Kunle Adelabu
The newly installed Bashorun of Ikorodu Kingdom, Bashorun Moshood Adesegun Bello Olusanya has been charged to use the traditional sword presented to him as staff of office during his installation, to defend Ikorodu rather than using it against the Kingdom.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, his Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, gave the charge during the installation of the new Chief and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Folukemi Alake-Oluwa Bello – Olusanya as Bashorun and Yeye Bashorun of Ikorodu Kingdom respectively at the Ayangbure palace on Saturday, November 27, 2021.
Bashorun Olusanya, who is an illustrious Ikorodu son from Itunmoja, was installed at a very colourful event attended by many traditional rulers from Ikorodu Division and beyond.
The royal fathers also played prominent roles in the installation ceremony of the new Basorun and that of his wife.
Oba Shotobi, presenting the staff of office to the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu Kingdom, Oba Bldr. Ganiyu Aderibigbe Asunmo, Jamade I, who presented it to the new Bashorun, warned that the sword should always be used to defend Ikorodu.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, who also performed the capping rites and traditional prayers with the support of his palace aides, while presenting the sword, said:
“We are today installing our new Bashorun with full paraphernalia of office and part of this is the ‘Ida’ (sword) which you are going to be given for important assignments for this Kingdom and for the entirety of Ikorodu Division”, the Ayangbure said.
“You are not to use this word against the sons and daughters of Ikorodu Kingdom and the entire Ikorodu Division. You are not to use it against Ayangbure or any other traditional ruler.
“This sword must be used to defend Ikorodu, Ikorodu Division, Lagos State and Nigeria in its entirety. You must use it to fight enemies and bring development to Ikorodu”, Oba Shotobi emphasised.
Oba Asunmo also reiterated the same plea by the Ayangbure to Bashorun Olusanya while presenting the sword to him.
The Asipa of Ikorodu Kingdom and former Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, on behalf of the Ayangbure and entire Council of Honorary Chieftaincy title holders in lkorodu Kingdom, announced the responsibilities attached to the title of Bashorun during the installation.
“Chieftaincy titles are not just for decorations. It’s all about important tasks because title holders will work closely with the Ayangbure and assist him in many areas”, Asipa Kaoli said.
“You are a royal ambassador who must at all times be at the palace to relate with the Oba.
“You are expected to be available to accompany the Oba to community, state, national and international engagements because it is important that people see important dignitaries around our royal father”, he added.
“The Yeye Bashorun is expected to be part of the Committee of Friends of the Olori and also be part of the team to support the wife of the Ayangbure in all situations”.
The newly installed Bashorun is a scion of Prince Ogborin, Dagburewe of Idowa, the patriarch of all family lineages in Itunmoja, Ikorodu.
He holds a Higher National Diploma, Civil Engineering, YABATECH, in 1975.
He worked briefly at the Ministry of Defense (1968 – 69) before his HND. He was Site Supervisor on the Benin – Asaba road during his industrial attachment program (1972 – 1973) and later worked with the Guffanti Nigeria Limited (1975 – 1978) as Site Engineer and from there, he moved to Dave Engineering Limited (1978 – 1979).
He was with the Lagos State Government from 1979 – 1983, where he established strong ties with late Funsho Williams. He formed his own engineering company, Mosadebe Limited, after he voluntarily resigned from the Ministry.
He is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Harmony Abattoir Services, at the Lagos State Abattoir complex
At the ceremony, the traditional Gbedu drummers and Meboi traditional group gave a great performances which entertained traditional rulers, guests and the newly installed Bashorun and Yeye Bashorun of Ikorodu Kingdom.
One of the eminent personalities that graced the occasion is the former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith.
Other royal fathers at the installation ceremony were His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, His Royal Majesty, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, His Royal Majesty, Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo and His Royal Majesty, Oba David Raji Balogun, the Eweye of Isiwu among others.
