Members of the Ibadan Community of Cotonou, Benin Republic, staged a vibrant display of culture and unity as they held their maiden Ibadan Day celebration at Midombo Stadium, Akpakpa.
The colourful event brought together prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan living in the West African nation, alongside traditional rulers and well-wishers.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Aare Ago Balogun of Ibadan, Chief AbdulLatif Ibikunle, urged Ibadan Community to remain united and align their activities with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII.
Oba Ladoja stressed the need for coordination to avoid a clash between the Cotonou celebration and the annual Ibadan Day festival in Nigeria.
In her remarks, wife of the Olubadan, Queen Abibat Ladoja, commended the community for organising the historic event and lauded the launch of Ajorosun magazine, describing it as a vital platform for preserving and promoting Ibadan cultural heritage in the diaspora.
Also speaking, the Alajase of Abesan in Porto-Novo, Oba Rafiu Atanda, enjoined members of the community to be law abiding and uphold values of discipline and respect in their host country.
Earlier, the Chairman of the organising committee, Mr Kabiru Olaide, had said that the maiden edition of Ibadan Day celebration was to bring together indigenes of the ancient city to foster unity, strengthen cultural ties, and promote a shared identity among members in the diaspora.
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of awards on notable Nigerians in the diaspora and within Benin Republic, in recognition of their contributions to community development and the promotion of Nigeria’s image abroad.
Among the awardees was the General Manager of Pensioners FM, Otunba Babatunde Tiamiyu, alongside industrialists and other eminent personalities.
The celebration also featured musical performances by fuji star, King Saheed Osupa and Cotonou-based artistes, Laredo Fuji, Idera Anobi, and hip-hop artiste Giomak, who all added glamour and excitement to the event.
