Kunle Adelabu
The traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, has conferred the chieftaincy title of Otun (right hand man of lkorodu Division’s monarchs) of lkorodu Division on the Representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Defense, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson.
Also, his beautiful wife, Jumoke, was equally honoured with the title of Yeye Otun of lkorodu Division.
The young and performing federal lawmaker will bear the title across the entire traditional Kingdoms in lkorodu division.
The pronouncement was made by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu and Chairman of the Ikorodu Divisional Chieftaincy Committee, at the grand finale of the 50th birthday anniversary of Rep. Benson.
Aside the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, the event, which was held at the Ikorodu Musical Village on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, also had the royal presence of Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Akeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, His Royal Majesty, Oba David Balogun, the Eweye of Isiwu and His Royal Majesty, Oba Segun Benson, the Olojodu of Ojodu.
There were also Senators and Members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, State lawmakers, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Council Chairmen across the state, councilors, eminent personalities and others guests.
King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), the fuji music maestro and Mayegun of Yorubaland, who entertained guests at the well – attended event, was the first person to break the news of the chieftaincy title conferred on Rep. Benson, while praise-singing the great efforts and giant strides he has made towards the development of lkorodu division, at the occasion.
Oba Shotobi, while confirming the news leaked by KWAM 1, said that the highly revered musician who is the holder of the prestigious Chieftaincy title of the ‘Mayegun’ of Yorubaland, conferred on him by the recently demised Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi, is in position to make the revelation.
“Well, you are in position to make the revelation as the Mayegun (of Yorubaland). It is true that our son, Babajimi Benson, was initially billed to be conferred with the title of Otun of Ikorodu Kingdom, but before I could make the pronouncement, the other monarchs in Ikorodu division said that the title should cover the entire division. As a result, we have changed the title from the Otun of Ikorodu Kingdom to Otun of Ikorodu Division”, Oba Shotobi said with a loud shout of approval from the large crowd in the hall.
“The entire Obas in Ikorodu have also approved the conferment of the Yeye of lkorodu division on Mrs Benson”, Oba Shotobi revealed further.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu also said that the Gbadamosi family which has been occupying the title, has agreed to relinquish it for Rep. Benson.
“I am happy that all the traditional rulers here agreed that we should confer the title of Otun of Ikorodu Division on him (Rep. Benson) and I thank you all.
“Although, we are here today to celebrate his birthday, but the important thing is that we have resolved that Jimi Benson should go for the third term.
Oba Shotobi listed the achievements of the second term lawmaker, stating that his incredible performance made royal fathers sanctioned his third term and the conferment of the chieftaincy titles on him and his wife.
He added that Rep. Benson has impacted massively on Ikorodu Division (Federal Constituency).
“All that l have been saying about him ( Jimi Benson) are true. He has facilitated construction of many roads, building and rehabilitation schools, empowering the youths and establishing a radio station (106.1FM) among many others.
“All the traditional rulers are benefitting from his good gestures because he has been supporting the royal institution in the division. What we needed to be doing now is that we should be praying for him to secure the third term.
“Whenever that I am travelling outside the country, Jimi also go with me and whenever he is unable to, he will always make adequate preparations for my stay”.
The title of Otun of Ikorodu was previously conferred on late Chief S.O. Gbadamosi, a notable political icon, industrialist and a close ally of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while his son, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State and former Minister for National Planning and an art enthusiast, later took over the title after his death.
