From March 29, 2019 when a press conference flagged off the 15th coronation anniversary of the Olu of Itori, Oba AbdulFatai Akamo till April 6 of the grand finale, the Ogun State community played host to the crème of the society.
NEARLY five decades after his tragic death in a car accident on his way to Warri, Cardinal Rex Jim lawson’s music still elicits wonderment and acclaim among music lovers. Rex Lawson was in his 20s when he became a household name in Nigeria. He was an emotional and philosophical singer who displayed mastery in conveying deep meanings through the trumpet, the alto saxophone and his haunting voice.
His genre of music, highlife, which emanated from Ghana – was the rave in the 1960s. It had morphed from the foxtrot and calypso, with Ghanaian rhythms known only among the local African aristocracy in the mid-19th century, to dance and guitar bands that ordinary folks could also relate to.
At the time he held sway, Rex Lawson was recognised as the people’s artiste because of his ability to compose and sing in different dialects. He sang in Efik, Kalabari, Izon, Igbo, several Ghanaian dialects and Pidgin English. In the 1960s, his records came in quick succession and were played back to back on Radio Nigeria, besides several live performances he did in Radio Lagos studios. His songs were party favourites of the time and were loved by even those who did not understand the dialects he sang in. Yet, his songs dwelt on family values, love, hard work and morality.
Born Erikosima Jim Lawson on 4 March 1938, his father was of the Kalabari ethnic group in present-day Rivers State; while his mother was an Igbo from Owerri. IN Itori, the headquarters of Ewekoro Local Government of Ogun State, April 6, 2019 will remain evergreen in the memories of the residents, being the day the town witnessed a convergence of paramount rulers at one occasion.
The event was the 15th coronation anniversary of the Olu of Itori, Oba AbdulFatai Akorede Akamo, who was full of praise for the presence of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, the Alake of Egba, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo and others from Ogun and Lagos State.
Oba Akamo said, “It was a privilege to have these paramount rulers together at one function, and that was the basis of my joy on that day. Though I had the word of all of them before the day; I somehow nursed a doubt because of their schedule. Therefore, I thank them for the honour done on me. The Elegushi too, Oba Saheed Ademola also joined them and added more glamour to my anniversary.”
The Alaafin arrived Itori quite early. Resplendent in a yellow and brown agabada, his arrival into the exquisite King’s Court was heralded by the chorus of ‘Kabiyesi’ by the invited guests already seated. Oba Akamo would lead him to a room specially prepared for him at the back of the podium.
Oba Adeyemi said his early arrival was in demonstration of his satisfaction at the performance of Oba Akamo since he ascended to the throne in 2004, adding that he had shown evidence that he was on the throne to develop his town.
“Oba Akamo is a traditional ruler I admire for his tireless effort in bringing his town to the limelight. I arrived the town and saw the transformation that has taken place in the last 15 years, which shows that Oba Akamo is focused.” he said.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosu, representatives of Dangote Group and other captains of industry.
There was also an array of other traditional rulers, Baales, a huge media presence, Nollywood stars and musicians led by K1, who performed to the admiration of the guests who flocked the stage.
The organizing committee won the applause of the guests on their choice of design and decoration. It was gold and purple spectacle from the entrance to the podium, with state-of-the-art table and seats well arranged.
A retired school principal, who travelled from his Osogbo base to Itori for the occasion, Alhaji Ajadi Badmus, described the hall as ‘out of this world,’ praising Oba Akamo for showing good taste and exposure to good life.
“What I am seeing here is beyond my imagination. I did not expect this kind of display here. It shows the personality of Kabiyesi as one who knows what he wants and does not compromise,” he noted.
The grand finale also featured conferment of chieftaincy titles to some individuals, including an Assistant Editor with Nigerian Tribune, Tunde Busari, who was made the Baaroyin of Itoriland amidst ovation by family and colleagues.
There was also the presentation of an honorary doctorate to the monarch by representatives of European-American University, as well as the launching of Oba Akamo’s memoir titled Journey Through Time.
The hard cover book is a detailed account of Oba Akamo’s experiences before ascending the throne and his life in the palace in the last 15 years.
The delectable Olori Barakat Faderera Akamo was a fulfilled woman, having spent the past two months working hard to ensure the programme was a success.
She said, “I can tell you that I am heaving a sigh of relief. Am I even relieved? Let me say, to some extent because I still need to put some things right. But I can tell you that it was a long time I had the kind of sleep I had after the party on Saturday.”
The week-long anniversary was finally rounded off inside the All Saints Anglican Church, 24 hours later when Oba Akamo led his chiefs to what was tagged Special Thanksgiving. Though a Muslim, the traditional ruler put no one in the church in doubt that he passed through Christian schools during his growing years.
“There is nothing left for me than giving praise to God for the modest success we recorded during the anniversary. Nobody should claim the credit for the success except God who made it possible. We prayed against any form of disruption, and the prayers were answered.
“The evidence is the rain we had as we were rounding off the Thanksgiving Service in the church. When the rain started, I smiled and gave thanks to God for holding the rain till after the whole event,” Kabiesi said.
A Lagos-based Advertising Agency Manager, Alhaji Tolani Owolabi remarked that Oba Akamo had earned his respect for the quality of the event.
“I have attended some similar functions but this one in Itori stands out, in terms of the aesthetics which is combined with royalty. He has set another standard for other traditional rulers on how anniversary show should be staged,” he said.
Oba Akamo, who will clock 60 years on October 1, used the occasion to appeal to Yoruba traditional rulers on need to forge a common front in order to move the ethnic group forward, pointing out that the era of discontent among traditional rulers ought to have passed.
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