landscape.
Chief Ajirotutu emphasized the impact of colonialism, which disrupted our cultural heritage and imposed foreign religions as instruments of domination.
Yet, he noted with concern that nations such as China, Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela now embrace, practice, and promote aspects of African cultural heritage with greater zeal than many of us, the custodians of these traditions.
It is time for us to awaken to the legacy of our forefathers, to cherish the spiritual traditions of our ancestors and to embrace the roots that define us. By reclaiming and celebrating our heritage, Nigeria can continue to stand as a beacon of cultural pride and global influence.
Chief Ifasegun Elegushi (Opemoluwa of Ikate Land), President of AATREN, cautioned members against decorating chiefs with crowns reserved for kings, noting that such practices contravene cultural heritage. He referenced newly established traditional laws mandating sanctions against violators and clarified misconceptions surrounding coronation practices in Yoruba communities.
Chief Elegushi also prayed for peace in Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the Lagos State cabinet.
The royal father of the day, HRM Oba Babatunde Akanni Nasiru Lawal Ogunronbi (Akinlowo I of Shasha Kingdom), emphasized the significance of the royal stole as a symbol of African Traditional Religion, clarifying that it is not affiliated with any other faith.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including royal fathers, White Cap Chiefs, cultural custodians and prominent traditional rulers from across Lagos State.
Attendees were treated to a spectacular cultural display featuring the Gelende masquerade, Korikoto performance, and Aje display, among others, in showcasing the rich diversity and timeless traditions of Lagos heritage.
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