Kunle Adelabu
A new monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, today received his Staff of Office as the Eweye of Isiwu.
The presentation took place at the conference room of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
Presenting the Staff of Office and certificate to the new monarch, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed, congratulated him on his installation as Eweye of Isiu.
At the brief presentation ceremony were the Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini and family members of the monarch.
On arrival back in Ikorodu, the new monarch’s entourage first point of call was the palace of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu where they were received by His Royal Majesty Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi.
The new Eweye of Isiwu, before entering the Ayangbure palace, danced to the traditional ‘Gbedu’ drum with his Oloris and family members.
Meanwhile, in his royal address while welcoming the new monarch to his palace, Oba Shotobi thanked the Lagos State Government for the approval and presentation of Staff of Office to the new Eweye
While congratulating the new monarch, Oba Shotobi also thanked and prayed for those that accompanied the new traditional ruler of Isiwu to Alausa to receive his Staff of Office and certificate.
He charged the new monarch to see his installation as an opportunity to contribute to the development of Isiwu and Ikorodu division in general.
‘We have been on this for a while and we thank God that it has come to fruition today.
“As we are going into Isiwu now, we have to exercise patience and act in peaceful manner”, Oba Shotobi advised.
Oba Shotobi, who is the 1st Permanent Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, stated that Ikorodu Division needs more traditional rulers and pledged to assist any deserving community in installing a monarch.
“We don’t have enough monarchs in Ikorodu Division. I am ready and prepared to champion the installation of traditional ruler in any part of the division that is deserving”, the royal father pledged.
The new Eweye of Isiwu, Oba Olukayode David, also speaking at the Ayangbure palace, thanked Oba Shotobi and other Obas in the Division for their support.
Builder Sesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area in group photograph with Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, the new Eweye of Isiwu, his wives and family members after the presentation of the Staff of Office to Oba Raji
In particular, the new monarch commended the Ayangbure of Ikorodu for fully identifying with the process that led to his emergence.
During the visitation to the Ayangbure palace, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe and Oba Akeem Oriyomi, the Obateru of Egbin, called in to pray for the new monarch and his kingdom.
Traditional chiefs across the division also joined the new monarch at the Ayangbure palace and were also part of the royal train to Isiwu.
The ancient Isiwu community had been enmeshed in protracted crisis over the Eweye stool which prevented the installation of a new Oba in the community for over three decades.
It would be recalled that THE IMPACT reported last week that the state government had issued a White Paper on the new Eweye of Isiu and that Staff of Office would be presented to him soon.
