File:Ajogan Royal Performance.jpg

English: AJOGAN is another musical performance identified with the Ogu people. The performance of Ajogan is purely traditional.

The historical background of Ajogan musical performance can be traced back to Benin Republic and has been in existence since the 17th Century. It is referred to as royal court music of the old Dahomey and Allada Kingdoms, played by women for the king’s processions, eulogy, and praises. The performers are the King’s wives (Ahosi), the palace women, or members of the royal family. The women’s neck and ankles are adorned with fabulous necklaces and beads. The musical instruments consist of Ogan-Keke (gongs) and Alounloun. The instruments are played only by the women and it is primarily for ceremonies and entertainment meant for waking up the King in the morning. It is also performed at funeral ceremonies of members of the royal family. The gongs are beaten in different tunes and accompanied by the clinking sound of Alounloun which the women play in their hands with dance rhythms. Alounloun is a brass rod of about one meter long, with the spindle of copper-clad iron with rings that slide up and down. It is these encircling rings that are drawn up and down the rod to produce a harmony of its music, with the women in their rhythmic dance steps moving forward and backward. Alounloun is a musical instrument that belongs to the organological family of Idiophones.

The Ogu people of Badagry and its environ still maintain and practice the tradition, most especially at cultural festivals.