There would have been no better time to give Ipakodo people a king than now when they had grown so hungry, so thirsty for it almost to the point of giving up hope. And the tussle ended, the crisis stopped, the courts of law adjudicating on the matter took their hands off and even joined in the peace effort and harmonization of the feuding parties to the vacant Obaship throne in that community.
For nearly twenty (20) years the stool was vacant, for about eighteen (18) years, the tussle for succession of Late Oba Hassan Jimbo raged from the traditional court to the high and higher courts.
Ipakodo suffered for it, the community stagnated in development. The regent of the town had his hands full. There was obviously a limit to his powers and his output. So, the people yearned and cried out for the resolution of this issue which finally ended around November last year to pave the way for the installation/coronation of a new Oba.
There could have been no better day or venue for this historic event. The choice of Ipakodo Ferry Terminal for the event was superb. It is the most spacious, most beautiful and most suitable place to host event in that community.
The date, Thursday February 1, 2018, was another good decision, a fine weather period, mild harmattan and bright sunny day.
No wonder, the turnout was huge, the excitement hung in the air. These cool sea breeze blew across the ferry terminal. Overlooking the lagoon, the massive audience had the scintillating pleasure of a beach party. The canopies shot into the sky, the ferry terminal passenger shades provided a fascinating pavilion for the very important personalities who graced the occasion.
It was the official installation and presentation of Staff of Office and instrument of appointment to Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa (Osomeku I, Sekumade of Ipakodo) by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.
It was the biggest event to be held in that bruised community in recent years. All road led to that strategic location which also houses the former Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, now Dangote Group of Industries. The ceremony was scheduled for 10a.m.
By 7am, security forces and operational vehicles had positioned themselves along the two main routes to that terminal from Majidun direction and from Ikorodu/Ebute officials of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps had stationed their colorful vans along the routes with their men, aid and those of the police force, Onyabo, and Rapid Response Squad on ground.
The small, but mighty community, came alive that day. The deprived community members trooped to the terminal with drums, music and instruments to rejoice with their new king.
The organisers had alerted the various non indigenous groups operating or residing in Ipakodo to feature at the event.
The ruling All Progressives Congress members were also in their good elements and were outstanding at the occasion.
By 9:30a.m, the venue was shaking with guests, Muslims groups and traditionalists in their white robes and Agbada, traditionalists bare chested wore their skimpy white attires, while Baales and some high chiefs came in their regalias.
Dignitaries were not in short supply nor the royalty as the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, stormed the venue with all the Obas in the division and their various councils – name Ayangbure in Council from Ikorodu, Ranodu in council from Imota, Adeboruwa in council from Igbogbo, Obateru in council for Egbin and Olubeshe in council for Ibeshe.
The carnival – like atmosphere interfaced with arrival of other dignitaries from Lagos and other parts of the state while the roll call of eminent persons was long and rich. Even when the Governor was clearly not physically gracing the occasion, Ambodian Standards of punctuality and security were strictly observed. The event flagged off by 10a.m while there were normal security checks including maritime security patrols by Boats along the water fronts.
Ipakodo people could not wait to see this event. To them, it was like a dream come true. “At last, we now have a king”, muttered one indigene. Another resident responded quickly that, “the storm is over.” The starved, deprived, headless and cajoled community has bounced back among the community of town in Lagos State. The princes and princesses of this kingdom, the honourary and traditional chiefs of the town will now walk tall among their counterparts from other kingdoms. The ruling family members, including our bossom friend Alhaji T.S. Animashaun, had been singing Halleluyah songs since it was announced that they had resolved the tussle in their favour. He had been grateful to God and hoping for a greater Ipakodo of the future.
Different stakeholders, including council officials, CDAs market associations, muslim groups, the Christian Association of Nigeria, NURTW members, various community leaders, etc. were ably represented by the time the ceremony kicked off with prayers and the national anthem.
Members of Oba Shotobi’s kitchen cabinet notably Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun, and other Ikorodu influential indigenes were also present. Recognition of dignitaries which began at about 9a.m dove tailed into the start of the function.
For the Honourable Commissioner of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon Muslim Folami, it was a busy occasion. He doubled as Commissioner of his ministry and representative of Governor Ambode at the event. For this reason, he had to make many speeches and decided that each one must be brief. His welcome address was preceded by cultural displays by Yoruba, Igbo, Arewa and other groups. Conventional band music overlapped with music supplied by traditional drummers, praise singers and other instrumentalists and the voices of women in politics who interspersed the commentaries as microphone with their vociferous choruses.
Hon. Folami, a humble and gentle officer, did not make himself loud, proud nor arrogant throughout the event. He showed elements of a good and loyal subordinate to his master.
The arrival of the Obas from the towns in Ikorodu division earlier had become the most noticeable and colourful aspect of the ceremony. Their convoy drove into the area in style as the monarchs alighted from their posh cars to the waiting hands of their new colleague and his supporters. The entourage included Oba Shotobi of Ikorodu, Oba Fatai Agoro of Imota, Oba Semiudeen Kasali of Igbogbo Oba Richard Ogunsanya of Ibeshe and Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo of Egbin. They were well received by the audience and well applauded. Not discounting Obas from outside Ikorodu who were also present (see Guests lists).
The arrival of the kings was like a royal rumble in the jungle.
The preambles dragged the commencement of the event to 11:10 am when the Chief Imam of Ipakodo Central mosque gave the opening prayer, complemented by a Pastor from the Christian Association of Nigerian, Ikorodu West Chapter. A traditional prayer was also offered by one of the priests.
Mr. Folami’s welcome address was concise. He confirmed that the state government was performing the ceremony of this day in accordance with the promising of the laws of the state which followed due process. He appreciated all the stakeholders who had turned up as witnesses of the installation.
Assisted by the Permanent Secretary in the Local Government ministry, Hon. Folami soon went into the Governor’s Keynote address (see box) which melted into a catalogue of projects executed and current achievements of Governor Ambode’s administration.
The three formal/legal protocols of the day were performed under thirty (30) minutes. They are the installation of the new king, followed by the presentation of Staff of Office and lastly, presentation of the instruments of appointment to the new king.
The new Oba, an engineer by profession close to being an octogenarian Oriwu Club member, had stepped out from his VIP stand to the open arena for these investiture/presentations by Hon. Folami.
The conclusion of the formalities was like the end of a world cup football match whereby the victorious team dashes into celebrations.
The Ferry terminal erupted in ecstasy with solos of music, drums and dances. The ground shook with joy as the new king with his supporters went round the arena to appreciate the audience and get felicitations from his subjects.
The ovation for the new Oba was loud. He beamed with smiles as he went from stand to stand, from canopy to canopy, acknowledging people and being congratulated by the people.
It was now time for the new Kabiyesi to respond. In muffled voice and hamstring tones, he spoke gently and almost inaudibly. He did not look frail but his voice typified that of a man wearied by the long tussle for the throne. (See box for his address).By 12:45p.m, the event was over and it was like a music festivals a drum beat competition. sounds exploded from all directions as people jubilated with Ipakodo people and the new royal family.
The palace of the new king with interlocked ground floors, fresh colours and new looks seem ready for work of governance to commence fully in that community.
Oriwu Sun wishes the new monarch and his kingdom great achievements ahead.
