Fifty days after the new Oba of Isiwu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji, the Eweye of Isiwu received his staff of office and certificate of recognition from the Lagos State Government, he made an appearance a bonafide king in his kingdom of Isiwu. Amidst the company of eight monarchs in Ikorodu Division, Oba Olukayode Raji made his first public appearance as King of Isiwu, in a grand style.
On October 15, 2020, the people of Isiwu came out en mass to celebrate their new king at the field of public Local Government Primary School, Isiwu. After the arrival of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the formal event took place. Other traditional rulers in the division arrived in one after the other and many political figures came in with their escorts.
After the welcoming of the officials to the high table, prayers were made and national anthems recited as required in public functions. Chairman of the Ikorodu North Local Council development Area, Honourable Deola Banjo was invited to give his welcome address.
The Chairman, who read from his three-page prepared speech, welcomed the special guests of honours, especially the Ayangburen and the Ranodu of Imota for their effort in actualizing the installation of the new Oba of Isiwu.
In his speech the chairman congratulated Oba Olukayo David Raji, the new Eweye of Isiwu for his unrelenting efforts to clinch the crown of the kingdom. “In the face of tribulations and challenges, you stood your ground. You paid the price to break the age-long jinx of Isiwu kingdom without a king. I know you have done this because of your love for your town and all praise to God that your efforts has been crowned by God Almighty and man…” Banjo commended the king.
The Ikorodu North LCDA Chairman took pride in telling the gathering how he was the Council Secretary who wrote the letter to the State Government about the Isiwu kingship two decades ago and how he is now the Chairman actualizing that struggle.
Having said his political anecdotes, the chairman pledged his full support to the new king and enjoined the people of Isiwu to embrace peace.
Leading seven other Obas in the division, Oba Kabiru Shotobi addressed curious pressmen who besieged His Royal Majesty with questions. According to Oba Shotobi, the installation of Oba Raji is a welcome development as the people now have a traditional representative to manage their immediate affairs. “Now that it has been actualized, we thank the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who listened to the yearnings of the people of Isiwu and approved the coronation of their Oba. Now that we have an Oba here, things will be conducted peacefully. There will be progress and prosperity in the land.” He advised the new Kabiesi to embrace all and sundry in the kingdom and be magnanimous enough to forgive those who opposed his mandate.
Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable S.O.B Agunbiade, said the ceremony means a lot to the people of Isiwu and Ikorodu Division because one more Oba has been added to the list of traditional rulers in the division. He added that the kingdom, which has been without an Oba for many years, has experienced setbacks in development. “Without an Oba, Isiwu suffered; before now, when you visit the kingdom, you would feel the absence of a king but now, all that has changed. An Oba has prominent roles to play in facilitating the progress and development in the community.” The Lawmaker said with the new Oba at the helms of affairs in the kingdom, issues in the community will be handled properly as the people now know who to channel their complaints to. Agunbiade, who emphasised on the importance of traditional rulers, said that Obas are revered in Yoruba land for the significant role they play. “A community without and Oba will not be the same with one who has an Oba,” the lawmaker philosophized.
Curious journalists pried into the new Oba’s mind, asking how he felt about the occasion. He responded by saying he felt happy to be crowned and that his kingdom is doing well. “I faced many challenges but we thank God, it ended well. There is no problem in Isiwu; as you can see we are all happy.” He thanked the State Government for his installation, and equally showed his gratitude to his fellow monarchs who stood by him, especially the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Ranodu of Imota and other notable rulers.
Speaking with pressmen, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiu Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, admonished sons and daughters of Isiwu to rally round the Kabiyesi to help foster development. “Today is a new dawn of a new era in Isiwu. I wish the Kabiyesi long life and prosperity. I also want to thank the Lagos State Governor for approving the kingship of Isiwu. This community needs the support during this time and the Governor considered them.” He advised his new counterpart to bring together everyone in the kingdom.
The Ranodu of Imota, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, expressed his satisfaction as one of their new counterparts just completed the rights of office. Oba Agoro prayed and wished Oba Olukayode Raji greater heights in his kingdom. The Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba … prayed for the new Oba of Isiwu and wished him long-life and prosperity. He advised his new counterpart to carry his people along.
The Omobowale of Ikorodu Kingdom, a retired Air Force Colonel, said he cancelled all his schedules to attend the coronation ceremony because the event is significant in the history of Ikorodu. The retired Air Colonel, who serves as head of Igbo ethnic group in Ikorodu, described the event as a great one, “You can see the radiant smile on the people’s faces as they welcome the new Oba.”
Thousands of spectators gathered around the royal tent to witness the coronation ceremony of the Eweye of Isiwu. Several tens of ten housed hundredths of well-wishers and people of Isiwu. Many dressed in bright coloured dresses and matching caps and headgears. The monarchs, who attended, all appeared in rich agbada attires in uniform Ankara. Different clans of Isiwu kingdoms identified themselves in distinct traditional wears and took turns to pay homage to their newly crowned Oba.
There was dance presentations and choreography from different troupes as they took turn to perform to the delight of the kings and special guests. The guests had enough to eat and wine. The atmosphere was radiant as people seemed happy. After the close of event, Oba Olukayode danced to the gbedu drummer’s melody as he moved on to his palace with his delighted entourage.
