Kunle ADELABU
– Gets Commendations from Royal fathers, others
-Proceeds to be used in building Police Stations
It was another historic moment in Ikorodu on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, as Hon. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), presented published English compilation of translated ‘Oriki’ (song of praise) of Ikorodu.
The compilation work, titled, ‘Ikorodu: The beauty of a people reflected in its ORIKI”, was presented at a well-attended ceremony held at the Banquet hall of the Ultra-modern Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu.
About 20 Wall Arts celebrating Ikorodu and the prototype of the Police Station which the proceeds from the books are to be used to construct were also unveiled at the event.
The publication was a collaboration efforts of the Ikorodu North LCDA and Inner Worth and Culture.
Foreword to the 42-page book was written by Chief Babatunde Benson, SAN, KJW, the Asiwaju of Ikorodu.
Other parts of its content are, ‘The demise of ‘Efo Odu’ (Odu vegetable)’, ‘Oriki Ikorodu (translated version), ‘Oriki Ikorodu (original version) and ‘Ikorodu anthem’, among others.
According to Hon. Banjo, the compilation of the ‘Oriki’ is to revive the beauty of Ikorodu’s culture and promote its heritage.
“This collaboration is aimed at reviving the beauty of Ikorodu’s culture and promote the heritage of our people” , Hon. Banjo stated while responding to THE IMPACT during a brief interview.
“Even though colonization ended decades ago, its adverse effects can still be seen and felt by the discerning minds. Our culture is one of its main victims”, he stated.
Speaking on his motivation to translate Ikorodu’s song of praise (Oriki) , Hon. Banjo stated that it is his own way of reviving the culture and preserve it for the present and generations yet unborn.
“Our culture is dying. This is a tragedy because it’s a people’s culture that’s the most revealing and living perspective into their most cherished values, philosophy and art.
“Since it is an encoder of experiences, culture is a treasure because in it, the milestones in a people’s development are preserved for future generations. Indeed, culture is a transgenerational treasure.
“The essence of this project is to preserve and disseminate key facets of our culture for our own benefit, and that of future generations.
“This objective was triggered by my love for my people and for our culture. Our culture has a communal ethos which must be revived, and I am committed to doing my best to preserve and pass it on”.
Speaking at the public presentation which also marked his 50th birthday celebration, the helmsman stated that the proceeds from the book would be used to build police stations in Ikorodu North LCDA.
“The security situation in Odogunyan and environs is very worrisome. People in that community cannot go about their businesses and other daily activities peacefully because of fear of cultists”, he lamented.
“People usually go into their houses as early as 3pm because they do not want to be caught in cross-fire by these cult guys.”
“These guys killed on daily basis and this instill fears in the people.
“There is an abandoned Police Post in that community and I had approached the Area Commander who has assured me that we are going to make it a full-fledge Police Station”, Hon. Banjo stated.
“If you also look at Ikorodu-Itoikin road axis from garage, the nearest police station is Imota and there are lots of communities along the road which also links Emuren, Igode and other communities in Ogun State.
“Once these cultists unleash mayhem here, they usually run to Ogun State. They usually celebrate their 7:7 day which is usually a bloodbath.
“We have been given a land at Adamo-Araromi and we have resolved to use it for Police Station. I had look at it with the Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer in Imota and they have certified it okay for the purpose.
‘My believe that if we build a police post in Araromi, which is a new town, we will be able to checkmate the activities of these hoodlums.
“We need your support and cooperation because government cannot do it alone. Security of lives and properties is everybody’s matter and not only government”, he appealed.
“Proceeds from the ‘Oriki’ project will be used in financing construction of Police Stations in our community to make available security agents that will provide security for the people.
“To ensure that the proceeds are judiciously utilized, we have made Otunba Ganiyu Abiru and a representative from the Industrial Estate in Odogunyan signatories to the account. We want people to see that we have been transparent” , he stated.
Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Chairman of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), speaking during the unveiling of the prototype of the proposed Police Station, stated that:
“It is my honour to unveil this prototype of a police station proposed by the Chairman of the Ikorodu North LCDA. A man who knows what he is doing. A man who is doing his bit for the progress and development of Ikorodu”.
He also commended Hon. Banjo for the compilation of translated English version of ‘Oriki’ Ikorodu.
Comrade Sesan Daini, the Chairman of Igboogbo/Bayeku LCDA, who spoke on behalf of the six council chairmen in Ikorodu Division, stated that they are proud of their colleague’s initiative and achievements.
He pledged to contribute meaningfully towards the achievement of the police station projects.
Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, the Chairman of Multi-Choice and Chief Launcher who was represented by Chief Akeem Oreagba, Chairman, Harmony Castle Hotel, stated that he would fully partake and contribute to the project.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, in his royal remarks, commended the celebrant for promoting Ikorodu’s culture and serving his people.
“If my son (Banjo) really want to celebrate his birthday, this place will not be enough for him to celebrate it because of his position and level but he’s passionate about Ikorodu and anything that he is doing”.
Recalling his encounter with Hon. Banjo on the ‘Oriki’ Ikorodu’s translation project, Oba Shotobi stated that Banjo approached him over the project.
“About 10 years ago, Banjo approached me with a well-packaged design on ‘Oriki’ Ikorodu. I did not even know the extent to which he had gone on it then.
“I was very moved when they displayed all the write-ups on the wall. It’s a pity that Baba Benson (Chief B.O. Benson, SAN) is not here today because he was there when Banjo did the presentation then.
“I want to thank you for placing values on our moral values and culture. I do say it at all time that I don’t joke with culture. Anytime anyone refer to me as Ikorodu person, I am always willing to appreciate such person.
“I am proud of Ikorodu and I thank you for this. It was on this basis that I accepted that he should celebrate his birthday here. He’s a true ‘Oga’ son”, Oba Shotobi stated.
“He also approached me concerning the security in his domain and I bought into it. I want to thank him for this initiative because there is need to have a police station between Sabo and Imota”.
The royal father also called on members of the public to contribute to the project.
Other dignitaries at the event were Olori Kudirat Shotobi, Otunba (Sir) Ayodele Elesho, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa, Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Adenrele Olowu, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Mr Oluwatoyin Gafaar, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Adeola Jokomba, former Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Olasunkanmi Tijani, former Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Leke Kara, Member of the Lagos State Teaching Commission, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Hon. Wasiu Agoro, Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Fathiu Salisu, Chairman, Ijede LCDA and Hon. Jumoke Jimbo-Ademehin, Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA , among many others.
