Oyinlola Pelumi Adewale
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, has restated his plans for the development of youths in his Kingdom.
The royal father disclosed this during a carol service, tagged, “A Royal Christmas Carol with Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale & Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi”, at the Aayngbure palace.
The Carol was officiated by the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Choir (the Prelate’s Choir) led by Sir (Omooba) ‘Soji Onafowokan, KCW, Aprnc.
Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho,, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu and Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) read lessons at the Carol service.
The very colourful service was held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021.
Oba Shotobi, who lightened the Carol light to the delight of guests, expressed his happiness and that of the royal family and residents of Ikorodu for witnessing the yuletide season while he also expressed his likeness for the Methodist Church despite being a Muslim.
“I am thankful for this event and I also appreciate my wife, children and every other person present here. The programme is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and this is a yearly event. I’m glad that we are having the celebration in the palace for the people of Ikorodu to celebrate in peace”, the royal father.
“I told some people about my feelings for Methodist and it will never change.
“There is going to be another Carol service here at the palace tomorrow and I inviting all of you to come and listen to the word of God, especially during the Christmas period”.
Revealing plans for Ikorodu youths, Oba Shotobi said that the palace will be partnering with the Christians from South Korea to develop them spiritually.
“I just had a meeting with these my guests (Mr and Mrs Williams King). They are from South Korea and they have been to many places all over the country and they want to preach what they know about Christianity, particularly to our youths.l plead with the youths to come and listen to the gospel. We will soon communicate the date and venue for the programme when it is time”.
“Mr Williams King visited me in the palace to discuss his Christian mission to engage the youth of Ikorodu on what is happening all over the world in a Christian way. He has discussed an opportunity and a program with me and we have agreed to make use of the town hall for the event to make our youths know what is happening in the world in a Christian way”.
He also restated his plans to assist others who are into small scale businesses by giving them loans to support them.
“We still have our empowerment which is a continuous exercise. The government cannot do it alone. The little we can do in the palace, we are doing it.
“The loan facilities we are giving to people have been reactivated. People should come and have something to start their businesses. There’s a minimum of N25,000 or N50,000 and N100, 000 for individuals to come and apply. It is an interest free loan to assist them this Christmas period”, Oba Shotobi said.
RT. Rev Dr. S.Olu Osundina, the Bishop, Diocese of Ikorodu, in his words of exhortation titled, “Christ is born in the palace here”, commended Ayangbure for putting the Carol together annually.
“Every year in your wisdom, you always set up a Christmas carol despite the fact that you are a Muslim. You open your palace door every year for people to celebrate Jesus. I pray for sound health for you. You won’t mourn because you are different from other kings who just follow anything that suit them”, the Bishop prayed.
The Bishop also called for peace in the world.
Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, while giving the vote of thanks, thanked all the guests on behalf of the royal family and prayed for a good and joyous Christmas celebration for everyone.
Other dignitaries at the Carol service were traditional chiefs, members of the Lasunwon Ruling House and other dignitaries.
