Wale Jagun & Bolu Orebajo (SIWES Student)
-As ‘Owambe’, winner of IKODASS play writing competition unveils
It was royal honour for the Ojora of Ijora Land and Iganmu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) AbdulFatai Aromire, Oyegbemi II, as he was honoured with Royal Support Award at the royal banquet of the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) annually organized as one of the activities commemorating the Ikorodu – Oga Carnival.
At this year’s edition held on Sunday at Golden Kharis Event Centre, along Sabo – Itamaga Road, Ikorodu on Sunday, IKODASS also presented the book, ‘Owambe’, a play which emerged among others in the play writing competition of the association.
At the event hosted by the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Shotobi, and themed, “The King and His Subjects”, Mrs Anike Adekanye, Tutor – General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Lagos State, was honoured as an IKODASS Fellow.
Brand Support Awards were presented to Crown Flour Limited, Ikorodu Town Hall, Winners Golden Bet and Trophy International Breweries for their support to IKODASS for the success of the annual Ikorodu – Oga Carnival.
IKODASS Chairman, Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, welcoming royal fathers, eminent dignitaries and guests to the occasion said that the event was a celebration of the progress of Ikorodu and honour for the Ayangbure of Ikorodu.
While congratulating the awardees, IKODASS chairman thanked them for their support.
“Tonight, we gather in celebration of unity, respect, and progress as we pay tribute to the paramount leadership of our esteemed Oba, His Royal Majesty, Engr. Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, who is not only the Chairman of the Ikorodu Division Council of Traditional Rulers but also the Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas.
His Royal Majesty’s dedication to our community and his efforts as the coordinator of all Ijebu Obas in Lagos State demonstrate the strength and heritage of our beloved Ikorodu.
“A very warm congratulation goes to all our awardees. You have been carefully selected for your outstanding contributions to our community. Your dedication to the values we hold dear—godliness, selflessness, and hard work—serves as an inspiration to all. Through your efforts, Ikorodu continues to shine as a beacon of resilience and achievement,” he said.
He charged eminent personalities, groups and others at the occasion to continue to support IKODASS programmes.
“The Ikorodu Oga Day marks a coming together to celebrate, encourage each one. to support generously the developmental initiatives of the association known as IKODASS with a mission to drive Ikorodu forward as a centre of economic growth, cultural richness, and technological advancement.
“The commitment is creating a prosperous community that honours traditions while fostering progress and development.
“Your support tonight will strengthen our efforts to make Ikorodu a symbol of pride, not only for us but for future generations to come,” the IKODASS chairman submitted.
He specially thanked the CEO Golden Kharis Event Centre, Mr Segun Adeleke, for the support for the royal banquet.
Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu in his royal remarks commended the IKODASS Chairman whom he described as pride of Ikorodu for his initiatives since he has been in charge of the association.
Kabyesi said that this year’s banquet is being celebrated in a unique environment which is very befitting of the status of the ceremony. Oba Shotobo also congratulated IKODASS for the laudable achievements in the past years.
Oba Shotobi congratulated the Ojora of Ijora on the honoured bestowed on him by IKODASS, stating that:
“Ojora is deserving of the honour that is bestowed on him. “We value him and we cherish him. We shall never find him wanting.”
The royal father also used the opportunity to reinstate his stance on politics come 2027, where he said that Ikorodu Division of the state will settle for nothing except the Governorship position.
“My message which I am sending through Ojora is that what we want is the state governorship in 2027.”
HRM Oba Fatai Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora expressed his appreciation to the Ayangbure and the entire Ikorodu people for the honour”, Oba Shotobi said.
He congratulated Oba Shotobi for having good children that are assisting him with good initiatives that are bringing development.
The royal father was represented by Chief AbdulKareem Oladipupo Ojora, the Bashorun of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom.
“Congratulations for having what a lot of people don’t have – good children. Look at the marvelous things that they are doing in your present,” he said.
Mr Idowu Obasa, the Chief launcher of the book that won the IKODASS Writing Competition, aside donating generously, also pledged to work with IKODASS in making the book into a film.
“We are going to turn this book into a film. We will sponsor the film that will come out of this book.” he said.
Some of the Regberegbes and groups at the banquet were Kiki Ewa, Elite Akile Obirin of Ikorodu, Egbe Bobakeye, Egbe Bobagunwa, Egbe Gbobaniyi, Egbe Gbokeniyi, Arobayo, Market Associations, Development Platform, Knight Club, Progressives Minded Club and Ikorodu Town Hall management board among others.
