Speech delivered on the occasion of the first Ewe National Cultural Day: March 29, 2024, by Emeritus Archbishop (Prince) Ayo Ladigbolu
Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF); Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association; Coordinator, Oranyan Festival Organisation.
The Journey So Far
We gather here today to honour the enduring spirit and heritage of the Ewe Indigenes of Nigeria, an ethnic organization representing the Ewe people of Nigeria. The story of the Ewes is one of great historical significance, as they trace their roots back to the Old Oyo empire and the ancient City of Ile-Ife. It was under the leadership of Alaketu, a grandson of Oduduwa, that the Ewes embarked on a remarkable journey, migrating from Ile Ife during the twelfth century.
Their path led them through Dahomey, where some settled, while others continued their westward sojourn to Togo, and finally to the Gold Coast (Ghana). During their time in Ile Ife, the Ewes maintained and practiced their cherished art of divination, known as ifa, a tradition that endures to this day.
It is important to note that the practice of ifa (afa) is central to the Ewe heritage, as it is intrinsically tied to their historical link with the Oduduwa generation of the Yoruba race. This connection is reflected in the preservation of the original 16 corpus (odu ifa) in the Yoruba language, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ewe people.
The Ewe ethnic group of Nigeria stands as the descendants of those who journeyed from Ile Ife to various parts of modern West Africa before returning to establish their presence in Badagry and the coastal villages of Lagos State well before 1914. Their rich history and cultural contributions are a testament to their enduring legacy, as documented in the BRIEF HISTORY OF THE EWES OF NIGERIA submitted to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, in 2004.
In addressing misconceptions, it is vital to recognize that the Ewe ethnic group is distinct from the “Agayin” (Gἓnyi), both in historical and linguistic terms. The acculturation resulting from the Accra, Ada versus Akwamu war led to the settlement of a group of war refugees from Accra in Glidzi (Togo) with the assistance of the Anlo Ewes. The distinction between the Gᾱ and Ewe speakers, now colloquially referred to as “Aganyi,” has been a point of misunderstanding, which we aim to clarify today.
The Ewe communities on the coast line of Lagos State have always been indigenes of Badagry Kingdom in Lagos State and bonafide citizens of Nigeria (See Memo from His Majesty the Akran of Badagry to the Nigeria Comptroller of Immigration of 30/07/2004).. The communities along the beach stretch from SEME border through Takwa Bay to Epe beaches have been involved in traditional and modern fishing occupation and the planting of coconut trees for centuries. It is on record that the oldest coconut tree in Nigeria may have been planted by the Ewe speaking Nigerians.
Yoruba language was the lingua franca of the Ajah and Ewe. They also wholeheartedly embraced the Yoruba traditional religion and its practices are warmly embraced by all their communities in spite of the existence of, and their adherence to, Islam and Christianity. Yoruba traditional names such as Fagbeji, Amosu, Akapo, Agboade, Abiodun, Famuyiwa still remain Ewe names till date as inerasable symbols of their historical and cultural affinity to the Yoruba race..
Their devotion to and preservation of Yoruba culture of rituals, sacrifices, art, crafts, dance and music, and their unique display of commitment to peaceful co-existence with their neighbours, and ability to promote brotherly interactions are significant hallmarks of the Ewes uniqueness as Nigerian citizens. This significant patriotic trait is applicable to all the more than seventy five (75) Ewe Villages and Communities located within the jurisdictions of Badagry,, Ojo, Amuwo Odofin, Eti Osa, and Lagos Island Local Government Areas of Lagos State.
Enriching Yoruba Culture
The Ewe Cultural Troupe was one of the major performers at the maiden Oranyan Festival at the Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo in September 2012. The popular Ewe Cultural Troupe became a regular and indispensable feature of that festival until 2023, when the home-call of the reigning Alaafin, Oba Dr Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III halted the global Yoruba festival. THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT THE Ewes are ever proud of their Ife/Oyo Yoruba heritage, which they, in their generations, have preserved, and enriched over the centuries.
Permit me to cite another practical and historically significant event connected with the Ewes and Yoruba tradition and culture.
