Accolades for Badejo, a dance legend @70

As a fitting tribute to a dance icon for making country and continent proud, the culture community gathered recently in Lagos to honour Africa’s best choreographer, Sir Peter Badejo, for clocking 70. Held at Freedom Park, various artistes commended the Bata exponent and described him as a cultural symbol and shining example for upcoming dance practitioners and the entire art community in the country.

President, National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Mr. Makinde Adeniran, said Badejo has made a name for himself, the country and the profession and built a legacy that would be hard to rival.

He noted, “He is a symbol and an example for us. We needed to bring him forward for aspiring practitioners to see the height to aspire to. He stands for integrity and excellence.”

Adeniran observed that Badejo, who had come a long way, travelled the world and came back home with honours should be celebrated by all artistes, adding that Badejo has come far, in his chosen profession.

In his own tribute, president, Association of Dance Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade, said the celebrant inspired him to be a dancer, noting, “Just hearing the sound of a drum, Badejo would find it difficult to sit down.”

Ojuade noted that Badejo’s passion for excellence took him beyond Yorubaland, into the East and Northern part of the country before moving abroad.

“The way he moved his body, the steps are not ordinary steps,” he marveled.

Ojuade drew applause from the gathering, when he called for papers for a book titled Peter Adegboyega Badejo: Read Steps of A Dancing General to be written in his honour.

“If he can get an Order of the British Empire (OBE) outside the country, he deserves more from Nigeria,” he added.

Former Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho, who read a poem written by Badejo’s cousin titled, “For Peter Badejo, OBE at 70,” described him as a master dancer, who deserves all accolades.

Omotosho also announced that the dance icon was recently adjurgedthe best choreographer Africa ever produced, and wondered why the Federal Government has not celebrated him like the British did with the OBE.

The venue of the events was agog with various performances and displays by outstanding cultural troupes that included Crown Troupe of Africa, led by Segun Adefila, Footprint of David, Alubiagba Cultural Group, Danafojura Masquerades Group, and Alati-Musibata Cultural group among others. The programme included a drum exhibition.

Personalities at the event also included performing artiste and lecturer, Dr. Tunji Sotimirin, Omo Oba Adesina Buraimon, former editor of TheGuardian Sunday, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, Prince Ali Ogunnaike. Mufu Onifade, and former Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof. Bridget Sokan.