Thousands of visitors, cultural enthusiasts, traditional worshippers and tourists on Monday, July 20, converged on Kweme Kingdom in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to witness the final day of the three-day spiritual prayers and appeasement to the goddess of the mysterious Thehule Lake, a sacred heritage site revered for its spiritual significance and centuries-old traditions.
The rites commenced at the Ayino Athoganji's Palace in Shito, where traditional prayers were offered to appease the deity and seek divine peace, protection and prosperity for Kweme Kingdom. Clutching Ewe Akoko leaves, which symbolise authority, longevity, blessings and consecration, traditional priests, chiefs and devotees embarked on a solemn procession to the revered Chief Sava Ancestral Shrine and other sacred sites. At the shrine, the Vothunno of Kweme Kingdom, High Chief Emenu Hule Kluno, offered prayers for peace, upliftment, abundant harvest, successful childbirth, academic excellence for students, progress for youths and elders, and continued development of the kingdom. The procession later moved through sacred routes from Ashipa to Gbethrome, where age-long rites were performed at designated shrines in accordance with the customs and traditions of the kingdom.
Leading the spiritual procession was the Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, HRM Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, who joined traditional priests, chiefs and devotees on the symbolic trek across the sacred sites. Accompanied by traditional chants and rhythmic performances by the Akohun cultural drummers, participants later entered the sacred waters of Thehule Lake, symbolising victory, purification, blessings and the acceptance of the prayers by the deity according to the beliefs of the kingdom.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oba James expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a new turnaround for Kweme Kingdom with the re-emergence of the mysterious Thehule, noting that it was last witnessed about 14 years ago. He appealed to the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and Badagry West LCDA to harness the uniqueness of Thehule as a major tourism asset capable of attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond while preserving the kingdom's rich cultural heritage.
The monarch explained that Monday's activities were only the three-day spiritual prayers and rites of appeasement to the deity, stressing that the main Thehule Festival would be held in about three months when, according to the customs and traditions of the kingdom, Thehule returns from war. He expressed optimism that the festival would be bigger and attract more tourists, cultural enthusiasts and researchers to Kweme Kingdom.
The event attracted eminent traditional rulers, including HRM Aholu Agano Toniyon I of Ajara Agamathen Kingdom and HRM Aholu Tosavi of Akarakumo Kingdom, alongside chiefs, community leaders and guests from within and outside Badagry. The remarkable turnout underscored the growing cultural and tourism appeal of the mysterious Thehule Lake, with many first-time visitors expressing admiration for its uniqueness and the enduring traditions surrounding it.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, was Mr. Solomon ZOSU, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, who also doubles as the Special Adviser on Tourism, Art & Culture. Delivering the Chairman's goodwill message, ZOSU congratulated HRM Oba Sejiro Olalekan James and the entire people of Kweme Kingdom for preserving one of Badagry's most treasured cultural and spiritual heritage assets.
ZOSU reaffirmed the Chairman's commitment to promoting arts, culture and tourism as strategic tools for economic growth and destination branding. He conveyed the Chairman's felicitations to the kingdom and noted that, according to the beliefs of the people, the successful completion of the rites and acceptance of the prayers by the deity symbolised divine favour and blessings upon the land. He added that many supporters also viewed the development as a positive spiritual indication for the electoral success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket of Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Princess Damilola Sonayon James, the party's deputy governorship candidate and an illustrious daughter of Kweme Kingdom.
Also speaking, the Supervisory Councillor for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Denagan Sesi, commended the traditional institution for preserving the customs and heritage of Kweme Kingdom through the annual Thehule rites. He described the celebration as a unique cultural asset with immense tourism potential and called for stronger collaboration among governments, traditional institutions and stakeholders to preserve and promote the kingdom's rich cultural identity for the benefit of future generations.
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