Iwopin Boat Regatta Gains Momentum As Dr. Abass Writes Ogun Assembly
In a bold and commendable move, Dr. Kabiru Abass, on behalf of the Egbe Afobaje Age Group of Iwopin Kingdom, submitted a formal letter to the Ogun State House of Assembly on April 30th, 2025, advocating for the official state recognition of the Okoshi Boat Regatta Festival as a designated cultural event in Ogun State.
During his interaction with the Honourable Speaker, Dr. Abass passionately emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Okoshi Festival—a vibrant celebration rooted in the Ijebu people’s riverine heritage. He described it as “an ancient tradition passed down from our forefathers to promote unity, spiritual values, and communal pride.” The festival is widely celebrated for its ornately decorated boats, traditional dancers, and colorful masquerades, reflecting the rich cultural identity and artistic creativity of the Iwopin people.
Dr. Abass further reminded the Speaker of Iwopin’s historic participation in FESTAC ’77—the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture—where the Iwopin Cultural Troupe proudly represented Ogun State, showcasing the unique heritage of the community on an international platform.
In response, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Arc.) Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide, acknowledged the uniqueness of the Okoshi Festival and confirmed that he had long admired its grandeur and cultural relevance. The Honourable Speaker expressed strong support for the request, noting that “any tradition that is not ours should be considered foreign,” and emphasized the need to safeguard and celebrate indigenous cultural heritage.
Dr. Abass also extended his heartfelt appreciation to both the Honourable Speaker and Hon. Lawal Samusideen Adekunle (Lawee), the tireless representative of Ogun Waterside State Constituency, for facilitating the engagement and supporting the aspirations of the Iwopin community. He affirmed that their names will be etched in the annals of Iwopin and Ogun Waterside history for championing this significant cultural cause.
With this strong legislative engagement, the movement for the official recognition of the Okoshi Boat Regatta Festival continues to gain traction. The Iwopin community remains hopeful and proud as their cultural voice resonates at the highest levels of governance in Ogun State.
_Our culture is our identity, let’s keep it alive
