Kunle Adelabu
The position of Asiwaju of Ikorodu is no doubt a very important position which its occupant plays a key role in engedering development in the community. No wonder the question of who fill the position which became vacant after demise of the former occupant and the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief (Sir) Babatunde Olushola Benson, SAN, KJW, has become a general discourse among the residents even when the remains of Chief Benson was yet to be burried.
Out of the several people that have so far been tipped to fill the enviable position, one name stands out, which is Rep. Babajimi Benson, the representative of the lkorodu Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives and the Chairman, House Committee on Defense.
Residents of Ikorodu, on the social media on Friday, July 16, 2021 (the day that the late Asiwaju of Ikorodu was interred), overwhelmingly suggested and endorsed the well – loved and performing federal lawmaker to succeed late B.O. Benson, who was his uncle, as Asiwaju of Ikorodu.
Late Chief Benson became the Otun Asiwaju of lkorodu in 1983, a title that was conferred on him by the late Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi and in 2008, he was elevated to the position of Asiwaju of Ikorodu by the monarch.
The clamour for Hon. Benson’s consideration for the position was first raised by Prince Adedeji Osho, a former Supervisory Councilor in Ikorodu Local Government and son of the former ‘authentic’ Baale of Isele.
Osho, posting on his Facebook wall, proposed the consideration of Rep. Babajimi Benson as successor of late Benson, SAN, as Asiwaju of Ikorodu and called for the support of sons and daughters of Ikorodu in this regard.
He argued that the position should be retained in the Benson family and afterwards, asked for responses.
“Ikorodu Orushen descendants, I am proposing that the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju Of Ikorodu Kingdom be retained in Benson family”, he suggested.
“I, Prince Adedeji Adeyinka Osho, hereby, present distinguished Honourable Babajimi Benson for the vacant stool.
“What’s your take on this? Let’s discuss”, he asked.
Mr Adesina Sogo Osikoya, a senior local government staff and former House of Representatives candidate, also reacting said:
“If there is no bigger title kindly recommend to Kabiesi immediately. God bless you bro”
Olusesan Taiwo in his own response said:
“I fully support & second the motion…It will be well deserved if accorded…”
The Otunba Napo and a senior civil servant, Afolabi Babatunde simply wrote:
“Well deserved”
In response to Osho’s suggestion, residents of Ikorodu have been given their opinions and reactions all of which have been in favour of Hon. Benson’s nomination, so far.
Those that have responded hinged their support for the federal lawmaker’s nomination on his effective and impactful representation.
Omoba Adedayo O. Adedeji, an indigene of Ikorodu and social media commentator, in voicing his support, wrote:
“Omo Ikorodu atata, Omoluabi tooto. He deserved it 100%”, he said.
Salami Saheed also wrote:
“Not only support, I will follow him to the palace”.
Also commenting, a former Supervisory Councillor in Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Okematti Azeez Adebola, wrote:
“The authentic Okanlomo and Omo Bibire tooto of our Division, a truly caring Representative”.
Abayomi Oni-Orisan, a former Councillor and prominent youth leader, in his own comment, said:
“On point, he should be made to assume the postion with immediate effect…”.
Former Supervisory Councilor for Works in Ikorodu LG, Mr Yusuf Gbadebo Lawal, while supporting Rep. Benson’s nomination for the Asiwaju position, also suggested other tiles for him in other Kingdoms in Ikorodu Division.
“Asiwaju of Ikorodu Kingdom, Atunluse of Ipakodo, Atayese of Imota, Agbeluga of Igbogbo, Amuludun of Ijede and Jagunlabi Awokilumo of Ikorodu Division”, Gbadebo said.
Holess Gandry, also commenting, wrote:
“Wallahi!, I will support him in every aspect”.
In her own reaction, Princess Ololade Adenike Tawakalitu wrote:
“That makes sense, I support it also”.
Another social media commentator, Baba Jerry Eluku, wrote:
“Wallahi, the cap fits him”.
Salami Saheed, in his own comment, said that he is in support of Hon Benson's nomination for the position wholeheartedly.
“Gbogbo arami ati eje mi in suppport .
A Councillorship aspirant on the platform of the APC in Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Kenny Babayemisi Fakus,, wrote:
“It is well deserved”.
Shafari Adeniyi Murhi , in his own reaction, said:
“In fact, his nomination should even be 120% unopposed”.
Real Ibironke, while also supporting the idea, said:
“A loyal and a truthful person deserves a better position, I support JB”.
Tommy Abari Abiodun, in his own reaction, also supported Hon. Benson for the position, stating that:
“I don’t think anybody should drag any title with this guy, with all the news l'm getting from Ikorodu about him”.
Oba Uztas Abdulateef Odumeru said :
“I strongly recommend him …”.
In her own contribution, Temitope Zainul-Abedeen Tijani said:
“Worthy and Well deserving of the position.
While stating that the representative is eminently qualified for the position of Asiwaju of Ikorodu, Mr Monday Ohi Obadan, a resident of Offin in Igbogbo in Ikorodu Division, has asked if Rep. Benson would accept the position if offered to him.
“Eminently qualified but would he accept it?”, he asked.
Meanwhile, it is the prerogative of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, to determine who is conferred with the title of Asiwaju of Ikorodu or any other honourary chieftaincy title.
