Mr. Abiodun Bello, a 40-year resident of the United States, embarked on a journey to connect with his roots in continental Africa. His involvement in pan-African activities led him to visit Ghana during the Year of Return and Nigeria for the Osun Osogbo International Festival.
Seeking a deeper understanding of his heritage, Mr. Bello reached out to his cousin, Mrs. Taiwo Salvador, who recommended Amb. Anago-Osho, a renowned tour guide and cultural diplomat, to lead a roots connection and Slave history tour in Badagry.
Desiring a family reunion, Mr. Bello invited his siblings, nieces, and nephews to join the tour. As a father, he wanted his American-born children to connect with their Nigerian heritage and meet their extended family.
On the morning of the tour, Mr. Bello contacted Amb. Anago-Osho, eager to begin his journey of discovery and reunification."
Mr. Bello had envisioned the tour as a family reunion, and he was thrilled to have his brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces join him. Most importantly, he wanted his children, Hakeem and Yinka, to connect with their Nigerian heritage and meet their extended family.
On the morning of the tour, Mr. Bello called Amb. Anago-Osho, the tour guide, to announce their arrival from Lekki. The journey took only an hour due to the near completion of the Badagry express road.
As they arrived in Badagry, Mr. Bello, Hakeem, and Yinka stepped out of the car, driven by his nephew, Mr. Asunkungbade. They were greeted by Amb. Anago-Osho, who was informed that the rest of the family would be arriving separately.
Within minutes, four more cars pulled up, and the reunion was filled with warm smiles and hugs. The family, well-traveled and exposed to international experiences, was eager to explore Badagry's historic sites. The atmosphere was electric, and the anticipation was palpable as they prepared to embark on their roots connection and Slave history tour."
The tour commenced with a captivating cultural performance by the Gigo cultural group, which lasted for thirty minutes. This was followed by a Walking tour along historical landmarks.
During the tour, Anago-Osho emphasized the importance of recognizing African abolitionists, such as the Wawu of Badagry, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther and Queen Amina, who resisted slave raiders in Northern Nigeria. He stressed that acknowledging these heroes can help counter the prevailing narrative that only Europeans and Americans fought against slavery.
The group visited museums, historical sites, and monuments for approximately three hours, culminating in a poignant boat ride to Gberefu: The Point of No Return Island.
In a symbolic gesture, Mr. Bello and his children removed their shoes at the lagoon jetty and walked barefoot along the Slave route to the Atlantic Ocean. This deliberate act allowed them to connect with the painful journey of their ancestors, who were forcibly marched along the same route centuries ago. By feeling the rough terrain beneath their feet, they sought to understand the suffering and resilience of those who came before them, and to honor their memories.
The walk along the Slave route was emotional, and the Slave Spirit Attenuation Well, dubbed "The Well of Memory Loss" by Anago-Osho, sparked introspection and questions among the group members.
Qudus inquired about records of enslaved people who died on the Slave route, to which Anago-Osho replied that while there are no documented records in Badagry, oral traditions acknowledge that many perished before reaching the ships that would transport them to unknown destinations.
At the Atlantic Ocean, Mr. Bello reflected that the tour offered a unique and authentic perspective on Slave history from an African viewpoint.
After the tour, the group returned from Gberefu Island (Point of No Return) to Badagry Marina by boat, a brief three-minute ride. They then proceeded to their vehicles and headed to the restaurant for lunch.
Following lunch, Mr. Asunkungbade surprised everyone by opening his car boot and revealing a bottle of Hennessy. He invited Amb. Anago-Osho to share in the drink, and Mr. Bello expressed his gratitude with a hearty handshake and a warm "thank you."
The moment was sealed with a hug from Mr. Bello, and the group took photos to commemorate the occasion as they prepared to depart. It was a fitting conclusion to a meaningful and emotional journey through Badagry's historic sites, and a testament to the newfound connections and memories forged among the group.