Kunle Adelabu
-As royal fathers, Regberegbes, others add colours, glamour
The annual Odun Osun, which is otherwise known as ‘Odun Oba’ or ‘Oba’s Festival’, and usually the first traditional festival in Ikorodu Kingdom, took another dimension this year like never before.
The grand finale of the festival, held on Tuesday, February 20, was attended by royal fathers across Lagos and Ogun States, especially those with close connection with the Ikorodu kingdom. They had all come to celebrate with His Royal Majesty, Oba (Alaiyeluwa) Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, and the 2nd Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The event also witnessed the launch of a book on Ikorodu, titled, “The Original Settlers: A Complete History of Ikorodu Indigenes”.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remo Land and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas & Chiefs, was the Royal Father of the Day with His Royal Majesties, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingom, and Oba Sulaimon Adeshina Raji, the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom as Royal Guests of Honour.
They were supported by royal fathers in Ikorodu Division – the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Bakare Ajibade Agoro; the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Obateru of Egbin Koinhgdom, Oba (Dr.) Akeem adeoriyomi Oyebo; Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Shotonwa; Olubsehe of Ibsehe, Oba Richard Ogunsanya; Eweye of Isiu, Oba Olukayode David Raji, and Oba Ahmed Moruf Ogunaike, Alagura of Agura.
The Regberegbes (social clubs, societies and associations) in Ikorodu, professional, cultural, royal families and individuals in their colourful attires, also added to the glamour.
Asiwaju (Pharm.) Steve Anifowoshe, in brief remarks as the Chairman of the occasion, endorsed the book and recommended it for all residents of Ikorodu.
“It is important for us all to know about our town, especially our children and this book will be of great assistance in that regard. As we all know, Ikorodu is the master and forever we shall be”, he said.
“I want to appeal to us all to get this book for ourselves and the future of our children, and I also appeal to guests to donate generously towards the launch of the book”.
The Chief Launcher, Otunba Akin Awomodu, unveiling the book, said that this year’s Odun Osun has proven Ikorodu does not only have master in social celebrations, but also education and other endeavours.
“This year’s Odun Osu is a different one since we have started celebrating it. Though, people outside Ikorodu always claim that we love social activities but with this year’s celebration, which has taken another dimension to the glory of God and kudos to our Kabiyesi for this, we have proven them wrong that we can combine academics with social”, he said.
“Today, we have explored the intellectual world to prove that we are equally excellent in academics and research the same way we are masters in social and entertainment.
“This is a kingdom with history and values that can be referenced. I am so much happy to be part of the history and the development of today. Our fathers used to sing that Ikorodu will be headquarters but today, it is now a super headquarter.
“I congratulate the Kabiyesi on this”.
Prof. A.O.K. Noah, a Professor of Sociology of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, who reviewed the book, said that the 214 page book addressed the issue of early settlers of Ikorodu, adding that anyone original Ikorodu person must be able to trace the root of his ancestors from it.
He recommended the book to all sons and daughters of Ikorodu Kingdom.
“The book is all about the history of Ikorodu and his people. It contains names of the original settlers in lkorodu and if your forebear name is in it, then, you need to retrace your root”, he said.
“This is a must – read book. I read it for three weeks and it is a good read. It is a book of 214 pages.
“We must buy this book for all our children that are abroad for them to know where they actually belong in Ikorodu. Through this book, out children, both home and abroad, will be fully aware of the status of their families and fathers.
“The book does not talk about fight over the Ayangbure throne or any other position. It is also not about some people criticizing the other”, the book reviewer added.
The scholar of several years standing, in his review, also said that the book would assist students of Ikorodu extraction the opportunity to know about what they are usually being asked during admission interview.
“This book would also assist our children when they are appearing before the screening panel during their admission process to answer questions pertaining to Ikorodu and their families”, he said.
“It is very difficult for any student claiming Ikorodu to secure admission if he or she is unable to tell panelists his or her quarter in Ikorodu and the chieftaincy title attached to his family and also unable to answer the name of the first Oba in Ikorodu”, he added.
While recommending the book to everyone, Prof. Noah also charged the author to ensure that the soft copy of the book is made available online for easy access.
“We must ensure that this book is available not only in hard copies but also online so that people globally could know what Ikorodu people are doing”, he charged.
“In this book, each family will know the chieftaincy title that belongs to them and those that they are not entitled to. Through this, each and every one will be cautioned on where to lay claims.
“The author, Owolabi, is not in any way calling out anybody, rather, he is telling the history of Ikorodu. I recommend this book to everyone in Ikorodu, to buy the book and make it available for their children”, Prof. Noah said.
Also, at this year’s Odun Osu grand finale were many other royal fathers, dignitaries, representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, royal families in Ikorodu and others.
Also in attendance were Osugbo, Erelus, Omoba Lasunwon, Omoba Ranodu, Council of Honourary Chiefs in Ikorodu Kinhgdom led by Asiwaju Steve Anifowoshe, the Asiwaju of Ikorodu, Market association led by Deaconess (Chief) Mrs Busola Isikalu, the Iya Oloja General and Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) led by Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo.
Among the Regberegbes on ground were Gbogeniyi, Bobakeye, Tobalase and Bobamayegun and others.
The 2024 Osu festival started with ‘Iselu’ (ban on entertainment) on Wednesday, February 7th, and on Thursday, February 15th, the celebration began at Awofin with ‘lsilu’ (lifting of ban).
This was followed by ‘Odogun’ and ‘Rogunyo’ activities on Saturday, February 17th, at Ajina, while the day for the ‘Imoshin’ was on Sunday, February 18th at Awofin and Agbole Adegorushen, Ajina, lkorodu.
