It was yet another historical event as people from all walks of life stormed Ede town in Osun State on Thursday 1st October 2020 to witness the official unveiling of “Aafin Ilu”, the (Palace of Drum) which was unveiled by one of the late King’s progenitors, Prince Adewale Laoye
According to the Executive Director of Aafin Ilu, Prince Adewale Laoye who hinted that the dream, “Aafin-Ilu” (the Palace of drum) is an outstanding and passionate center for the performing Arts and Cultural Events which is setting a new standard for artistic excellence by utilizing the innovative skills of the ‘Talking Drum’ to celebrate the passion for black culture on the African continent.
“This is a center established to provide the community with affordable concerts, educational lectures, and opportunities in the community outreach, thereby showcasing the legacy of our founding fathers”.
“The company is also designed to outlive the legacies and continue the good works of the late Drummer King and Timi of Ede, Oba John Adetoyese Laoye I”. he stated
The Drummer of Peace and award-winning ambassador of cultural heritage, however, described the event as a dream come true to him and the entire Laoye family as the company is positioned to be a brand that is committed to delivering artistic cultural presentations, education, and curriculum that inspires the target audience, hence supporting and nurturing a diverse cultural experience.
“We’re using this medium to assure fans, family, friends, and well-wishers that we are now positioned to serve you better. The services of the company include Tourism, carving/making/sales/rent and teaching of all unique talking drums and its dancing steps, cultural festivals, culture, and heritage documentary, cultural education, cultural policy-making, Arts and culture, youth development, empowerment, sales, and rent of cultural relics, multimedia, and consultancy”.
Meanwhile, the organizer has remodeled the arts center which he said will further attract more tourists and contribute to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth of the state and the country, hence, promised to work closely with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and other important stakeholders to advance the cause and vision.
Dignitaries present at the official unveiling of “Aafin Ilu” (Palace of Drum) include the Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Timi of Ede land, Dr. Bisi Obawale Simeon, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Prof. Siyan Oyeweso (Special Guest), Executive Director, CBCIU (Chairman of the Day), Hon. Prince Adetoyi Olayinka; Chairman, House Committee on Arts and Culture, Osun state.
Others are Alhaji Opeyemi; Senior Special Assistant on Culture and Tourism, Prince Adesoji Laoye, CEO, Emirate Bar (Chief Host), Mr. Olamide Lawal, Prince Sesan Laoye, Prince Kole Laoye, Dr. Samson Oluga, and Mrs. Moni Adewepo.
