By Bode Durojaiye
Joy knew no bounds yesterday to the people of Modakeke, in Osun State, when motorcade of the Alaafin's Wife and his entourage entered the town for this year's grand finale of Akoraye day celebrations
It was electrifying as shouts of "" Iku Baba Yeye"" ( death personified) rendered the air , while traditional drummers rolled out the drums , "" kabo, se daada lode, ati n reti re "" ( You are welcome. We have been expecting You) to accord the Royal entourage warm reception.
The 40th Akoraye Day celebrations is an annual event aimed at fundraising to finance community initiatives and projects.
At the colourful event, the Alaafin Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, said unless the people know who they are and how they came about to be what they are, they shall certainly be unable to know where and how to go further.
Speaking through his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, Alaafin noted that ""by recognising what we hold in common we can begin to live in peace. We can all recognise our relationship to each other and to the past"".
The Titan of Yorubaland pointed out that "" every situation has its roots
in the past and the past survives in the present; while both the present and indeed the past are undergoing modification"".
According to him, ""without knowledge and keeping historical events and issues, there will be nothing to build on. History is the foundation of all things; everything has a history and knowledge is built always on examples of one past event or another. It is thus a reference point. It is therefore important to know the foundation of what is built as a guide to subsequent developments.
‘’ Society ‘looked up to history for knowledge of the accumulated wisdom of the ancestors, the sense of values, the morality and the norms upon which society was founded. Thus history occupied a unique position in traditional Yoruba society and that history was prominent as a subject in the preparation and training of the citizens"".
The Paramount Ruler further explained that the essence of ancestral lineage is a profound connection to our past that shapes our identity, provides wisdom and guidance, and offers a sense of belonging and continuity across generations.
"" It is not merely a biological connection but a living legacy that influences our present and future. Understanding our lineage helps us form a strong sense of self and place in the world. It provides context for our personal traits, values, and traditions, fostering confidence and pride in who we are.
""By appreciating the journey that led to our existence and the sacrifices made by those who came before us, we are inspired to live with purpose and create a positive legacy for our descendants.
"" In essence, our ancestral lineage provides the roots that nourish our lives, allowing us to grow, adapt, and build our identities while remaining anchored in a rich, shared human experience"".
Alaafin also commended the Ogunsua of Modakeke, and residents of the town for maintaining peace and harmony after over 20 years and with steady development.
Historically, the people of Modakeke are essentially a subgroup of the Oyo people, who migrated southwards after the downfall of the powerful Oyo Empire.
The name "Modakeke" comes from the sound of storks (called Ako in Yoruba) that inhabited the area, as their cries sounded like "Mo-da-ke-ke-ke-ke".
On the entourage of the Alaafin's Queen Consort were some members of the Owoade Royal Family led by the Mogaji, Prince Nihinlola, and the Chief of Staff to the Alaafin, Engineer Lukman Ajibade, among others.
Pictures from the event
Bode Durojaiye is the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler Oyo and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.
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