The Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren (RIKAY), has congratulated the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, the Council of Chiefs and the people of Ashipa Community on the successful emergence of the sacred Thehule Water, praying that the revered traditional phenomenon would usher in greater peace, prosperity, divine protection and sustainable development for Kweme Kingdom and the entire Badagry West during his administration.
In demonstration of the council's commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Badagry West, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Solomon ZOSU, visited the sacred Thehule site on Saturday on behalf of the Chairman alongside renowned tourism practitioner and Managing Director of Jinuset Travels and Tour, Mr. Setonji Albert Oketojinu. The visit formed part of efforts to appreciate the historical, spiritual and tourism significance of one of the area's most treasured indigenous traditions.
The emergence of the sacred Thehule, which began around midnight on Friday into Saturday, signalled the commencement of the annual three-day spiritual observance in Ashipa Community, Kweme Kingdom. According to oral tradition, the phenomenon occurs only after a very long interval, making every appearance a historic occasion eagerly anticipated by the people and attracting traditional worshippers, cultural enthusiasts, researchers and visitors from within and outside Badagry.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the sacred Thehule, according to custodians of the tradition, is its mysterious journey. They believe that after the period of prayers and rites, the sacred water departs on a spiritual mission, finding its own path across the land until it reaches the sea. Along its route, it is said to cut through dense forests, shrubs and every natural obstacle before it, leaving behind a visible channel that devotees regard as evidence of its sacred power and enduring mystery.
The custodians further hold that the Thehule embarks on a sacred mission to carry away fear, misfortune and every negative force confronting the community before returning with peace, blessings, protection, fruitfulness and renewed hope. They also believe that the annual rites associated with the deity help to reduce the threat of destructive flooding, thereby preserving lives, livelihoods and harmony between the people and nature.
Speaking during the visit, ZOSU described the Thehule as one of the most unique cultural and spiritual heritage assets in Badagry West, noting that its history, mystery and cultural relevance present immense opportunities for heritage tourism. He stressed that while the sanctity of the tradition must always be respected, greater attention should be given to documenting and responsibly promoting it as a cultural treasure capable of attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
Also speaking, Oketojinu commended the custodians of the tradition for preserving the sacred heritage through generations, describing the Thehule as a rare indigenous cultural phenomenon that beautifully reflects the history, spirituality and identity of the people of Kweme Kingdom. He called for sustained collaboration among government, traditional institutions and tourism stakeholders to ensure that the heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations.
For the people of Kweme Kingdom, the emergence of the Thehule is far more than a traditional observance. It is a sacred ancestral heritage that embodies their history, identity and spirituality, remaining one of the most revered cultural traditions in Badagry and a powerful symbol of the community's enduring connection with its ancestors and cultural roots.
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