About seven years ago, the Alaafin was so impressed by the cultural ties between Badagry and Oyo (facilitated by the Ewes), that he sent a powerful delegation led by the Prime Minister/Basorun of Oyo, and this Speaker, to visit His Majesty the Akran of Badagry and obtain His Majesty’s permission to visit all the seventeen (17) Ewe villages in Badagry Local Government Area to see for ourselves how much they have done to preserve the Yoruba traditional cultural heritage and values.
As one of the leaders of the Fact-Finding Delegation, I was greatly impressed by what we saw and experienced in terms of cultural displays, rich entertainment, and elaborate and generous hospitality typical of Yoruba communities..
Iku Baba Yeye, The Alaafin was also impressed by the report of our delegation that His Imperial Majesty resolved to take the following steps:
(a) Make Ewe Cultural Troupe a permanent part of Oranyan Festival
(b) Allocate a spacious area of land for the construction of Ewe villages in Oyo Town as a symbolic way of welcoming back the EWES as genuine “returnees” from the Ancient Oyo Empire Dispersions.
(c) Work with Kabiyesi the Akran of Badagry in ensuring that the Ewes of Nigeria have a Recognized National Leader
Today’s gathering holds profound historical significance, as we welcome the powerful delegation representing the Ewe group from North America. We, the Nigerian Ewe group feel greatly delighted to state that we remain the native and cultural custodians of all Ewes in Africa, including those in North America. This moment, a celebration of our heritage, signifies the enduring bonds that connect Ewes across the world.
It is with great pride and joy that we extend our gratitude to this esteemed delegation for their unwavering love and support for their kith and kin – the Ewes of Nigeria. As we stand here today, it is important to recognize that wherever Ewes are found in the contemporary world, regardless of national identity, they harken back to Ile-Ife as their historical place of origin, a testament to the unbreakable bonds that unite us as a people.
As we come together in this historic occasion, let us remember the words of Agbodeka, where he stated that… (“according to UNESCO grouping of languages, Ewe is a community language of Africa and its homeland stretches between three West African countries, namely, the Republics of Ghana, Togo, Benin (Dahomey) and to Badagry in the Federal Republic of Nigeria” (Agbodeka, F. 1997)). The above assertion therefore established the fact that the global authority that specializes in world linguistic and cultural issues recognized Ewe as a third ethnic component of the old Badagry Division after the Guns and the Aworis. It is therefore imperative that both local and national authorities be reminded of this historical fact.
Ewes Unique Contribution to Fishmongering
This Address will be incomplete without my brief mention of the unique, pioneering and commendable role played by th Ewes in ATLANTIC FISHING in Nigeria. In times gone by, People were terrified by the Ocean and dared not to forage therein for fishing. It was the Ancestors of the Ewes who damned the consequence, braved the waves and the storm to encounter the sea and conquer the Atlantic Ocean depths. They bravely and ingeniously succeeded in bringing to our tables various types of fish and other sea mammals. Their innovative exploits have opened up avenues for our economic development as well our nutritional enrichment. I say KUDOS to the EWES!
Food For Thought
While we know for a fact that the authenticity of the Ewes historical and cultural connections with Oyo/Ile-Ife/Badagry is never in doubt, and their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria is known to all, it can be assumed that the Ewes are prepared for the challenges of the future as true and patriotic Nigerians.
Some basic questions to ask are:
(1) How are we impacting our immediate communities? How are we responding to intimidation, marginalization, and stigmatization/ discrimination?
(2) Are we making ourselves available to vote and be voted for?
(3) How are we transforming our traditional occupations to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow?
(4) Apart from local consumption, how are we re-packaging coconut and its attendant contents for export and for the manufacturing industry?
(5) What values are we adding to the fishing industry?
(6) How important is a Central Ruling Authority to the seamless coordination and greater unity of the Ewe Community?
In conclusion, let us continue to celebrate the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Ewe people, and let this gathering serve as a testament to the resilience, unity, and indomitable spirit of the Ewe Indigenes of Nigeria. Happy Ewe National Day celebration.
Thank you.
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