Traditional drummers and dancers added to the cultural spectacle of Red Door Gallery as they serenaded the guests, replacing the typical red carpet with a massive mat crafted from local materials.
After stepping onto this unconventional carpet, guests were treated to refreshing palm wine. However, the excitement didn't stop there. The exhibition transported visitors to the year 1851, a crucial period in the history of Lagos.
According to the creator of the 1851 Agidingbi chess game, Oludamola Adebowale, this game is not just chess; it's an interactive journey through time, a learning platform, and an opportunity to celebrate Lagos' rich history. Inside the exhibition, two large chessboards and intricately designed chess pieces bearing the names of Lagos royalties and chieftains awaited.
The official launch of the 1851 Agidingbi chess game, attended by notable figures like HRH Abiola Dosunmu (Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos) and culture producer Jahman Anikulapo, was a captivating cultural and historical art exhibition. Combining history, strategy, and entertainment, this exhibition commemorated the 170th memorial anniversary of the bombardment of Lagos, offering gamers and history enthusiasts an exciting journey through the events of 1851 when the British attacked Lagos.
The game features a traditional checkerboard design and unique chess pieces named after prominent Lagos figures, allowing players to engage as either the defenders of Lagos or the British invaders. The game's narrative revolves around the power struggle between Oba Kosoko and his uncle, Oba Akitoye, both vying for the throne with British support in the background. The outcome of this feud would determine who wielded significant trade influence over West Africa.
Adebowale, the creator, explained that the name "Agidingbi" is derived from the thunderous sounds of artillery guns fired by British forces during the 1851 invasion of Lagos, heard as far as Badagry and the Lagos mainland.
