The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi August 4, 2017 had interaction with the eminent personalities of Ikorodu and a dinner to commemorate his second coronation anniversary, where issues bordering on criminal activities in Ikorodu, especially Badoo menace were discussed. Other things discussed included developmental projects and Lagos state Government plan.
However, dinning the gathering, which was the fourth in the series organized by Oba Shotobi, he stated that constant killings by Badoo had sent jitters down the spines of residents to the extent that Ikorodu sons and daughters in diaspora would start seeing their town as a crime-prone city.
The Monarch then revealed that the various steps he took coupled with that of the security agencies, the Onyabo, engagement with the youth groups and traditionalists had started yielding positive results.
According to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, the commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni visited his Palace on April 21, 2017, where all traditional rulers and chiefs discussed security challenges such as ritual killings, kidnappings and other crimes.
Oba Shotobi also revealed that when the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lagos State, Major-General P.J Dauke visited his palace with high ranking officers of the division, the issue of security of Ikorodu division was the major topic of the discussion.
He also stated that in order to stop the Badoo killings the traditionalist in Ikorodu performed purification sacrifice and rites on June 28, 2017 as they walked through the town. The Monarch said he had also presented a memo to the Ikorodu Council of Obas and Chiefs entitled, “Proposal for the formation of Ikorodu Division Security and Safety Council.”
According to Oba Shotobi, a council of resourceful members from across the division should be inaugurated to pursue the objectives of sensitizing the citizens about the need to play active roles in providing and securing the division through well strengthened local vigilante group, amongst others.
Containing the stated, “we have written on behalf of Ikorodu to the inspector general of police (IGP) and it has been delivered to him today, where only eight traditional rulers were invited to a meeting with him at Eko Hotel, Lagos”.
While speaking about his contribution to education in Lagos state, he disclosed that hundreds of books, which he got from abroad had been distributed to primary schools in Ikorodu, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu and schools in Epe division.
He also talked about master plans for Ikorodu, especially Ejina, which he admitted was on the pipeline and would make the town a model city. Oba Shotobi said that it was only Ikorodu and Epe that have not had the master plan.
On that the state government is planning for Ikorodu, he revealed that on April 6, 2017, Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode invited him and political leaders representing the division to his office (Governor’s Office) to share with them his vision on developmental projects for Ikorodu division.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu listed the projects the Governor had in stock for Ikorodu to include, construction of Owutu-Ishawo-Arepo road; construction of Igbe-Ginti road; construction of stadium complex at LASPOTECH; VIP chalets; Hospital and Tourism facilities; Shopping mall; Theatre and cinema center. He disclosed that residents of Ikorodu had been duly informed about the government intention at a Town-Hall meeting on April 19, 2017.
The Oba also solicited for land from his subjects while announcing that the state government wants to build LASUTH Annex and a police area command in Ikorodu constituency I, apart from area ‘N’ in Constituency 2. According to him, land has been the major challenge of the two proposed projects.
While making suggestion, Otunba David Ekiyoyo said that the planned shoprite for Ikorodu should have been sited elsewhere different from the present location at Ikorodu local Government Secretariat. He pointed out that in future, the secretariat may be upgraded to a Teaching Hospital and there would be need to use more land which the secretariat land would be a good last resort for such development.
Ahaji Babatunde Rotinwa, chairman, Local Government Service Commission recommended a meeting with the Model City Committee to help plan Ikorodu to meet the required standard.
Former president of Oriwu Club, Alhaji Adio Saka advised that all must be on deck, especially in terms of security funding to tackle the security challenges in the town. He suggested setting up a Security Trust Fund, where money could be generated to fund local vigilante groups and other security apparatus and agencies.
Chief Monzor Olowosago, Publisher of Oriwu Sun also suggested that the police should be tasked to perform their responsibilities with utmost vigor as ensured in the Nigerian constitution. He told them to start investigating some people’s sources of wealth.
He said that should have been done in the case of alleged Badoo sponsor, Otupopo, which many only know as Alaka Abayomi. According to Monzor, considering multi-billion naira property he has along Itoikin road, Ikorodu, he ought to be investigated long time ago, before Badoo menace even surfaced. The publisher suggested the formation of a committee to work on security of lives and property in the division.
Dignitaries, who were at the occasion included, Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya with his wife, Ayamo Adeniyi Ogunsanya, Alhaji Tajudeen Bawa-Allah, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Asoju Oba of Ikorodu, Chief Kazeem Ogbara.
Others include, chairman, Ikorodu local government, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina; Chairman, Ikorodu north LCDA, Hon. Adeola Banjo; vice chairman, Ikorodu local government, Hon. (Princess) Folashade-Olabanji-Oba among others.