The long wait by the people of Isiu community in Ikorodu North area of Ikorodu division to get their first Oba came to historic end on Monday, August 24,The long 2020, when a new monarch, His Royal Highness, Oba Olukayode David Raji, received his Staff of Office and certificate as the Eweye of Isiu.
The two ruling houses in the ancient town, Agbogba ruling house and Onafonyin ruling house, were said to have been enmeshed in a protracted battle over the coveted throne for over three decades which prevented the crowning of an Oba, while the new monarch is said to be related to the two ruling houses.
The eventual installation of Oba Raji as the first monarch of Isiu, however, could be described as manifestation of Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, recent proclamation that an Oba would be installed in the town before the end of this year.
The revered monarch was also reported to have played a major role in the process that led to the emergence of Oba Raji as the first Eweye of lsiu.
The presentation of both the Staff of Office and certificate to the new Oba was held at the Conference Room of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, while preventing the Staff of Office and certificate to Oba Raji, congratulated him on his installation as the new Eweye of Isiu.
At the brief presentation ceremony were the Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon. Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini and family members of the monarch.
On arrival back in Ikorodu, the new monarch’s entourage first point of call was the palace of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu where they were warmly received by Oba Shotobi.
The new Eweye of Isiu, before entering the Ayangbure palace, danced to the traditional ‘Gbedu’ drum with his Oloris and family members amidst frequent loud shout of “Kabiyesi oooo!.
Meanwhile, in his royal address while welcoming the new monarch to his palace, Oba Shotobi thanked the Lagos State Government for the approval and presentation of staff of office to the new Oba.
He also thanked and prayed for those that accompanied the new Eweye to Alausa to receive his Staff of Office and certificate.
Oba Shotobi charged the new monarch to see his installation as an opportunity to contribute to the development of Isiu and Ikorodu division in general.
‘We have been on this for a while and we thank God that it has come to fruition today.
“As we are going into Isiu now, we have to exercise patience and act in peaceful manner”, Oba Shotobi advised.
Also, Oba Shotobi stated that Ikorodu Division needs more traditional rulers and pledged to assist any deserving community in installing a monarch.
“We don’t have enough monarchs in Ikorodu Division. I am ready and prepared to champion the installation of traditional ruler in any part of the division that is deserving”, he said.
The new Eweye of Isiwu, Oba Raji, while speaking briefly at the Ayangbure palace, thanked Oba Shotobi and other Obas in the Division for their support.
He particularly commended Oba Shotobi for fully identifying with the process that led to his emergence.
While the new Oba was at the Ayangbure palace, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe and Oba Akeem Oriyomi, the Obateru of Egbin, called in to pray for him and his kingdom.
After leaving the Ayangbure palace, scores of traditional chiefs across the division, family members and well-wishers accompanied the new Oba to Isiu in a huge convoy led by men of the Nigeria police and Onyabo Vigilance group.
A large crowd of elated residents who had been waiting anxiously at the entry point of the town to receive their new Oba, erupted in euphoria on Oba Raji’s arrival and was immediately led to the community’s town hall in a Carnival-like atmosphere for a brief reception.
Oba Shotobi, while addressing the residents at the town hall, said he was happy to be installed as the new Eweye after 14 years of intense battle.
He assured the residents that he will operate an open door policy and be accessible to all and will not be vindictive to anyone irrespective of their disposition to his emergence.
He also prayed that his reign will usher in great development and progress that will make Isiu the envy of other communities.
In his own brief remarks, Hon. Olabisi Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, congratulated the new Eweye and wished him a successful reign.
While identifying the historic installation of Oba Raji as one of the numerous achievements of his administration, he assured that the council will work hand in hand with the new monarch to further move Isiu and entire Ikorodu North LCDA forward.
Also, some of the key members of the ruling houses in separate interviews with Oriwu Sun expressed their gratitude to God for the installation of a new Oba in Isiwu after a long wait.
They commended the state government, Oba Shotobi and other monarchs in Ikorodu division for the roles played in ensuring that an Oba is installed in Isiu.
While describing the emergence of the new Oba as a dawn of a new era in the community, they expressed confidence that Oba Raji’s reign will usher in good tidings and development.