Glamour, colour, joy of declaration in Epe
The twenty three (23) Ijebu Obas and their chiefs who stormed Epe that 
morning did not hide or pretend about their mission on that fateful Tuesday March 27, 2018 nor did they keep anyone in doubt about their choice of venue for the programe.
Over 100 titled men and women of different ranks, all dressed in impeccable white robes gathered at the VIP Jubilee Chalets hall in Epe for two purposes to inaugurate the Lagos State Ijebu Traditional Rulers Forum and secondly to endorse Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for second term in office.
One would have mistaken the venue for a meeting of the angels. The magnificent Jubilee Chalet Hall in and out is painted white. From the ceiling, to the lighting, to the floor, to the Obas and their wives and traditional/cabinet chiefs, all reflected white – the colour of purity and peace.
Ijebus are known for their shrewdness and doggedness. From different parts of Lagos State
hey came to Epe, a domain the APC led Ambode’s administration has transformed to a beautiful city. It is a venue neither the opposition PDP nor any other contending force can come to raise a dissenting voice.
It was chosen as an ideal place to endorse Epe’s son who has made his people proud to continue with the mantle of leadership.
The highly upgraded and sublimely transformed jubilee chalets located near the water front, serviced by sea breeze and enjoying the serenity of government reserved areas was wearing a splendid look on that Tuesday.
From the entrance of the complex which looks like a tunnel’s gate through the walls to the pavements and lawns, were either white, black or green colour.
Laid on a vast expanse of land the approach of which looks like a reclaimed surface, jubilee Chalets as a whole are a wonderful place for all kinds of retreats, – spiritual, social, intellectual etc. It is one of
the legacies of Ambode’s administration, a beautiful place to serve the Lekki
Free Trade Zone and the industrial axis springing up between Epe, Ajah
and Victoria Island. When kings and their queens move, they do so with royal drums,
praise singers and kingdom dancers. Different cultural groups had assembled
at the venue by 9a.m to await the dignitaries from Ikorodu division, Epe divison, Ibeju-Lekki and other parts of Lagos State.
The two thousand (2000) seater Jubilee Chalet main Hall was full. About twenty (20) Oloris and scores of traditional and honourary chiefs (some with their wives) were seated by 11a.m when the event was flagged off with recognitions/introductions of the eminent persons.
Two royal majesties, Oba Akeem Okuola Adesanya (JP), the Alara of Ilara, Epe division and HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu were among the pilots of the event. The former is the permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Chairman Lagos State Ijebu Traditional Rulers Forum, while the latter is also the permanent Vice Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs but Vice Chairman, Lagos State Ijebu Traditional Rulers Forum.
The twenty three (23) Ijebu Obas in the state were warmly and colourfully introduced and applauded with their Oloris, after which there were bouts of traditional cultural displays.
As the audience were being entertained by these displays, other dignitaries present were being recognized and appreciated. All over the arena men and women of Ambode grassroot volunteers with their green apron vest were visible everywhere, welcoming guests and rendering services.
As expected, security was tight as men of Rapid Response Squad, regular police, Lagos State, Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and other Security arms kept watch and maintained orderliness at the venue.
The Ijebu Obas chairman, Oba Adesanya later presented the welcome address read by Oba Kabir Shotobi (See box). The address which highlighted the achievements of Ambode’s administration especially in Lagos East Senatorial district applauded the incumbent administration for their efforts.
The Ijebu Obas Forum emphasized their loyalty to and existence as a component of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs led by Oba Riliwanu Akiolu. They sought the opinion of the huge audience, applying the same democratic principles as Nigerian Legislators use in votes on motions to seek for the endorsement of Ambode for a second term – The yes had it.
After the voice vote, the floor was opened for a floodgate of goodwill messages.
It was a day of mixed feelings and reactions. While some wondered if it was right for royal fathers to delve into politics by endorsing a sitting governor eager for a second term, others felt that the Obas and their chiefs were right. As fathers they should encourage any of their sons doing well and muster support for such a progressive son.
One Oba told Oriwu Sun that no one can blame them because a father welcomes every of his children and is expected not to turn back or turn down the ambition of a hardworking son. Any political aspirant who comes to a royal father for support ought to get the blessings requested. The rest is left to the political parties and the electorate.
It was not surprising therefore that different organisations, groups and individuals from within and outside used this forum not only to praise Governor Ambode and send their goodwill messages to him, they endorsed his second term ambition and requested for amenities and other expectations from his government.
The catalogue of demands/requests was a tall order. From CDA officials, to different organizations, it was like another Town Hall Meeting of the Governor where the citizens/electorate offload their burdens at the feet of their leader.
For more than one hour, the goodwill messages poured out each one or group reeling out the great achievements of Dapo Akinwunmi Ambode in the past three years and justifying his superlative qualification for a second term in office.
The two interwoven activities – the inauguration of the Ijebu Obas forum and the endorsement blended well. Most of the speeches were made in native Ijebu language by the Obas, Chiefs and dignitaries to buttress the points they made.
If anyone expected Governor Ambode to be at that venue, the person must be politically naïve. Trust politicians, he must have been aware of that gathering but obviously he and his wife were not there. Only the Obas, their Olori’s and other outspoken individual did the spade works, canvassing for support for the man who has brought fame, honour and development to Epe more than even the late Michael Otedola (once governor of the state) ever contemplated.
The event drew people from different segments of the state. Even from the remote Rofo Estate Odogunyan in North Eastern Part of Lagos State, came Ambode’s grass root volunteers – Suleiman (Coordinator), – Adegunwa, Adewale and other areas as Langbasa, Agbowa etc.
The four hour programme which began at about 11am ended at 3p.m as the Obas and their chiefs returned to the chalet for their luncheon.
