By Kingsley Femi Fanwo
The Takete Ide Day 2024 might have come and gone, the echoes of the cultural beauty that graced the occasion has continued to touch our consciousness. It was a day that culture came out in its colourful garb, heralding the greatness of our powerful community.
A Community Protected by the gods
Our forebears believed strongly that the Takete Ide community was protected from being ravaged by war by the gods.
Orisas like ‘otegun’, ‘Eetu’ and many others which still have the shrines in the ancient community till date were believed to be largely instrumental to fending off, external aggression.
Heroines like Momo Omosofe and many great women ensured the heritage endured. Though the culture seems to be fading gradually, many proponents of the Orisas still appease them to bring protection to the community.
Agbagba Ide stole the show at the Takete Ide Day 2024 as the community proudly celebrated it. Agbagba Ide was used mainly during the war and during pandemic in those days. Whenever it was brought out, it must have been a very serious issue. It is believed to be the secret power of the Takete Ide people.
In Takete Ide, they usually say “Ide ni nkan, anmo”. (Ide has one power that they don’t even know). It was a very powerful weapon against the enemies of Takete Ide.
Then we had the masquerades. The masquerades are believed to be spirits from heaven who come to the world once in a year. Takete Ide has the Oliwo Masquerade Group and the Agado Masquerade Group. They perform the roles of entertainment and spiritual cleansing of the community.
Ere Iyawo
Many guests that attended the Takete Ide Day 2024 have continued to appraise the Ere Iyawo performance. It was a display to showcase our traditional marriage rites as a community.
At some point, they started singing “omi mokun, eyan ni rako gha” , meaning the river won’t allow us to pass, kindly send some people to come and carry us. There was no river, they wanted money before bringing the Wife to the husband.
Imole Dance
Imole dance is as old as the history of Takete Ide. It is a dance by some little girls with a few women. Their songs are used to pass messages to correct societal ills and to commend people with acts of valor.
And The Brave Hunters Were Rewarded
A few weeks before the 2024 Takete Ide Day, some bandits attempted to attack the community. But they were resisted by some brave hunters who sustained some degrees of bullet wounds.
In a show of appreciation and commendation for their bravery, the community gave them awards and thanked them for displaying the great spirit of Takete Ide.
Community Leaders Harp on Unity
Addressing the audience at the 2024 Takete Ide Day celebration, the paramount ruler of the community and the Olude of Takete Ide, His Royal Highness Oba Philip Ebilakun thanked the participants for honoring Takete Ide with their esteemed presence. He also urged the people of Takete Ide to remain united.
Also, the National President of the Takete Ide Progressive Union, Prince Richard Fiki said the strength of the community has always been the unity among her people, saying the community will continue to witness development when the people are united.
He thanked the State Government for some of the infrastructural projects in the community with a plea to the State Government to fix the Orokere-Ayede-Takete Ide road.
Community leaders such as Dr. David Atte, Chief Eric Fiki, Mr Henry James, Engr. Ayobamidele Omoniwa, Mr. Samuel Ipinlaiye, Mr Tayo Abimbola, Engr Tayo Toluju, Mr. Ola Meseko and many others were at the event.
Also, the Alamuro of Amuro, His Royal Majesty Oba Alfred Modupe Aiyedogbon led other Amuro Traditional Rulers to the events.
Political bigwigs, Captains of industries and cultural enthusiasts joined the sons and daughters of Takete Ide Day to make the day memorable.
Also, handsome donations were made for the completion of the Community Hall by the invited guests.
I congratulate all the sons and daughters of the powerful Takete Ide Community. Aseyi samodun o.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo is the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications and a proud son of Takete Ide Amuro.