Ayo Olopon: Restoring A Vanishing Cultural Treasure

Numerous aspects of Nigerian traditions are gradually disappearing. The most prominent aspect, which is language, is particularly affected – with many young people now finding it ‘fashionable’ to claim they do not understand their native tongue. However, efforts are underway to rejuvenate some of these cultural elements.

Ayo olopon, a well-known traditional game in Yorubaland and some other tribes, for instance, belongs to such cultural values that may be ‘rescued’. It is a game played on a wooden board with two rows of six holes by two to four players, and cherished for its entertainment values.

Also called “Tota Tope,” it gained popularity when it moved beyond the confines of households and communities. It became part of the Osun Osogbo Festival about 16 years ago. Since then, it has not only remained a permanent feature but is also gradually finding its way into other festivals.

According to the presenter of the game at the festival, Kayode Adewoyin, who spoke with our correspondent, the aim of incorporating it into the festival is to keep the game alive in the minds of Nigerians.

He says, “Since the inception of this festival and the game, this will be the first time the Oba will participate as a contestant. This shows that it is gaining better recognition. We also play the game in over 70 other Yoruba festivals.

Most boys nowadays are more interested in foreign games such as football. In the past, it was these traditional games that our ancestors used to unwind at the end of the day’s work. Then, they had time to exchange village gossip and other events. But what we have today are snookers and play stations, which are alien to our culture.”

Adewoyin also mentions that there are efforts to include the game in national sports festivals where participants will represent their states. “When we started this game in Osun Osogbo in 1996, we did not anticipate it would grow to this extent. Now we have even visited the eastern part of the country where we found out that the game is not unfamiliar.

So we are currently exploring all avenues to revive it. It is our cultural treasure. We are already collaborating with the National Sports Council for a competition in October, where people will represent their states after zonal contests. We don’t want this traditional game to simply fade away,” he says.
Peoplesmind