The Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Alhaji (Chief) Monzor Olowosago, along with other prominent people, on Saturday August 6, 2016, got a deserved recognition for their outstanding contribution to the development and upliftment of Ikorodu Kingdom from the paramount ruler of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, who also launched a N150 million palace project.
Chief (Dr.) Olowosago, who had been the Baroyin of Ikorodu Kingdom since 1991, got re-affirmation and recognition for this title including an official seal and a certificate, along with others being installed newly during the one year anniversary of Oba Shotobi’s reign at the palace pavilion, Ikorodu. Monzor was previously installed Baroyin by the late Oba of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Oyefusi but the Iwuye ceremony was not performed until now.
Those installed along with him include, Hon. Sanai Oyeniran Agunbiade and his wife as Opomulero of Ikorodu kingdom; Alhaja Adeola Thairat Agunbiade as Yeye Opomulero of Ikorodu Kingdom; Otunba Akinola Adegoke Awomodu as Otunba Ogbonyari and Anoko of Ikorodu Kingdom; Chief (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Ayisat Awomodu as the Otun Bewaji of Ikorodu Kingdom; Alhaji (Chief) Abdulfatai Abdulwahab Abiodun as Obafuwaju of Ikorodu Kingdom; Alhaja Fausat Atinuke Wahaab Abiodun as Yeye Obafunwaji of Ikorodu kingdom; Alhaji (Chief) Aliu Animashaun as Mayegun of Ikorodu Kingdom and Alhaja (Chief) Mrs. Animashaun as Yeye Mayegun of Ikorodu Kingdom.
When it was Monzor’s turn to be installed by Oba Shotobi, who arrived earlier around 2:00pm,
escorted under a majestic umbrella along with his wife, Olori Kudirat Shotobi and others, Olowosago’s name was resonated by the former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, Otunba Ayodele Elesho. According to Elesho, who is the compere of the event, Monzor was installed during the reign of Oba Oyefusi, when he was still the chairman of NASFAT, but the title was not officially recognized then. Praising the Publisher’s contribution to the development of Ikorodu and for supporting Oba Shotobi’s enthronement, he said: “We went to the U.S twice and he had never relented in his efforts as a community leader. Oriwu Sun, may God be with you,” he stated.
Olowosago’s family, including the beautiful wife of the publisher, Mrs. Abiodun Olowosago turned out in splendid dresses while the celebrant appeared in light green inflated Agbada with splashes of deep brown. Any casual observer would have thought that he was preparing to go off into outer space without any cap on his head. That was the outfit being donned by men who were installed as honourary chiefs that day while the women tied a wrapper with deep brown blouses. To show their obeisance to the kings, all those escorting the Publisher went down on all fours, and when they arose, the king began the installation rites and recitations, which eventually culminated in the celebrant stooping towards the kabiyesi, who capped him with the honourary title, ‘Baroyin’ and gave him a certificate, which admitted him into the council of honourary chiefs was issued.
Immediately after the installation and recognition, Chief Monzor Olowosago went round to greet the guests and other titled chiefs. He then descended from the Oba S.A.A. Oyefusi Pavilion and took measured steps towards the Gbedu section, where the Gbedu drummers were busy dishing out inspirational beats for those who have distinguished themselves in their various professions and contributed immensely to the development of the town. A celebrant is also expected to demonstrate his spraying prowess by dishing out money to the drummers. The Oriwu Sun Publisher also took few dance steps to respond to the bouts of praises being heaped on him and the Olowosago family. Part of the process of the installation included decking the celebrant with cap and extended bead necklace. Those that accompanied him were expected to drop money in a pan.
As one installation ceremony ended and guests and families stepped out of the pavilion, other families and friends took the center stage. The person to be installed was Otunba Akinola Awomodu and his wife, Ayisat, who had a very large crowd of friends and family members. The recitation and installation rites were the same for all the new honourary chiefs and their wives. One particular thing was very conspicuous during the ceremony – everyone had his own entertainment center, where there was a canopy with assorted foods and drinks. However, Oba Awomodu’s tent was outstanding and unique.
Oba’s palace was like a five star hotel with thick aroma of festivity hanging in the air. The guests ate, drank and merried. Various uniformed groups, traditional rulers, chiefs, market men and women, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and other professional associations were at the event to pay homage to kabiyesi.
Security operatives were not left out at as many of them were present manning every strategic corner of the palace and watching meticulously for any semblance of trouble. Among them were soldiers in their green camouflage with their blazing rifles. The policemen were attired in their usual sky-blue shirts and black trousers and were seen all over the place while the mobile ones appeared in dark green and green. Onyabo security group, who looked fierce in their black pullover were the ones manning the entrance to the palace.
The Osugbo cult members also took center stage and were seen in their shirtless form, tying wrappers around their waist. Onward Brass Band also featured at the event and helped to escort the honourary chiefs to the Oba S.A.A. Oyefusi Pavilion. Also present were favour seekers, who demand money from the honourary chiefs. Other drummers, who engage in praise-singing for money from the celebrant, were not left out.
