Aregbesola plants world tallest drum in Osogbo Showcases Mandela’s masquerades
THE executive governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has taken another giant step at entrenching Osogbo as the undisputable social-cultural tourism destination in Nigeria.
Governor Aregbesola lived up to this bidding on Wednesday 15 January, 2014 when he planted the tallest drum ever made by man at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), behind State Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo, State of Osun.
The drum which is 11 feet in height and six feet in circumference carved in solid African timber was unveiled by Ogbeni Aregbesola at a ceremony put up to mark the commencement of the activities of Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, 2014 Take – off Activities.
The drum which has been planted at CBCIU, was adopted as the emblem of the centre because of the quintessential role of the drum in the African culture and for the fact that this drum is a paragon of carved images displaying and extolling African life, traditional and historical events and culture.
The event which commanded the presence of traditional rulers , top government officials , culture and tourism enthusiasts was also used to honour the late South African ex-president, Dr Nelson Mandela whose heroic credibility, respect for African tradition and culture and his stand against racial prejudice have engraved his name and personality in the hearts of men and women of good nature.
All over the world this actuated the centre in elevating his personality to an ancestor status thereby creating a cult of masquerade for him called Egungun Mandela which made its debut that day.
Professor Wole Soyinka, Chairman, Board of CBCIU, commended the government of the State of Osun for creating platform for cultural rejuvenation and resuscitation, adding that culture and tradition cannot be wished away by any nation seeking rapid development and growth.
The governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola commended Professor Soyinka for his stimulated and unrepentant interest in the tradition and culture of the black race which he said was being pushed into extinction.
He assured that government was ready to do all things humanly possible at bringing back the lost glory and pride of African culture and tradition which ensured sanity in the society.
According to Governor Aregbesola, “the Egungun Mandela was created in recognition of Mandela’s place in Africa and culture, the CBUIC with the support of government of the State of Osun is using the Egungun Mandela Art and Culture Exhibition to honour one of the greatest African sons now an ancestor.”
He pointed out that Egungun Mandela was hosted to unite the departed soul with the ancestors and prevent it from wandering about.
He described late Mandela as “the Sun that radiated light, freedom, and peace to different parts of the world and a man who has created shared memory and glory. Even in death, Mandela will continue to be celebrated by Nigerian people in general and Yoruba nation in particular as no amount of honour is too great for the Mandiba.”
While unveiling the tallest drum which was covered with white fabric, Governor Aregbesola said that the Yoruba cultural heritage will not be complete without a reference made to its musical heritage.
“This drum, apart from being the tallest in Yoruba land is a symbol of our uniqueness as a race which details our pride, our humour, our seriousness and depth, our honour, our humanity and history. It showcases the ingenuity of our people.”
The tall drum was beaten symbolically by an Agere man (slit dancer) who dressed in white attire as a tribute to black peoples’ accomplishment all over the world.
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