Wale JAGUN and Seun AJAYI
-Lagos Speaker commends monarch for development
-Oba Shotobi pledges further development of Ikorodu division
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday, July 11, 2018, commissioned the multi-million naira exquisite Ayangbure Palace Extension in Ikorodu which was built in commemoration of the 3rd Year Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu.
The Governor also commended the Ikorodu monarch for ensuring developments and peaceful co-existence in his domain.
The commissioning was the climax of the activities which started on ….. to mark the third coronation anniversary of Oba Shotobi, who is the paramount ruler of Ikorodu Kingdom and the permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Ambode commended Oba Shotobi for his roles in tackling the Badoo menace that was experienced in Ikorodu about a year ago and for working with the security agencies which eventually stopped the ritual and criminal activities.
“His Royal Majesty is a good son of the soil; somebody like that, I am sure, if the community supports him in return, he will continue with his fatherly role in ensuring peace and stability in Ikorodu”.
The Governor was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Muslim Folami.
Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, while also speaking, commended Oba Shotobi for bringing development to Ikorodu since ascending the throne of his forebears.
While enjoining the monarch to encourage the usage of Yoruba language among his subjects, Obasa also urged that the practice of tradition and culture should be sustained among the people.
“I am delighted to be part of this programme being among the first set of chiefs installed after the coronation and later the Kabiyesi invited us to lay the foundation for this palace extention. I am happy to be part of the coronation anniversary and its commissioning.
“Kabiyesi should encourage Ikorodu people to use the Yoruba language, especially during occasions like this, as custodians of our culture and heritage, regardless of their social backgrounds.
“In many developed communities around the world, local languages were use as a means of communication.”
Meanwhile, Oba Shotobi, in his welcome address, commended residents and indigenes of Ikorodu for their support since his ascension to the throne three years ago.
He thanked the governor of Lagos State for bringing unprecdented development to Ikorodu during his reign and also across the state in general.
The traditional ruler pledged to help in further development of Ikorodu division and make it an enviable division among others in Lagos State.
“This event is a great opportunity for me to thank the Governor who has brought notable infrastructural development to Ikorodu, in particular and Lagos State in general.”
While stating that the expansion of the palace was due to the need to reflect the ‘Oga’ (master) status of Ikorodu, Oba Shotobi also revealed that he planned to expand the palace pavilion to a 3000 capacity hall in the next one year.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were Hon Abike Dabiri, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diasporas Affairs, Hon S.O.B Agunbiade, the Majority of the Lagos State House of Assembly , Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Chief Dr. Robert J. Brown, an American-businessman and honourary chieftaincy holder in Ikorodu Kingdom, Ms Oprah Winfrey, an international acclaimed TV presenter, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, First Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, State Vice Chairman, APC, Lagos East, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, former acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Governent, Hon Banjo Adebisi Adeola, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA and Hon Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG among others.
Royal fathers that graced the occasion were His Royal Majesties, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, represented by Chief Openuwa of Lagos. Oba Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Akeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin,Oba Kamarudeen Animashaun, the Arolugbade of Elepe II, and Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Aladeshoyin of Odo Noforija among many others
