Ẹ káàbọ̀
We are thrilled to welcome you to the heart of Lagos, where history comes alive, and a unique chess game unravels an enthralling narrative.
At the crossroad of tradition and innovation, we present to you 1851 Agidingbi, Nigeria’s first variant of the Chess Game. Prepare for an experience that bridges the past and the present, a fusion of art, culture, and strategy. This game is a testament to the enduring spirit of Lagos, a city with a history as rich and diverse as the pieces on the chessboard.
As you step into this Exhibition /Showcase you’re not just entering an art space; you’re entering a portal to the pivotal year of 1851, when Lagos faced a turning point that shaped its destiny. This exhibition invites you to be a part of that history, to engage with it, and to make your own mark on it.
1851 Agidingbi is not just a Chess game; it’s an interactive journey through time, a platform for learning, and an opportunity to celebrate Lagos’ history. As you explore the exhibition, you will witness the remarkable design of our new chess board, crafted with painstaking attention to detail to encapsulate the essence of Lagos.
This unveiling marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and we couldn’t be more delighted to have you here to share this moment with us. It’s a celebration of Lagos’ legacy, its heritage, and the vibrant culture that makes it unique.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the world of 1851 Agidingbi, to engage with its characters, to explore its symbolism, and to experience its history. Let the stories of the past guide your every move as you delve into the world of Lagos in 1851.
This is the Nigeria’s 1st Variant of the Chess Game. This is History here!
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and we hope you enjoy your time here at the exhibition.
From Èkó with love,
Olúdàmọ́lá ADÉBỌ̀WÁLÉ FRHistS,
WITH the above love-note, the culture archivist and activist, Oludamola Adebowale on Saturday October 28, welcomed guests to the formal opening of his experiential exhibition, 1851 Agidingbi, at the Red Door Gallery on Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The well-curated opening drenched the ambience of the usually red-themed gallery in lavish, colourful visual and performance experiences, which buoyed the culturally-vibrant content of the exhibition itself.
The welcome overture was mounted on a huge canvas in the foreground of the gallery space, setting a warm ambience for guests into the gallery from 3pm through 7pm. The endless stream of guests were ushered into the compound of the gallery by a troupe of traditional drummers and dancers. I
n a section of the compound palm-wine and other drinks were served amidst general conviviality and networking among te guests, who had come to explore a crucial aspect of Lagos political history.
An immersive exhibition, Adebowale more known for his frontline culture journal ASIRI, and his various works in curating popular projects such as the yearly Timeless Memories on Wole Soyinka, among others, 1851 Agindigbi is a love note to the city of Lagos itself.
Adebowale, who is best known as the publisher of Asiri culture journal, continues, “The 1851 Agidingbi chess game brings this pivotal historical event to life, providing an interactive and strategic platform for players to learn about Lagos’s history while enhancing their cognitive abilities, risk analysis skills, and leadership acumen.
“This unique game was designed by Nigerian culture activist and historian, Oludamola Adebowale, who aimed to make history more engaging, especially after it was removed from the Nigerian educational syllabus in 2015. The concept for this game was inspired during Adebowale’s visit to the Lagos Book and Art Festival, where he recognised the need to infuse history with fun and educational value.
“History is not just a series of dates and facts; it’s a living, breathing story that shapes our world today. The 1851 Agidingbi Chess Game is my way of making history come alive, inspiring a love for learning and gaming, and sharing the incredible journey of Lagos with the world,” said Oludamola Adebowale, the creator of the 1851 Agidingbi chess game.”
His curatorial statement reads:
The name “Agidingbi” itself is derived from the onomatopoeic sounds produced by the artillery guns fired by British forces during the 1851 invasion of Lagos. The thunderous noise was heard as far away as Badagry and the mainland of Lagos, and this name was adopted as an official designation for a part of Lagos.
The 1851 Agidingbi Chess Game features a traditional checkerboard design and unique chess pieces named after Lagos royalties and chieftains, including Erelu-Kuti of Lagos as the Queen Mother, the Oba of Lagos as the King, the Adamu Eyo as the rook, Omo Ogun Eko as the pawn, Eletu-Odibo as the bishop, and Abagbon as the knight. Players can engage in this compelling chess variant on either side, representing either the defenders of Lagos or the British invaders.
Join us in celebrating the 170th memorial anniversary of the bombardment of Lagos and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the 1851 Agidingbi Chess Game. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience history in a whole new light.
The Curator, Oludamla Adebowale with the special Guest of Honour, the Erelu of Lagos, HE Abiola Dosumu and other guests
