It was a very busy day on Tuesday May 7, 2019 for His Majesty, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, who just returned from his trip to the United States, as he received two powerful security officers of the nation to buttress the most burning issue in the country today, insecurity, and his determination to tackle it in his domain.
As terrorism, banditry, kidnapping herdsmen/farmers’ clashes, etc. ravage the Northern States while cultism resurfaced in Ikorodu division, Ikorodu monarch eagerly received Army Brigade Commander, Brigader General. A Brigade Nigeria Army, Ikeja Cantonment who came on that Tuesday to pay a courtesy visit to him; he came with a retinue of other officers, including the new Commanding Officer of 174 Batalion at Odogunyan, ………………………..
Later in the day, he also welcomed a top Mobile Police Officer, ACP Dandabo Idi who came separately on a similar visit.
As early as 11a.m, top traditional chiefs, members of the Oba’s kitchen cabinet and some prominent citizens had arrived at the palace to welcome the visitors.
Brig General N.M Jegga, Commanding a Brigade of the Nigerian Army located in Ikeja Cantonment, arrived the Ayangbure palace with his escort and a strong convoy.
The top military officer, who spent over two hours during the visit, had informed the Kabiyesi that since he comes from a royal lineage, he understands the importance of this kind of visit and believes it was necessary to appreciate the Kabiyesi for the support he had been giving the military personnel in his domain.
He told the audience that he had earlier scheduled the visit in writing but due to Kabiyesi’s trip abroad, it was deferred. He affirmed that it was necessary to get royal blessing in any domain the military operates; hence, he recognizes the need to pay courtesy calls to Obas in the State.
Oba Shotobi picked up where the Brigade Commander Jega and his accompanying PRO, who made a preambular introduction, stopped. In turn, he introduced members of his traditional chiefs, cabinet and other important personalities present.
The Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Chief Monzor Olowosago, anchored the programe of the visit until Otunba Ayodele Elesho took over.
The monarch told the visitors the traditional history of Ikorodu kingdom, highlighting the institutions, the royalty, the festivals and other important signposts.
Then, he delved into security matters, especially the need for the military and other security agencies such as Police, Onyabo Vigilante Group, Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) Neighbourhood Watch etc. to secure lives and properties of residents.
He expressed concern over the meddling of soldiers into land matters, citing cases where Ajagungbales (land grabbers) used soldiers to build on land that are not theirs.
The Kabiyesi stressed that only the Police can step into land matters, not the military.
The Brigade Commander promised to look into this complaint and solicited for the Oba’s support for the new Commanding Officer of 174 Battalion.
Thereafter, the Oba and his guest went into a closed door meeting to discuss other strategic security matters outside public preview.
When they emerged from the tete-a-tete, the Oba and his hosts had a photo session with their visitors at the palace ground and thereafter departed.
