As Nigeria’s music sector continues to witness an unprecedented boost of all times, royal fathers and eminent personalities across Ikorodu community have advocated for the preservation and promotion of the traditional ‘Ere Oro’ music genre popularly known as ‘apepe’ music notably sung during Oro festival in Ikorodu and other Ijebu and Remo communities.
The Eweye of Isiu Land in Ikorodu North LCDA, Oba David Olukayode Raji Balogun gave the charge during his royal remarks at the launch of TRIBUTE, a traditional music album, by Chief Jamiu Oladehinde Ogunfodunrin, in honour of his Late father, Kolawole Adisa Ogunfodunrin popularly known as ‘Gbengbelekun’, who was a prominent member of the ‘Osere Oloro’ Ijomu of Ikorodu traditional music group during his lifetime.
Oba Balogun stated that traditional ‘oro’ also called ‘apepe’ music reflected the cultural identity of indigenous communities and their unique peculiarities, hence stressed that stakeholders must ensure its preservation for unborn generations.
Similarly, Chairman of Nigeria’s foremost Pay TV brand, DSTV, Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN who was the Chairman of the Day at the album Launch equally lent his voice to the call, noting that traditional music was a unique genre of music that must not be allowed to go into extinction.
He therefore pledged to assist in distributing the newly produced album across Ikorodu community sons and daughters at home in Diaspora.
Meanwhile, one of the sons of the late Kolawole Ajigbeda who also doubles as the Chairman of Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS) and Chief Host of the event, Alh. Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola in his opening address stated that the children and family of the Late singer decided to immortalize his good works through the album Launch as a way of keeping his memory alive.
Eldest daughter of the deceased, Alh. Abiodun Olupebi in her win remarks described her late father as a man of courage, integrity and love who would go to any length for his children and family members.
She praised her father for living a life worthy of emulation, while promising to uphold his good legacy.
Producer of the album, Asiwaju Kabir Ibikunle Olumade, who gave an insight into the album explained that traditional music is not only peculiar to Oro festival, but serves as a platform for indigenous people of local communities to express themselves, criticize government and, when necessary admonish individuals, and particularly those in authority.
A major highlight of the event was the live performance of some of the tracks in the new traditional music album and formal launch / unveiling by the Chairman of the Day, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN.
Tribute is a 16-track album with all songs composed by Chief Jamiu Oladehinde Ogunfodunrin.
Prominent Ikorodu dignitaries like Aremo Kamorudeen Ogunsanya, Otunba Ayodele Elesho and a host of others who graced the event paid glowing tributes to the Late Kolawole Adisa Ogunfodunrin a.k.a ‘Gbengbelekun’ for living a life of service to his community.
Other guests at the event were the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA and APC flagbearer in the July 2025 Council election, Hon. Apanisile, Olori Sekumade of Ipakodo, Olori Adenike Sotonwa, immediate past Chairman of IKODASS, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo and Iyaloja of Ayangburen Sabo Market, Alh. Mutiat Ojulari among others.
