By Esther Onyegbula

The traditional ruler of Ikoga-Zebbe, a community in Badagry, Aholu Sano of Ikoga-Zebbe Kingdom, Aholu Jimoh Fabiyi, De-Ovitotode Toyi I, has described the traditional dance ‘Jeke’ as a symbol of unity, peace, and togetherness.

De-Ovitotode disclosed this over the weekend during the third-year anniversary of the Relaunched Jeke Dance in Ikoga-Zebbe, Badagry.

According to him, “This is a form of bond that brings us together. It was established by our forefathers to unite all inhabitants of the community, whether living within or outside.”

“This is just like a New Year celebration. What we are doing now is to bring everyone together, celebrate, and relate. It also gives us the privilege to deliberate on the future of the community.

“The celebration will provide an opportunity to discuss what the future holds for this generation,” he said.

He added that since the relaunch of the drums and dance in 2022, sons and daughters of the town have been coming home to celebrate.

The traditional ruler appealed to the Lagos State Government, banks, and companies to sponsor the dance.

A university lecturer and native of Ikoga-Zebbe, Dr. Tony Dansu, said the dance is unique because of its ability to bring the community together.

According to him, “This is about unity and peace. Anywhere you have peace and unity, you should expect progress. This is the uniqueness of the Jeke dance.

“One of the reasons we decided to revive it is its uniqueness in fostering unity. We noticed this even when we were young.

“The dance has existed in the community for decades, possibly hundreds of years, but it went into extinction at a particular time.

“We realized that the unity and progress our fathers experienced in those days are no longer as evident,” he said.

Dansu urged the youth to embrace the culture and traditions of their land.

The Yeye Oba of Yoruba Land, Mrs. B. Harrison, called on the government to reintroduce cultural performances in primary and secondary schools in Lagos to encourage the youth to understand the culture and traditions of the land.

A lecturer from the Department of Marine Science at the University of Lagos, Prof. Minasu Kuton, educated residents on the benefits of swamps in the area.

According to him, “Swamps have been of great benefit to this community in terms of fishing, hunting, craftwork, recreation, and the economy.”

He urged residents fishing in the swamp to allow the fish to reproduce before engaging in further fishing activities.

“It has been beneficial to the whole community, so the theme of the lecture is Awe to Bame, which means ‘there is money in the swamp.'”

The celebration featured the beating of the Jeke drum, dancing by both young and old men and women, and performances by Zangheto masquerades.

Many traditional rulers, important personalities, and residents of the town, both home and abroad, graced the occasion.