High Chief Lawal Quadri Honored at Maiden Drum Festival in Canada

High Chief Lawal Quadri Obawole, the Baada of Otta Aworiland in Ogun State, received a prestigious award at the maiden edition of The Drum Festival hosted in Canada.

This momentous event, organized by the Canadian-based media organization, The Drum Online Media, took place on July 28, 2023.

The Ayan-Agalu Festival, founded and orchestrated by Prince Segun Akanni, served as a strategic platform for acknowledging, revitalizing, and promoting the cultural heritage of Canada, Africa, and Nigeria.

This event offered a multifaceted exploration of cultural traditions and heritage.

Historical Significance of the Festival

The festival paid homage to Ayangalu, a deified figure associated with drums, who possessed extraordinary powers.

Ayangalu was known for his jovial drumming and his dedication to bringing joy to people. However, his life took a tragic turn as he was targeted by conspirators, leading to his transformation into a tree due to uncontrollable anger.

The legacy of Ayangalu and his drumming prowess remains an enduring symbol of cultural significance.

Beyond the Ayan-Agalu Festival celebrated among the Yoruba people in Nigeria, numerous other vibrant drum festivals occur worldwide, including the Boomtown, MADE, and Parklife Festivals in the United Kingdom, the Liquicity Festival in the Netherlands, the Let It Roll Festival in the Czech Republic, and the Cape Breton International Drum Festival in Canada.

Event Highlights

The festival was themed “Rejigging Yoruba Cultural Heritage as Catalyst for National, International Unity, Progress, and Development” and was hosted at the Fuzion Banquet Hall in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

The event included visits to historic sites in Toronto, including the Spadina Museum, Black Creek Pioneer Village, University of Toronto, Ontario Parliament, and other fascinating locations.

Distinguished Guests

The event attracted an array of dignitaries and prominent figures, including the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, Arole Oodua, Kabiesi Ooni Ogunwusi Babatunde Adeyeye, Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford.

Also at the event were the Representative of the Nigeria High Commissioner/Ambassador, His Excellency Adeyinka Asekun, Ably represented by Mr. David Toyin Apinran; the Olota of Otta Awori, Ogun State, Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege.

Others were Oloba Of Oba Ile, Osun State and Deputy State Chairman of Osun State Council Of Obas, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Adekunle Asamu Oyeyemi; Alagbara Of Agbara, Ogun State, HRM Oba (Bar) Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade; Alakola Of Akola Ijesa kingdom, Osun state, HRM Oba (Dr) Festus Adekunle Adeyemi.

The Olojodu Of Ojoduland,
Lagos State, HRM Oba (Dr) Samuel Olusegun Shobowale Benson; His Royal Majesty Oba Alagbe Adio Moroof Elegushi of Egushi Otta Awori Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Isaac Lanrewaju Ige; the Alaye of Aye Kingdom, Ijesa Land, Odun State; Hon. Ayo Owodunmi, Councillor, Ward 5, Kitchener City, Ontario, Canada, also attended the event.

The festival became a meeting point for leaders and personalities from Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, South America, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic.

Awardee’s Biography

Prince Quadri Adewale Lawal Obawole, born into the Obawole royal household in Ifako, Lagos State, has a remarkable background.

He pursued his early education at African Church Primary School and Fagba Grammar School in Ifako before earning a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Olabisi Onabanjo University in 2008.

His professional journey began after completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Jigawa Tourist and Board Administration.

He has since gained valuable experience working with various Oil and Gas companies in the United States.

Notably, Prince Quadri Adewale Lawal Obawole has been actively involved in community service, providing scholarships to university students and distributing Joint Admission Matriculation Board Examination forms to aspiring students.

His philanthropic efforts extended to COVID-19 relief aid distribution in Lagos and Ogun states. Currently, he serves as the General Secretary of the Coalition of Awori and Descendants in Diaspora (CANDID), actively participating in various programs and events.

He proudly carries the title of Baada of Otta Aworiland, highlighting his deep connection to his cultural roots.

Prince Quadri Adewale Lawal Obawole is a distinguished and patriotic individual who remains committed to his Nigerian heritage, even as an American citizen.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Drum Online Media Inc

Established in 2015, The Drum Online Media Inc. is dedicated to disseminating news, advertorials, product branding, and intellectual publications online.