Kunle Adelabu
It was another classy and colourful moment with the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and First Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, at this year’s edition of the Royal Banquet.
This royal banquet, which was the third in the series, has become a major part of the annual Ikorodu – Oga Day Celebration organized by the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
At the occasion, the seven candidates for the Miss Ikorodu Beauty pageant were unveiled to the audience and through a ballot process, seven out of the clubs and societies present also adopted the candidates.
Sir (Senator) Otunba Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) and former Minister of Works, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu, Chief (Hon.) Sanai Oyeniran Agunbiade, the former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Chief Monzor Olowoshago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun, Sir (Otunba) Wole Odulate, General Secretary, IDRDG and Chief Sulaimon Ogidi, the Ajiroba of Ikorodu, were some of the eminent Ikorodu sons that joined the royal family at the banquet.
Also joining in the celebration were clubs, associations, groups and corporate organisations that secured tables to dine and wine with the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and have joyous moments with the highly revered royal father.
Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Asiwaju Akeem Rotimi Erogbogbo, welcoming distinguished guests and clubs to the event, said that the auspicious occasion provided guests and members of the various clubs to unwind and spend quality evening with the Ayangbure.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, children of our fathers, it is my pleasure to welcome you, one and all, to this auspicious occasion. It is in our tradition as “Omo bibire Ikorodu”, to take time off the hectic schedules that we run to unwind, revitalize and network afresh, away from the maddening grind of Lagos traffic and the hustle and bustle of work”, he said.
“We thank Alayeluwa for this forum. I’ve travelled far and I’ve travelled wide, I can tell you that Kabiyesi is a king like no other. While other kings would rather hold functions like this in the security of their sanctum and palaces, Kabiyesi is so free and comfortable among his subjects that he acceded to holding this royal banquet here. The true test of leadership is the accessibility of the people to the leader.
“HRM, our Kabiyesi, is accessible to us. Not only is he accessible to us, he gives listening ears to our yearnings. Kabiyesi o! ki ade pe lo ri, ki bata pe le se.
“An old adage says there is time for work and a time to play. To be better put it, it says there is time for work and time for faaji. The truism of that adage speaks to our work-life balance. All work and no play makes Omo Ikorodu an unhinged man or woman.
“Our play today, however, has a different flavour and dimension because our people say in our jokes, truths are embedded (idi ere lati mo oto). The truth today is that the conviviality of this gathering is good and apt for renewing acquaintances, closing deals and getting contacts long desired.
“This event affords each club the opportunity to take a royal picture with Kabiyesi. Please, be prompt about it as soon as you are called, and leave the stage immediately for the next club or group as we do not want to keep His Majesty standing for too long”, Erogbogbo said.
Erogbogbo charged sons and daughters of Ikorodu, to be part of the activities lined up for the celebration of the 32nd Ikorodu – Oga Day, and take advantage of the daily market expo.
“Let me seize this opportunity to encourage you to take maximum advantage of the festival. Each day opens a new vista. Do not miss out. Whatever you do, do not miss the grand finale on Saturday the 18th. Invite your friends and family to take advantage of Market Expo which runs every day till Friday for the best Christmas buys. Together, we shall do much greater”, the IKODASS Chairman said.
“I equally seize the opportunity to encourage every member club of IKODASS, to put their shoulder to the task. I heartily thank all clubs present here today and encourage you to continue to show up. You are the examples others need to emulate.
“And to those not here I say, IKODASS is a moving train. Join hands with us to develop our city because no one else; no government, no other institution will do it for us if we do not do it ourselves. Our strength is in our standing together as one”.
He also used the occasion to urge residents to support the proposed SMSE Hub in Ikorodu which he said would be of great support to the social and economic development of Ikorodu.
“The proposed SMSE Hub to be sited in Kasolori, is a clarion call to all clubs and groups to show up and be counted. When fully functional, the hub will significantly reduce cost of our SMSEs traveling all over the place in search of registration and certification, because all relevant agencies of government will have offices at the hub”, he said.
Clubs and groups at the royal banquet with the Ayangbure, were: l-Heroes, Knight Club, Ikorodu Crystal Club, Tobalase (Obinrin), Sky Club, Egbe Arobayo, Women of Substance, Kiki Ewa Social Club, Egbe Gbogeniyi, and the Achievers Club.
Others were: Gbobaniyi, Seyiponmile Group, Beautiful Women, Tobalase (Okunrin), Likeminds and Eko On Point.
