Salute to Lagos | Òjó Adésọjí Rufus | Poetry

“Salute to Lagos” is a vibrant and celebratory poem that pays tribute to the city of Lagos, Nigeria's largest metropolis and economic hub.

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Salute to Lagos
Salute to Lagos
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Salute to Lagos

O Lagos, your affluence breeds confidence bold,
Nigeria's vast treasure trove, with riches to unfold.
O Lagos, nature's miniature masterpiece divine,
With a bulge in the sack, your unique topography does shine.
O Lagos, where ocean and land entwine in exotic blend,
On Banana Island, luxury homes with dollar signs ascend.

O Lagos, the Susa of Nigeria, a title you've worn,
From 1914 to 1991, and beyond, your legend has born.
Africa's cash flow, world's sixth largest city, you thrive,
Glistening beaches and nightlife, a true metropolitan drive.
O Lagos, where hustle and bustle never cease,
Philologists tangled in traffic, no dark night's release.

Mild abusive language swings amidst mobile chatter,
Danfo drivers' banter, a unique Lagos flavour to gather.
Hive of activities, castle to various heads,
Some like Sia, Tom, Dick, and Harry, and others, intelligentsia, instead.
O Lagos, you attract visitors with your charm,
And grip all and sundry with your aesthetic form.

Lagos Island, a springboard marked by creeks of varying sizes,
Island of skyscrapers which do the city's largest bulk supplies.
Lagos Mainland, balcony to explore her fascinating sights,
Palaver holds at Ìpájà, Oshòdì; when Mushin raves, leave the sights.
My chant is salute to Lagos, or may I say,
My chant is ode to Lagos, in a special way?
Èkó Arómi-sá-lègbe-lègbe, mother to many in Africa,
The state who sprouts the longest crossing plank in Africa.

O Lagos, praise-named Èkò Àkéte Ilé ogbón,
Dunce, don't go off, wise up; wá momi ogbón!
This is part and parcel of Lagos life and trappings,
If you live in Lagos, beware of and obey her useful pings.
The state whose slogan is 'Centre of Excellence',
Whom honour matches, a veritable paragon of excellence.
Amazing Lagos, full of many a memorable experience,
To make Lagosians act with a relentless sense of expedience.

O Lagos, vagrants' feeder per excellence and blessed land,
Whose pot of food is the size of Olúta Rock in Akoko land.
O Lagos, a metropolis, locally called Ìlú Òkun alagbalúgbú omi,
O Lagos, each day where opportunities, like the sun, dawn daily.
One who, in spite of her high standards of living,
Refuses to keep the riffraff out of living.
O Lagos, who has a preponderant weight to balance on her head,
Whom the inhabitants at other times seem not to comprehend.
The super falcon who backs thousands of fledglings yet confident in her flight;
Breathtakingly impressive mother bird with rugged health and strength.

Òjó Adésọjí Rufus

About “Salute to Lagos”

“Salute to Lagos” is a vibrant and celebratory poem that pays tribute to the city of Lagos, Nigeria’s largest metropolis and economic hub. Written by Òjó Adésojí Rufus, the poem is a masterful blend of history, culture, and personal reflection, showcasing the city’s unique spirit and resilience.

Rufus explores Lagos’ transformation from a small coastal town to a thriving megacity, highlighting its strategic importance as a center of trade, commerce, and innovation. As the poem aptly puts it, “O Lagos, your affluence breeds confidence bold,” / “Nigeria’s vast treasure trove, with riches to unfold.” (lines 1-2). This bold declaration sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which celebrates Lagos’ economic prowess and its status as a hub of entrepreneurial activity.

The poem focuses on the city’s complex history, referencing key milestones and figures, such as Oba Àdèlé, who played a significant role in shaping Lagos’ early development. Rufus notes, “O Lagos, the Susa of Nigeria, a title you’ve worn, / From 1914 to 1991(when the capital city of Nigeria was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja), and beyond, your legend has born” (lines 9-10). This nod to Lagos’ rich history adds depth and nuance to the poem.

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Beyond its historical significance, “Salute to Lagos” is also a poem about the human experience, capturing the city’s infectious energy, cultural diversity, and unwavering optimism. Rufus celebrates the Lagosian spirit, which is characterised by resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the poem notes, “Amazing Lagos, full of many a memorable experience, / To make Lagosians act with a relentless sense of expedience” (lines 57-58). This tribute to the Lagosian spirit is a testament to the city’s ability to inspire and motivate its inhabitants.

The poem also pays tribute to various iconic locations in Lagos, including Ipaja, Oshodi, and Mushin, which are woven into the fabric of the city’s vibrant culture. As Rufus writes, “Lagos Mainland, balcony to explore her fascinating sights, / Palaver holds at Ìpájà, Oshòdì; when Mushin raves, leave the sights” (lines 37-38). These references add a layer of authenticity and depth to the poem, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage and the attendant trouble in some areas. It’s important to note specific areas in Lagos: Ìpájà, Oshòdì, and Mushin. These areas are known for their vibrant markets, dense populations, and, unfortunately, a history of trouble and hooliganism. As a result of these, the poet gives a warning and advice, … “when Mushin raves, leave the sights” serves as a warning to steer clear of these areas when trouble brews. The word “sights” is used to refer to the attractions or scenes in these areas, implying that it’s best to avoid them altogether when chaos erupts.

Throughout the poem, Rufus employs a range of literary devices, including metaphor, simile, and allusion, to create a sense of depth, texture, and emotion. The use of Yoruba language and cultural references adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the poem, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage. For example, the poem notes, “Èkó Arómi-sá-lègbe-lègbe, mother to many in Africa, / The state who sprouts the longest crossing plank in Africa” (lines 25-26). This reference to Lagos’ traditional name, Èkó, and its reputation as a hub of innovation and progress, adds a layer of cultural nuance to the poem.

Glossary

  1. Èkó = traditional name of Lagos
  2. Èkó Arómi-sá-lègbe-lègbe = Lagos with massive water body
  3. Èkó Àdèlé = Lagos of Oba Àdèlé (reigned 1811-1821, 1835-1837)
  4. Ó-bàjé-tí = It shall never ruin
  5. Ìpájà = popular place in Lagos with diverse crowd.
  6. Oshòdì = popular place in Lagos with lively, hustle and bustle atmosphere, with rough, raw and rugged lives.
  7. Mushin = popular place in Lagos with vibrant culture, and rough raw and rugged lives like that of Oshodi. Mushin is not far from Oshodi.
  8. Èkò Àkéte Ilé ogbón = Lagos, bedrock of wisdom.
  9. Wá momi ogbón! = Come and learn to be wise!
  10. Olúta = massive rock in Irun Akoko, Ondo State.
  11. Ìlú Òkun alagbalúgbú omi = Lagos, near the ocean/massive water body.

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