A lot has happened since July 08 when My Palace Initiative (MPI) was successfully launched in Ikere. About one thousand people attended a variety of activities to mark the occasion. For me, perhaps the most cheering aspect of the entire experience was the presence of youths and women. MPI brought delight and hope to the people of Ikere. The townspeople as well as Kabiyesi Adegoke Adegboye send their appreciation and delight.
The work we had hoped to commence in July/August 08 has been postponed. A long story, but here is the gist: Our contractor, Prince Dotun Layade, (an Ife prince introduced to us by Board Member, Priest Fayiga), was not only keen on cultural restoration, he also possessed enormous engineering skills, financial resources as well as a strong commitment to projects such as ours. Naturally, he readily agreed to take on the Ikere palace project, agreeing to get paid as funds became available. How lucky indeed! He toured the palace, fell in love with it, and became as eager to save it as I was. He worked urgently and diligently completing the initial sketches/drawings in record time. He then waited for me to arrive in July to begin work.
On July 11, a few days before my departure, I got a shocking telephone call announcing his death. The Prince and his driver were attacked on Ife-Ilesha road, and he suffered a stress-induced asthma attack. Although he had his treatment kit handy, his attackers prevented him from using it. The grotesque details of Prince Dotun's untimely death are now beginning to surface, each detail bringing more pain and sadness. I have been thinking of how best to memorialize him and I am trying to see how we at MPI could institute a scholarship at Ibadan and Ife (Obafemi Awolowo Univ) in his memory.
So, in addition to the launch, the majority of my trip was devoted to finding someone else. I'm currently talking to 2 builders, a rather uphill task from across the miles! This has been a time-consuming, though not an impossible, effort. There is hope because where there is a will there is always a way.
Although we have yet to earn the attention of generous donors, efforts continue to be made in this direction. To date, the efforts of our indispensable, indefatigable Board Members, Robin Gal and Ric Lucien, have yielded a number of vital contacts. Friends and supporters such as Gemma Zodwa, Professor Wilkerson, Candace Falk, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Yvette Chalom, Riyaz Fazal, Bunmi Fatoye, Professor Matory, Omolaabi Ulli Beier, Adam Hochschild, Professor Louis Gates, to name but a few, have provided leads, encouragement, advice and other forms of support. Dupe Folayan continues to mobilize the women and youths of Ikere. With friends like these, it is no wonder that I'm undaunted.
It is my fervent desire that year 2009 will bring us closer to our goal of beginning work on the palace in Ikere. The excitement and hope which we generated in July 2008 has yielded exciting results. On their own, about 200 youths have launched an MPI Ikere Youth Group. These young people (aged 16-26) have committed to representing My Palace Initiative fully. I have been informed that later in December or early January 09 they will gather at the palace to rededicate themselves to the restoration of the palace. This will be followed by a fund raising parade. The plan is to collect at least $1 (equivalent) from everyone living in Ikere. If successful, at least $50,000 can be realized during this event. MPI is proud to have been able to contribute a small initial amount to help with administrative costs for this event.
Another group, Ikere Women Cooperative Farmers (tentative name), has started to organize. The Ikere palace used to be inhabited mostly by women, not royalty or men as it is often assumed. Women also used the palace as a base for organizing. One of our primary goals is to rescue the palace from its current neglect by restoring it to its traditional and meaningful use. As soon as possible, we hope to see men and women artists establish their headquarters or workshops, display arts and crafts, weaving, dyeing and other forms of engaging and fruitful cultural activities on the grounds.
Our goals for 2009
March: Ikere Women Cooperative Farmers (tentative name) Isakole (clearing in preparation for the planting season)
April: Secure an architect and Finalize drawings; Secure a contractor
July: Annual festivals
July-August: Begin restoration work
December: Raise up to $500,000
Help us make it happen.
Sending our best regards and many thanks for giving us hope,
Remi Omodele Founder
May 15, 2008 - Initiative Launch Party
Our kick off launch at the International House (I-House), UC Berkeley was a success. See photos and a note of thanks below:
Last night, you didn't only help to launch an initiative, you MADE HISTORY, and generations to come will know your names. We cannot thank you enough for coming out to support us.
For those of you who--due to the heat, last minute emergences, traffic, etc.--didn't make it, we appreciate your efforts.
We appreciate your time, donations of cash and free advice pertaining to how to grow My Palace Initiative. We will continue to need you all in the years ahead, and we hope we can continue to count on you to serve as our good will ambassadors.
Thank you. Stay well and stay with us!
Warm regards, Remi
Upcoming Events June 2008 Fund raisers in London and St. Paul, MN Reconstruction of the nine, palace roads begins along with landscaping
July 2008 Olosunta Festival and New Year's Yam Festival in Ikere
September 2008 Review of summer work and planning for continuing restoration in 2009
Robin Gal addressing the gathering
Priest Fayiga in conversation
Treasurer Ric Lucien at the donations table in conversation with Ann
Ric Lucien and Priest Fayiga
Headline
My Palace Initiative - Restoring our Icons Brick by Brick IRC section 501(c)(3), US tax ID (EIN) 26-2158214 Established March 2008 Copyright 2008