Thousands of traditional worshippers, cultural enthusiasts, tourists and visitors converged on Kweme Kingdom in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, on Monday as the kingdom concluded the three-day spiritual rites and prayers dedicated to the revered Thehule Lake, one of the area’s most significant cultural and spiritual heritage sites.
The annual rites began at the Ayino Athoganji’s Palace in Shito, where traditional prayers were offered to seek peace, protection, prosperity and divine blessings for the kingdom. Carrying Ewe Akoko leaves—symbols of authority, longevity and consecration—traditional priests, chiefs and devotees embarked on a solemn procession to the Chief Sava Ancestral Shrine and other sacred locations across the community.
At the shrine, the Vothunno of Kweme Kingdom, High Chief Emenu Hule Kluno, offered prayers for abundant harvests, successful childbirth, academic excellence, youth empowerment, peace and continued development of the kingdom before the procession continued through several sacred routes where traditional rites were performed in line with centuries-old customs.
The spiritual procession was led by the Aholu Henwa of Kweme Kingdom, HRM Oba Sejiro Olalekan James, alongside traditional chiefs and worshippers. Accompanied by traditional chants and performances from the Akohun cultural drummers, participants later entered the sacred waters of Thehule Lake, a symbolic act believed by adherents to represent purification, victory, blessings and the acceptance of prayers by the deity.
Speaking during the ceremony, Oba James thanked God for what he described as the re-emergence of the mysterious Thehule phenomenon, noting that it was last witnessed about 14 years ago. He called on the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and Badagry West LCDA to develop Thehule Lake into a major cultural tourism destination while preserving the traditions and heritage of Kweme Kingdom.
The monarch explained that the concluded rites were only the preliminary spiritual ceremonies, adding that the main Thehule Festival would take place in about three months, when, according to the kingdom’s traditions, Thehule is believed to return from war. He expressed optimism that the festival would attract even more tourists, researchers and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond.
The event attracted several 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 different parts of the country.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon ZOSU, congratulated the monarch and people of Kweme Kingdom for preserving one of Badagry’s most treasured cultural heritage assets.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting tourism, arts and culture as drivers of economic growth and destination branding while commending the successful completion of the rites.
Also speaking, the Supervisory Councillor for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Denagan Sesi, described the Thehule rites as a unique cultural asset with significant tourism potential and called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, traditional authorities and stakeholders to preserve the kingdom’s rich cultural identity for future generations.
The remarkable turnout at this year’s spiritual rites further highlights the growing interest in Kweme Kingdom’s cultural heritage and reinforces the importance of preserving indigenous traditions while promoting cultural tourism in Nigeria.
