Kunle Adelabu
-Reveals Ikorodu’s position in the 2022 budget
His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, has said that he has partnered with the Lagos State Government in bringing development to his kingdom and entire Ikorodu Division in the last six years that he has mounted the throne as the paramount ruler of Ikorodu Kingdom.
The royal father stated that it has been a reign of tremendous impact that has also been achieved with support from the people of Ikorodu.
He spoke with journalists in his office at the Ayangbure palace after the prayer session by the traditional institutions in Ikorodu in commemoration of the 6 years anniversary of his crowning as the Ayangbure of Ikorodu on Monday, August 2.
Oba Shotobi who also appreciated the people of Ikorodu and the custodians of Ikorodu traditions, for their support, added that the celebration was not intended to be elaborate but he cannot turn down the traditional rites by the custodians of the Kingdom’s tradition.
“We did not want to make it elaborate but we cannot turn down the power that be which is the custodians of Ikorodu tradition who usually ordained the Obas. I always say that I will never ignore the rites and activities of Ikorodu traditional institution which is our image” Oba Shotobi said.
“We are noted for those cultural and traditional activities from the beginning to the end of the year.
“I am always behind the traditional institution in Ikorodu in observing these traditional festivals by getting involved and participating in their activities
The Ikorodu monarch who said that he appreciated the responsibility of the Obaship placed on him six years ago by the people and consented to by the government added that he would maintain the good relationship and understanding.
“Today marked the six years that the traditional institution in Ikorodu crowned me as the Ayangbure of Ikorodu” Oba Shotobi said.
“I appreciate and accept it. I actually applied for it and it was granted, The Lagos State Government assented to it to make me the paramount ruler of Ikorodu Kingdom” Ikorodu monarch recalled.
“There has been a cordial relationship between me and the people of Ikorodu. There is a good understanding between the palace and the people.
“That relationship has again been demonstrated today in the activities to celebrate my anniversary with everybody that you have seen during the procession on the streets of Ikorodu to rejoice with me as their King and also converging here at the palace. I thank them.
“This is the kind of relationship that has been existing which I intend to sustain. Although, the Yoruba adage says that, “Afobaje lo maa n d’ota Oba” (King usually turned against those that supported him in ascending the throne). These people are not like that because they have shown that they are good friends of the palace.
“I want to thank my family – the Lasunwon Royal Family for standing by me and all my chiefs for standing by me. They are here today rejoicing with me” he added.
Oba Shotobi speaking on developments during his reign said that the Ayangbure palace will always be in support of the government to bring development to Ikorodu.
The paramount ruler of Ikorodu Kingdom said that his decision to be friends with the government has helped in the drive for so many projects that the government has embarked upon in Ikorodu Division in the last six years.
Oba Shotobi mentioned some of the projects that have been brought to Ikorodu through collaboration with the government in Ikorodu.
“In the last six years, Ikorodu has been progressing. We have been witnessing many developments in Ikorodu and there has been more understanding between us and the government” the royal said.
“I am not in opposition to the government and will always be a friend to the government in power. The relationship has helped a lot. There is nothing that I have requested for that this new government has never granted. They have been honouring me and I will continue to appreciate them.
“We have asked for a State VIP Chalet and the Governor has magnanimously given 8 acres of government land for the purpose.
“They have advertised it and shortlisted applicants that submitted letters of intent two.
“The government is going to consider one of the two investors once they can see commitment of funds to execute the project” Oba Shotobi said.
“We can see the road construction going on in Ipakodo, Isawo, Igbogbo and other areas are part of our requests. All the Obas in Ikorodu Division are speaking with one voice and God has foster our relationship” he added
Ikorodu monarch who also said that he led other stakeholders in Ikorodu Division to present a proposal on behalf of the Division said that he would hold the state government to the document on projects requested for in the next year’s budget.
“In addition, the government deemed it fit to engage us in the preparation of the 2022 budget proposal. They called and we have made inputs and the government has recognized those and I made the representative of the government to sign our proposal” Oba Shotobi said.
“By this time next year, if they call us to give another proposal for the budget, I am going to asked them about the performance of what the Commissioner signed with us this year and ask if they passed the ‘examination’ (execution of Ikorodu inputs into the 2022 budget)) or failed” he added.
“If they failed, they will repeat the class by executing the requests made this year in the budget because it was signed as a commitment to the people of Ikorodu.
Also part of the proposal made to the state government for inclusion in the next budget is the redevelopment of Ajina square, upgrading of Lagos State Polytechnic into a University, upgrading of Ikorodu General hospital and stadium among others.
