These writers may not have been to the White House in Washington DC, USA or Buckingham Palace in London but we can tell you that we will soon have an equivalent of these palaces here in Ikorodu.
Oba Kabiru Shotobi, a powerful dresser, a wealthy Oba and a King with good taste is set to extend the innovation he started when he renovated Ipebi and Awofin to the main Ayangbure Palace where he is pioneering an extension palace that is an architectural wonder and masterpiece.
The Lagos State Government under Governor Fashola had built new palaces for the Obas in the state using a model/standard except the one for the Oba of Lagos.
The new Ayangbure Palace has about three (3) or four bedrooms, not enough accommodation for the Kings household nor for high profile guests of the King and Queen. Ikorodu people and their Oga dignity decided that the king must have an adjoining palace befitting of his status.
The Kabiyesi who is good at carrying his people along had contacted stakeholder’s and community leaders on his plan to build a new palace extension. He solicited for the support of his subjects.
A master architectural design was produced which an expert estimated will cost between N140 and N150million when completed.
The magnificent palace is slated to be completed in one year.
At a dinner held on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at his palace, more than N30million was realized from donations and more people are still donating while those who are not yet aware are urged to send in their own financial support.
The female pride of Ikorodu, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija nee Ogbara, that wealthy woman of substance from Ikorodu is expected to be part of this project. It will be recalled that last year August during the coronation of Oba Shotobi, she had promised to build this extension palace. It was during the conferment of a chieftaincy title on her brother, Chief Kazeem Ogbara that she made the pledge at the request of the palace.
Being an honorauble lady, it is hoped that she will fulfil this pledge soon and help give Ikorodu a palace that will become a tourist attraction. As at the time of going to press, discussions were still going on with Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija on this project execution which heightens the expectation of people that the time frame given for its construction will be met.
