Before this year runs out, cultural destinations in Lagos will welcome new ones. Among other projects the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is undertaking is the rebuilding of the Erelu Kuti Tomb and the Elemoro Palace, both of which have deep historical significance.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing the media on the progress the government is making and some of the major projects being executed. On healthcare, business, education, tourism and other key areas, Omotoso had a lot of good news to share. The Erelu Kuti Tomb and the Elemoro Palace renewal scheme will, however, particularly excite the arts community because of the renaissance they symbolise.
Lagos is an urban as well as elite state, yet it harbours a huge legacy of cultural assets. Beyond contemporary monuments like the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Freedom Park and many more, Lagos’ cultural essence boasts more historical pillars like the Sungbo Eredo in Epe/Ijebu Ode, the Iga Idunganran, Ijede Waterfalls and several other ageless attraction that mark Badagry out as a place to always visit. It is in this ancient club that Erelu Kuti Tomb and Elemoro Palaces comfortably sit.
Located in Ikadan, Lagos, the Erelu Kuti Tomb is a deserving tribute to Erelu Kuti, the first Queen Mother of Lagos. She was the mother of Ologun Kutere, the fourth king of the iconic city. Beyond bearing the burden of motherhood, the legend, who was described as a traditional noblewoman, aided in the consolidation of her homeland, first as the daughter of its paramount king, then as the sister of two of his successors. She was, of course, a revered chief in her own right.
‘Her life would ultimately be so entwined with that of her family’s kingdom that her lineal descendants would go on to feature in its history from her day to our own’, historians say about Erelu Kuti.
The amazon’s essence echoes in the role the current Erelu Kuti, Omoba Abiola Dosunmu, has played for decades. Apart from serving as a ceremonial queen mother, she reigns as regent of Lagos upon the death of an incumbent monarch until a substantive successor is chosen by the college of kingmakers. With the r rebuilding of the Erelu Kuti Tomb, there is, then, the hope that it will become a tourism arena exuding the essence of royalty, motherhood and other related impacts of the womenfolk.
Interestingly, one of the projects that Omotoso announced had neared completion, during the briefing, is not unconnected to the joy of motherhood and the continuity that women represent: the new Massey Street Children Hospital being constructed by the Sanwo-Olu government. According to him, it will be the biggest pediatric facility in West Africa. This is as the Commissioner noted that other projects in the health sector, such as the 280-bed General Hospital in Ojo, the Psychiatric Hospital in Ketu Ejinrin as well as infrastructure upgrade at Ibeju-Lekki and Lagos General Hospitals, would also expand resources available to residents for top-notch medical services.
‘This year, the vision of the present administration is to build on the gains of Y2024 through the commissioning of projects that would impact positively on communities, especially at the grassroots. We are focused on making significant progress in revitalising cultural, religious, and recreational infrastructure across the State. Therefore, we will sustain efforts to restore the historic Elemoro Palace in Ibeju-Lekki and the Princess Erelu Kuti Tomb, commemorating one of Lagos’ most prominent historical figures’, Omotoso said.
