THE HORSE THAT DANCED TO DRUMBEATS DURING THE GAANI FESTIVAL OF ILESHA BARUBA IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

@jjmusa2004 68

7 months ago

Having grown up in an urban area, I have had little or no experience with African festivities; however, last weekend took a different turn for me. My senior colleague, Dr. Ismail Saka Agboola, was conferred the title of SODANGI (lover of the people) of Ilesha Baruba. Ilesha Baruba is a major community in the Baruten local government area in Kwara state, in the north-central part of Nigeria, West Africa. The conferment of the title on my senior colleague coincided with the popular and annual "GAANI FESTIVAL," commonly marked by horseback riding.

Dr. Ismail had served the Baruten people for eleven years as the medical director. He came into the community when the people needed quality health services the most, and since he had surgical skills, it was a plausible addition. It is rare to find medics who would stay in communities that are underdeveloped, and this was the case of Dr. Saka, who sacrificed 11 years of medical practice for a community he was not an indigene of. The Emir of Baruten, Prof. Halidu Abubakar, was the Derekureku of Ilesha Baruba, who ascended the throne as a second-class chieftain holder.

THE EMIR OF ILESHA BARUBA

During the GAANI festival, there were other emirs in attendance, such as the emirs of Okuta, Kosubosu, and Kishi. Other important dignitaries were equally present, such as the speaker of the house of assembly, who hails from the town, and the representative of the governor of Kwara State.

The festival was declared open after the Emir of Ilesha Baruba arrived at the palace with his entourage. The master of ceremonies did well to acknowledge various invited personalities and groups at the occasion.

HORSEBACK RIDING
The highlight of the event was the horseback riding, which was displayed to the astonishment of the audience. There were a little over 20 horses and their riders who made obeisance to the Emir at some point and also displayed skills in their horse riding.

One interesting and exciting part of horse riding was the horse that danced to the drumbeat by lifting its limbs rhythmically. It actually was my first time seeing a horse dance to drumbeats.

The trumpeters (also called kakaki) were stationed with their long trumpets and delivered harmonious music at intervals.

There were cultural dances by young ladies, which were colorful and interesting to watch.

Dr. Saka was eventually conferred with the SODANGI title, with a white turban and black cape to match. It was followed by drumbeats and trumpeters. Truly, Dr. Saka was well deserving of the title, as the community hosted us with open arms and high regard.