The ancient town of Apomu in Osun State was agog last week when the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi, celebrated his 60th birthday in a colourful ceremony.
The birthday festivities started with a celebration of the cultural heritage of the Yorubas. Wife of the traditional ruler, Olori Janet Afolabi, was the first to stage an exhibition to mark her husband’s landmark age. She opened the event with the maiden edition of the Apomu Adire Festival organised by her foundation, Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation, OJAF. The exhibition was aimed at promoting cultural tourism and to empower hard-working youths who want to make a living through the production of adire clothing materials.
The event was supported by Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin’s Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited. An array of colourful adire fabrics were on display during the exhibition which was graced by traditional rulers, chiefs and residents of Apomu. A lavish party held at the palace of the Alapomu followed immediately. It was a gathering of traditional rulers, chiefs, politicians and other dignitaries from different walks of life. The event was also a display of culture and class as praise singers and local drummers welcomed guests at the entrance of the palace. A local singer, Apesin Kolayemi Kuti, played soul lifting and danceable songs to the delight of those who were present to celebrate with the traditional ruler. Guests were feted with choice drinks and food which kept flowing till the last guest departed the venue.
