Mr.Gbolahan Lawanson a scion of the prestigious Lawanson family in the heart of Surulere and Itire Community has championed the call for rapid growth in the area, while tasking government to give youths a chance to better the lot of the community.
Gbolahan made this assertion while speaking during the fifth edition of the Lawanson Day carnival held to preserve the Lawanson heritage, and ensure the sustenance of communal unity amongst the people of Obele Lawanson in Lagos State.
“As a people we are due for rapid growth, thanks to our President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our Governor Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu and all well meaning members of the civil work force, we believed that the time has come for the youths to lead and a time for the youths to be given opportunity to show what we can do for the betterment of our community.
“We (Lawanson family) have a long line of antecesdent and history to guide us for the future. We met this tradition on ground but we just revived it for our generation and I am sure that with the example we have shown now the upcoming generations will carry on for much longer.
The importance of communal living was reignited by the Lawanson family of Itire, organizers of Lawanson Day carnival in the heart of Surulere area of Lagos State.
The largely youthful Lawanson children sees the carnival as a clear link with their forebears as libations,prayers and other offerings were made to initiate conversation with the late Lawani Aborishade- their ancestor at his graveside, which is now an ancestral groove for the people of Lawanson, before the commencement of the carnival.
The traditionalist, who officiated the libation all cladded in white claimed the late Lawani died 100 years ago but left a good mark on the sands of time, while asking him to ensure that when next they come for the festivity they will come with their well recognized Baale .
The highlights of the Lawanson Carnival witnessed a street parade of the initiates, youngsters regaled in colourful attires displaying the rich culture of Lawanson community which includes,beauty pageant, music,dance,tall masquerade (Igunuko and Agere) moving around the streets.
The Baale Elect Mr. Ajibola Oluranti Lawanson celebrated the unique blend of culture on display adding that the peace and tranquility enjoyed by the people of the community will last long.
“We are celebrating well over five hundred years of the Lawanson family’s existence and the people of Aborishade in Obele Kolade Lawanson,this is the fifth edition.
“We’ve a very safe and warm atmosphere all around the community.” Ajibola said.
For Oludare Lawanson and Bidemi Lawanson, who are also part of the Lawani lineage of Lawanson, the carnival will foster peace and unity amongst Lawanson people and it has now come to stay as a special day to remember their great grand father every 20th of April .
The Yeyeoge of Lawanson Chief Mrs. Bola Jibowu urged the people to keep on with the good work.
Abdul Razak Oseni son of the late AbdulFatai Bolaji Oseni Baale of Obele Kolade Lawanson who allegedly initiated the Lawanson Day celebration commended the Lawanson family especially Mr. Gbolahan Lawanson and the Baale-elect Mr. Ajibola Lawanson for showing leadership in the right direction.
“It is now five years since we have been doing this which my late father initiated it, it has really helped to unite the people of Obele Kolade Lawanson and we pray this continues.”
Amongst youngsters who featured in the beauty pageant as well as the street colourful parade, were Miss Ayomide Badru Queen of Lawanson, Miss Fatia Sobanke Omowunmi and Master Subaru Alli, they all spoke glowingly about the funfilled carnival, confirming their willingness to keep the rich culture which they have been introduced to.