Eight months after ascending the throne of his forefathers, the Eweye of Isiwu kingdom in Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oba Olukayode Raji Balogun, Olugbade l, has installed the first traditional Chief of his reign.
The monarch, on Saturday, February 20, 2021, installed Chief Afuwape Sadiku from the Solaja descendant family of lsiwu amidst joy and pomp. He was presented for the traditional position by his family and Ajo Babalawo (Association of lfa priests). His emergence as a young Araba will, no doubt, fulfil his father’s dream, who was picked for the same position but died before his traditional installation by the late former Oba–elect of Isiwu, Oladeinde, who himself joined his ancestors before completing his coronation rites.
Oba Balogun, while speaking shortly after the installation ceremony, charged the new Araba, who is the head of all Babalawos (Ifa priests) in Isiwu, to be a good intermediary between the gods, palace and entire people of Isiwu by interpreting his divinations correctly. “Araba is a noble position and we expect our new Chief to be responsible. He should play his roles accordingly in the community and he should not deceive the King and the people on what the Oracle says. He resembles his father in everything and in all respect. He is respectful, trustworthy, humble, peaceful and loyal.”
The new Araba, who felt happy and fulfilled with his installation, assured the royal father of his commitment and dedication to the development of Isiwu traditionally and in other aspects. He also assured Isiwu people that he will do and discharge all the duties that are expected of him to ensure that they are proud of him and do not regret supporting him.
In attendance at the ceremony were Chief (Mrs) Adeola Agunbiade, the Yeye Opomulero of Ikorodu Kingdom, Pastor Emmanuel Olusoji Ogunbela, Olotu Agbogba Royal Family, Chief Waheed Otaiku Onayemi , Olotu Onafoyin Royal Family, Chief Adeniyi Ogunbela, Olotu Solaja descendant Family, Chief Toyin Okematti, Secretary Onafoyin Royal Family, Cheif Wasiu Showemimo, Ibikeji Olotu Agbogba, Asiwaju Wale Ogunbela, Asiwaju of Isiwu Land and Com. Wasiu Raji, Chairman, Isiwu Youth Development.
Others in attendance were Chief Efuwape Sadiku, Araba Ikorodu, Chief Rashidi Ayedun, Araba of Imota and Secretary of Arabas in Lagos State, Chief Ifasoore Efuwape, Araba of Igbogbo, Chief Ifagbenro Afuwape Atunfagbon, Araba of Ipakodo, Chief Ifayiga Afifagbola, Asoju, Chief Ademola Fatai, Araba of Ogijo, Chief Awosola Taiwo Fatosin (Akifakandodo), Ààrẹ Asunyere of Ogijo