Kunle Adelabu
The ancient town of Isiwu in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria, is waiting on the state government to install a new traditional head in the town 15 years after an attempt was made to install the first ever monarch.
According to report, the Oba – elect, Prince Olukayode David Raji, is from the two Ruling Houses in Isiwu – Agbogba Royal Family & Onafoyin Royal Family.
The emergence of the Oba – elect, THE IMPACT gathered, has since been communicated to the state government through the Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area.
It was also gathered that all the processes to install the new Oba has been completed by the royal family, community and the council area.
Sources informed THE IMPACT that letter of appointment and White Paper have been issued early in the month regarding the coronation of the new Eweye of lsiwu.
It would be recalled that the first and the last attempt by Isiwu community, which hosts the Ikorodu North LCDA Secretariat, to install an Oba was in 1995 when the then Oba – elect, Jimoh Oladeinde who was selected to be the first Eweye of Isiwu, died after completing ‘Ipebi’ period (period of seclusion).
Authoritative sources in Isiwu informed THE IMPACT that Oladeinde joined his ancestors while waiting for the government to present him the Staff of Office in 2005.
Before then, Isiwu was having ‘Baale’ (community head) but the Baaleship was upgraded to an Obaship status about 40 years ago but attempts to installed an Oba in the community have been unsuccessful.
According to report, the residents, who have been complaining that the inability of the community to have an Oba has largely responsible for its under- development, are now eager to have a new king as they are passionately appealing to the government to ensure that the Staff of Office is presented to the Oba-elect soon.
Speaking with a stakeholder in the community, Mr Oluwakemi, he stated that the absence of a monarch has hindered the development of lsiwu.
“We are very desirous of a new monarch in our town. The absence of a traditional head has prevented us from performing certain traditional rites which are meant to bring development and peace into the community.
“If we have an Oba, we are sure that he will work with the government to bring development into our community and also work with other sons and daughters of our great community and the council to ensure that infrastructural facilities are improved upon.
“We are appealing to the government to assist by presenting Staff of Office to our Oba – elect”, he appealed.
Another resident also enjoined the state government to make the installation of first monarch in Isiwu to become a reality under the current administration.
“I hope that our amiable Governor Sanwo – Olu will make the installation of a monarch for our communityto become a reality under his administration. If this happens, we shall be greatly indebted to him”, he said.
“Isiwu needs a monarch like other towns”.
Meanwhile, THE IMPACT gathered that His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and the 1st Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas & Chiefs, has been playing a major role in ensuring that a monarch is installed in Isiwu.
The Ikorodu traditional ruler, according to report, had wanted to install a Baale in the community after his ascension as the Ayangbure, but was informed that the stool of Eweye of Isiwu has been elevated to the Obaship status.
Oba Shotobi, who is said to be desirous of ensuring that traditional rulers and chiefs are installed in areas of his Kingdom and the division at large that are due for them, moved into action alongside other major stakeholders in Isiwu and Ikorodu North LCDA to ensure that necessary processes regarding the installation of the new Eweye are concluded in good time. This effort, we learnt, culminated in the issuance of letter to the Oba-elect by the council.
Oba Shotobi, had, at a function organized by the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) to celebrate the senior citizens in Ikorodu community in his Ikorodu palace last year, assured people of Isiwu that a new monarch will be crowned in the community before the end of 2020.
“I can assure you all that Isiu will soon crown a new king”, Oba Shotobi stated at the function last year.
“This will happen between now and before the end of next year”, he added.
When contacted on phone, the Chairman, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area, Hon. Adeola Banjo, told THE IMPACT that the council is waiting to receive green light from the the state governor for the installation of the Oba-elect.
Hon. Banjo did not confirm if the White Paper has been issued by the State Government to our reporter when asked.
Meanwhile, sources at the state government secretariat informed our reporter that the presentation of Staff of Office to the new Eweye of Isiwu has been approved alongside those that will be presented to other new Obas in the state.
The Oba-elect, Prince Raji, worked in the Finance & Supply Department in the then School Management Committee (SMC), now Local Government Education Authority, where he retired voluntarily.
After his retirement, he ventured into plank business and other profitable businesses and has been contributing immensely to the development of lsiwu community.