“One of the proposals is the redevelopment of the Ita Efunlase (Ajina square)” the royal father said.
“I am not asking that it has to be done immediately, but to make them recognize it and consider it for implementation” Oba Shotobi added.
“I am also happy to let you know that we asked the Lagos State Government to upgrade the Lagos State Polytechnic to Lagos State Technical University. This they have accepted and I am pleased to inform you gentlemen of the press that they were invited to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday (today) to discuss and place the proposal in the public domain and make law for its formation.
“I believe that this would come into fruition by the grace of God”
“We have also requested that the Ikorodu General hospital should be upgraded into a Teaching Hospital. We have formally made the request and sent it to the government” the royal father revealed.
“For the development of our youths, the government has told us that the Igbogbo Stadium has been approved for development into a stadium and that they are going to commence work on it soon” he told journalists.
“But that will be a – mini stadium. We want a befitting stadium for Ikorodu Division and we have told them that we have enough and adequate lands at the Lagos State Polytechnic main campus in Ikorodu.
“We have made the presentation to them and they have agreed to work on it” he said about the request for a standard stadium for Ikorodu.
Speaking on the phase two of itamaga/Ijede/Gberigbe road, Oba Shotobi said that the Lagos State Government has given assurance that the next phase will be included in the next year budget.
“The government has also assured us that the remaining parts of the Itamaga – Ijede road will be completed in 2022”
“We have equally made a presentation for intervention in the construction of inner roads.
On the Fourth Mainland bridge and state sponsored cinema in Ikorodu, Oba Shotiobi said that:
“We will start seeing the green light on the construction of the Fourth Mainland bridge by the end of this year.
“We have equally engaged them on the construction of the Cinema theatre in Ikorodu which the government has constructed in other divisions but we have yet to have that here.
“We have made our feelings known to the government and it is going to be done” he said candidly.
On the abandoned movement of the Mile 12 Commodities market to Imota, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu said that he, other Obas and stakeholders have also requested the government to ensure that fund is provided for its completion in the 2022 budget and ensure that the project is not turned into another abandoned.
“We have also made a presentation for the speedy construction of the Imota International commodities market. It is going to be a big market. Although, they have started it and we don’t want it to be an abandoned market” he said.
“We have equally asked the government to include it in the budget and ensure that it is done.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu also addressed the issue concerning the Ikorodu Master Plan and the redevelopment of Ikorodu garage roundabout to tackle the daily gridlock.
“On the Master plan for Ikorodu which has been under review since 2016 and going to cover from that year to 2036, but we are yet to see it come to fruition. Although they have been coming to ask a lot of questions” Oba Shotobi expressed his reservation.
“I thank God that they have accepted the latter” he added.
“And, of course, we have also presented our position to the government on the bottleneck that we have been experiencing at the Ikorodu garage roundabout.
Another major issue touched by the Ikorodu monarch is the negative impact of the market on the Allinson Street, Lagos and Ayangbure Roads
To Oba Shotobi, the presence of the traders constitutes negative impacts on these roads and wanted the government to provide them another marketplace to accommodate them.
“Concerning market people selling on the Lagos and Ayangbure roads that are causing bottlenecks, I have asked for another market to accommodate them” Ayangbure said.
“You should know that the market on Allison (that spread to Lagos, Ayangbure roads and LaketuStreet) was at this Ojude Oba (frontage of the Ayangbure palace) before they were moved to Sabo but they did not want to go to Sabo at that time” Oba Shotobi recalled.
“But today, you cannot even get a space to let. The place is filled.
“If the government now creates another area, no matter how far it is, those selling on the road will have to move into it and leave the streets that they are presently occupying” he said.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu also commended the government for the appointment of Ikorodu sons into the Permanent Secretary and Pro – Chancellorship position.
“Government of Lagos State has also been listening to us in terms of repositioning the manpower from Ikorodu.
“We asked for Permanent Secretaries of Ikorodu extraction which they have given us some slots and we thank the Governor for that.
“I also want to thank the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, for making one of our sons the Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro – Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU).
“I thank the Governor for giving him that opportunity to serve the Lagos State Government” Oba Shotobi said thankfully.
In the last six years, the paramount ruler has introduced interest – free loan for small scale traders in Ikorodu, facilitated the resolution of many traditional disputes that has resulted in crowning traditional rulers and installation of some important traditional chiefs, facilitated investments, constructed a befitting Ayangbure palace extension and supported many other developmental initiatives among many others..
The royal father also charged residents of Ikorodu to support the government and abide with the COVD – 19 protocols.
