Kunle Adelabu
-Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya calls for confirmation of more Obas in Ikorodu
It was all grand celebration and festivities as the people of Elepe and Igbogbo Kingdoms rolled out drums to celebrate the conclusion of the installation and coronation activities for the first Fidimolu of Elepe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) AbdulGaniu Adekoyejo Omotayo, Olutemowo1.
The coronation reception took place on Sunday at the Elepe Secondary, Elepe in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.
Oba Omotayo was installed by the Lagos State Government with the presentation of staff of office and certificate on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Secretariat , after which he proceeded to the ‘Ipebi’ (place of traditional seclusion) which he concluded on Friday, September 13, 2024, and triumphantly exited with parades and ceremonies.
His coronation ceremony also started on this day having successfully concluded the ‘Ipebi’ rites.
It was the celebration of the journey that started about eight months back, the people of Elepe and Igbogbo Kingdoms, Royal fathers, government functionaries and other guests gathered to celebrate.
In attendance at the grand ceremony where music was supplied by King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1, were His Royal Majesties, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba (Engr.) Dr. Adewale Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibrshe and Oba David Raji, the Eweye of Isiu. Other royal fathers at the event were the Alayeluwa from Igbajo Ijesha and the Olota of Ota Ikosi.
Also in attendance xere Rep. Babajimi Benson, who chaired the occasion, Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan Adetokunbo, representative of Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. Sesan Daini, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo -Alogba, Chairman, Ijede LCDA,Princess Folashade Olabanji – Oba, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor, Lagos State,
Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, GAC chieftain and Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, the Asiwaju of Ibeshe Kingdom, Mr Dammy Olowoshago, Permanent Secretary, Housing Ministry, LASG, Mr Waheed Kasali, Permanent Secretary, Tertiary Education and Mr Adebayo Odusanya, Permanent Secretary Works among others.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, His Royal Majesty (Oba) Barr. Semiudeen Orimadegun, opened the ceremony with a royal pronouncement.
In his royal declaration, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu said that every necessary installation and coronation rites have been concluded that confirmed the first Fidimolu of Elepe Kingdom, Alaiyeluwa Oba AbdulGaniu Adekoyejo Omotayo, the Olutemowo1, as the ruler of Elepe
Oba Shotobi also confirmed that he has been inducted into the Ikorodu Division Oba & Chieftaincy Committee as a member.
The Ayangbure prayed for a long reign for the new Kabiyesi.
Rep. Babajimi Benson, representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency who chaired the coronation ceremony felicitated the monarch on his emergence and the conclusion of his coronation ceremony.
He pledged support for the monarch and his kingdom and also continuous quality representation to the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
He was represented by the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba.
Sen. Tokunbo Abiru was represented by Dr (Otunba) Saheed Ibikunle, and in his goodwill message congratulated the Fidimolu of Elepe and emphasised that his principal will continue to support the traditional institution.
He also pledged the Senator’s support in terms of infrastructural development of Elepe.
Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, the Asiwaju of Ibeshe Kingdom, in his remarks at the coronation, congratulated the Fidimolu of Elepe Kingdom.
He called for the confirmation of more traditional rulers in Ikorodu which he said has the least among other divisions in the state:
“Ikorodu is very large with so many settlements that are in need of kingship
“We have many Baales that are seeking for upgrading and we are appealing to the Council of Obas and Chiefs and the Lagos State Government to hasten their confirmation and increase the number of Obas in Ikorodu as they are doing in other parts of the state.
“Ikorodu has the least number of Obas in Lagos State and it is not because we don’t have settlements that are deserving and qualified.”
Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya furthermore raised positive expectations, “We hope to see confirmation of more Obas in Ikorodu following the coronation of Fidimolu of Elepe.”
Various interests including branches of the royal and chieftaincy families in Igbogbo and Elepe, members of Adeborwa – in – Council, Ayangbure – in – Council and Olubeshe – in – Council, clubs and associations, market associations, artisans and the All Progressives Congress (APC), among others were represented at the grand ceremony.
