Lifestyle
Peckham: A Lagos-Inspired Home To The Nigerian Yoruba Community In London
Peckham, a vibrant district in South London, is home to a thriving Yoruba community that has become an integral part of the area’s cultural fabric. From its humble beginnings to the present day, the Yoruba presence in Peckham has grown exponentially, bringing with it a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and contributions.
The Yoruba people’s migration to Peckham dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, when many Nigerians, primarily from the Yoruba ethnic group, arrived in the UK as students, workers, and entrepreneurs. Drawn by the British government’s recruitment drive for laborers, they settled in Peckham, attracted by its affordable housing, cultural diversity, and economic opportunities.
In the early 1970s, a group of visionary Yoruba leaders, including Chief Adebayo Ademose and Chief Olufemi Ayodeji, recognized the need for a unified community structure. They founded the Yoruba Community Association (YCA), which aimed to promote cultural heritage, provide support services, and foster unity among Yoruba residents.
The Yoruba community in Peckham takes immense pride in its cultural heritage, showcasing it through various events, festivals, and traditions. The annual Yoruba Festival, held in August, celebrates the community’s history, music, dance, and art, attracting hundreds of attendees. The YCA also organizes cultural workshops, language classes, and traditional ceremonies, ensuring the continuation of Yoruba customs.
Peckham is home to several Yoruba-led churches and mosques, serving the spiritual needs of the community. The Yoruba Methodist Church, established in 1975, and the Peckham Mosque, built in 1985, are prominent places of worship.
Yoruba entrepreneurs have established a plethora of businesses in Peckham, including African food shops, restaurants, hair salons, and clothing stores. These ventures not only contribute to the local economy but also provide a taste of Yoruba culture to the wider community.
The Yoruba community in Peckham is actively engaged in local initiatives, such as community clean-up events, youth programs, and social services. The YCA collaborates with local authorities, organizations, and other ethnic groups to promote diversity, inclusivity, and social cohesion.
The Yoruba community in Peckham is a shining example of cultural resilience, adaptability, and contribution. From its humble beginnings to the present day, this vibrant community has woven itself into the fabric of Peckham, enriching the area with its unique heritage, traditions, and spirit. As the community continues to thrive, its heartbeat remains strong, pulsating with the rhythms of Yoruba culture.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 36
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
