Kunle Adelabu
The Eweye of Isiwu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, has entered ‘Ipebi’ (place of seclusion) to complete the traditional process of his emergence as the traditional ruler of the ancient town of Isiwu in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria.
Oba Raji, who was presented with Staff of Office and, other paraphernalia by the Lagos State Government in last month, was led to ‘Ipebi’ at Ogunbela’s compound, Oko – Awo, Isiwu, on Friday, September 25, 2020, by Isiwu Kingmakers and some Chiefs from Emuren, a sister town.
The new Eweye, who spent 14 years as Oba – elect waiting for the government recognition, is expected to spend weeks in ‘Ipebi’ where he will be taught more about traditions of the town and other information pertaining to the Eweye stool.
He will also perform some traditional rites and rituals during his stay in seclusion (Ipebi).
Oba Raji told THE IMPACT some weeks back that the completion of his Obaship process in ‘Ipebi’ was prevented by the insecurity in the town caused by some hoodlums.
Isiwu town was recently put under siege for two days earlier this month when suspected landgrabbers, popularly called ‘Ajagungbales’ in local parlance, allegedly stormed the town and unleashed terror on the residents.
On the second day of the siege, the new monarch was said to have narrowly escaped death by the whisker as the invaders reportedly stormed his palace in an attempt to attack him and destroyed several properties in the process, including his brand new car.
Many residents, including the youths that were restraining the hoodlums from entering the palace, were shot at and were also injured with other deadly weapons.
Some of the suspects, THE IMPACT gathered, have been arrested.
