TheGuardian
Saturday, May 24, 2014 | 15
www.ngrguardiannews.com
Conscience, Nurtured by Truth
Arts&Culture By Kabir Alabi Garba
I
NISA, the sprawling town in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State played host to an assemblage of unusual guests last Saturday. And the visitors came from far and near to felicitate with the ‘son of the soil’, Prof. Gabriel Olatunde Babawale who was being honoured with the chieftaincy title of Bobogunwa of Inisaland together with his wife, Mrs Adetola Babawale who was also conferred with Yeye Bobogunwa, reflecting the popular axiom that “beside every successful man, there is always a woman.” Indeed, the Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale is a success story that his native town would love to explore and associated with. Although the installation ceremony was advertised as part of activities to commemorate the 36th coronation anniversary of Oba Joseph Oyedele as Olunisa of Inisaland, it was clear that the conferment wasn’t only the flagship, its memory would continue to linger for years. The size and quality of personalities — from diverse areas such as the academics, traditional institutions, arts and culture community — was simply overwhelming. Among the personalities were the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Duro Oni; Professors Olu Obafemi, Solomon Akingboye, Omoniyi Adewuyi, Ademola Omojola, Dele Orimogunje, Derin Ologbenla, Ademola Dasilva, Akin Alao, Iyiola Oni, David Aremu and Ojo Olunleke. In the audience were monarchs from neigbouring towns such as Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Adedeji; the Oragun of Oke-IIa, Oba Dokun Abolarin; and Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi while traditional chiefs of Inisa rallied Olunisa for the historic moment. There were also Dr. Femi Omidire, Laja Odukoya, Adeola Faleye Akin Onipede, Alabi Soneye and Ademola Azeez, while Heads of parastatals in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism such as National Troupe; National Theatre; National Gallery of Art; National Institute for Cultural Orientation were also represented. In the house also were veteran filmmaker Tunde Kilani, movie producer Remi Ibitola, veteran drummer and artist, Muraina Oyelani and other artistes. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the Inisa Descendants Union, Mr. John Olanipekun underscored Babawale’s exploits at various institutions where he has worked including the University of Lagos and CBAAC. He noted that, among other achievements, he had moved CBAAC from a relatively unknown institution to global acclaim. “Babawale has been everywhere, but he has not forgotten home,” Olanipekun added. One after the other, the monarch saluted Prof. Babawale and urged other accomplished people to emulate him in terms of his commitment to the development of his roots. In the words of Oba Oyedele, Babawale is an Omoluabi-the Yoruba’s ideal son. He said, “he is one of the pillars holding Inisa. Like other members of Inisa youth Initiative, he is always working for the progress of the land.” The Aragbiji noted that the fact that the people that Babawale has worked with at different times rallied round him at the ceremony said much about his character. Saying that he (Kabiyesi) was one of his students, the monarch said Babawale is a brilliant, hardworking and responsible family man from whom youths
Babawale and wife as Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa of Inisaland
The Olunisa presenting the certificate of office to Prof. Babawale and wife
Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin (left); Akirun of Ikirun; the Babawales; and Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Oyedele
Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Omoniyi Adewoye with Prof. Babawale.
In his response, the CBAAC boss said that while he was glad that his people had considered him worthy of the honour, the development had further inspired him to do more. He said, “I believe that everyone has the responsibility to genuinely contribute to the liberalization and growth of his town, country and the world at large.” Certainly, Babawale’s cap must have been crowded with series of awards and medals in recognition of his unique contribution to human development. Just last month, on April 3, 2014 precisely, the Natural History Museum (NHM) of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife honoured Prof. Babawale (alongside another distineducation without contributing to the develguished son of Osun — Chief (Dr.) John Agboola opment on ones land is useless.” Odeyemi) with the Natural History Museum Oba Akirun was marvelous in his terse Award for his “distinguished contribution to remarks, as he cracked jokes, sang songs to the preservation and conservation of African deliver his message. His showmanship raked Cultural Heritage.” in wide applause from the audience. He noted A political scientist, who has also distinthat no matter how widely a person is recogguished himself as an astute culture adminisnized and honour abroad, one must strive to trator, Prof. Babawale, in the almost eight years be relevant at home. as the Director/Chief executive Officer of “Babawale is a son of all Yoruba kings. He is CBAAC, has lifted the profile of the culture one of our own icons. It is good that he is been agency nationally and globally. honoured at home today because home recog- In fact, the volume of activities that CBAAC has nition is important,” the Akirun said. undertaken under Babawale’s leadership is so intimidating that the Federal Government has begun to appreciate the need to always enlist the service of technocrat to man strategic sector of the national economy such as culture. But his efforts and contributions have continservices. The event is billed to take place June 21 ued to be recognised within and outside from 12noon at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Nigeria as reflected in last Saturday’s event. AS the largest and most populous town in Lagos. Odo-Otin LGA, Inisa is believed to have ancestral links with laafin of Oyo, the Alara of Aramoko in ekiti and Owa of Ijesaland. The town was founded many centuries ago by Ooku, a brave prince and warrior from Ofaeesun, a small but historic settlement near Ofa in the present Kwara State. Ofa-eesun itself was founded by a prince of the Alaafin royal dynasty of old Oyo. From this historic link with Ofa, the pinces and princesses of Inisa are commonly referred to as ‘Omo Mojo’ while people of Inisa are generally referred to as InisaOyemojo. The combination of ‘Oye’ and ‘Mojo’ is traced to paternal parentage and maternal parentage of Ooku, the founder of Inisa. Tee Mac
Babawale:
Culture Administrator’s
Day Of Honour At Inisa have a lot to learn. The Orangun of Oke-Ila congratulated the Olu of Inisa and the people of the town, saying they were blessed with many icons. Oba Abolarin said, “Today is a special day of joy. What we are witnessing should remind us that most Yoruba towns have icons. But many have a lot to learn from Babawale and his cotownsmen who have been contributing to the growth of the land. There is a lot to do for the development of our towns. Government alone cannot do everything. Our sons and daughters must look back and give back to the society.
World Music Day 2014 Celebrates Peace, Togetherness By Florence Utor
T
He success of the first musical day in France in 1982 was remarkable and it subsequently resulted in its adoption as an annual event. Its popularity recommended it to the rest of the world where over a hundred and fifty countries, through free concert and festivals, celebrate the day with events that provoke the spirit of togetherness. Nigeria first joined the global affair in 2001, through the logistics support of the French Cultural Centre (Alliance Francais). The festival is recognised by United Nations educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNeSCO) and other international organisations. Talents expected to perform include Tee Mac and the Gold Convention, Ozzy Bosco, The Wonderkid, Seun Olota, Daddy Kool and the Jazz Project, Seyi
Solagbade, Oseghale Sunday (Mr. Sanitation), Wura Samba, Blessomania, Peters Funsho Lewis, Francis Goldman, Stella Monye, Jagunlabia and the Oracle Band, Aje Melody, D’Legend Sistarz and Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture among others. With the theme, Celebrating Music for Peace and Togetherness through Live Performances, the 2014 edition is organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), in partnership with the International Cultural Agency, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and Lagos State Government’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture. The event will be a platform to showcase the great talents that abound in Nigeria. It is also a unique platform for corporate organisations and leading communication companies to advertise, promote and sell their products and