Earlier on, around 11:37a.m, guests were ushered in to a beautifully decorated and palatial section of Oba’s palace, where the launching of N150million palace extension project was to take place. It was a convivial atmosphere with guests chatting excitedly, exchanging banters and consummating photo sessions inside the deep-green-dominated splendid hall. At about 11:55a.m, the compere of the event, former Commissioner for Information, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, came out to announce that the event was starting two hours behind schedule.
By 12:00p.m, series of trumpet sounds announced the majestic entrance of Oba Shotobi with his delectable wife, both wearing deep green dresses with stripes of red. While the wife appeared in buba, the king, who appeared in Agbada, waved a horse tail to acknowledge greetings from the guests. Otunba Elesho, at this point, welcomed the king with speeches interspersed with praises. He also introduced other Obas and eminent personalities present. After the opening prayer by Rev. Oshundino, the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, rendered the welcome address.
According to Asipa Olusanya, this project is part of the Ikorodu city project for which one hundred thousand (100,000) books have been donated and handed over to the Lagos State government in July 2016. The other one was the proposed establishment of Youth Empowerment Center, for which five hectares of land had already been acquired at LASPOTECH. This is being facilitated by Dr. Robert Brown, the godfather of Oba Shotobi. Part of the Ikorodu City projects also includes the setting up of a Security Council headed by the chairman of DSTV, Adewunmi Ogunsanya; the transformation of Ajina market to accommodate an Amphi Theatre, of which Architects have been assigned.
Ayangburen palace extension project was another one he mentioned. He told the audience that the present palace was donated by the Lagos State government. The former Commissioner said that the present palace was not sufficient and that architects have been assigned to handle the new project. Speaking further, Asipa Kaoli told the audience that it is a community project and does not belong to the former Oba. He appealed to them to donate whatever they have, declaring that donations would be categorized as gold, silver and platinum and engraved in the new palace.
He assured them that Kabiyesi would send appreciation letter to everyone that donated.
Architect Adesina Soyebo (Eru I), the Oluomo of Ikorodu, is in-charge of the project. He explained the dimensions and features of the project by showing the frontal view, entrance and foyer, left side view, rear view I, rear view II, night view, aerial view, optional entrance and foyer, right side view and aerial view at night, etc. The former Commissioner concluded by appealing to the people thus: “This is our own palace; lend your support and we would have a beautiful palace for our Oba.”
Pastor Ola from the United States, along with other classmates of Oba Shotobi, gave a message from Dr. Bob Brown, kabiyesi’s godfather, who explained that he was not able to celebrate with Oba Shotobi on this grand occasion due to unavoidable reasons. The letter reads, “I am very proud of you and all you have done. You are a great leader and I will continue to support you. We have sent the one hundred thousand (100,000) books to help with the children’s education. It is my hope that the people of Ikorodu would continue to support you, and on my own part, I will continue to do so. I love you, your people and your country.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, also sent his letter of felicitations, stating, “I join all Lagosians to facilitate with you on the one year anniversary of your reign. You have shown exemplary leadership and God would continue to support you. Do accept my felicitations.” The launching of the project started after the Chairman’s message had been delivered through his representative, Alhaji Musa Jafaru. The message went thus: “Congratulations! I am sure we are all ready for the project and God would help us all,” he stated.
The first person to initiate the launching was the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who did not disclose the actual amount he was donating. Subsequent launchers, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun; Adebimpe Akinsola, Special Adviser on Arts and culture; NURTW Chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Agbede, and Otunba Sunkanmi Tijani, queued behind the Speaker and did not disclose the actual amount pledged. The only exception was Pastor Ola and friends from America, who donated one million naira (N1, 000,000).
In his address after the launching, the Oba of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, thanked the Almighty God with a song that went thus: “Thank you, thank you Lord, thank you Lord for everything you have done in my life.” Continuing, the Oba said, “I thank God, who accepted me as a son of Ikorodu, and by His grace, the palace belongs to the people.” He rendered another song in Yoruba before expressing his appreciation to those who have been helping to make the project a reality. He thanked the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Richard Ogunsanya, stating that he was always there for him while also confirming that he received the Oba’s donation that morning. Those who came from Sagamu were not left out, among which was a ninety year old man. He also thanked everybody, including the Chairman of APC, Henry Ajomale, Bola Tinubu, Ikorodu Council of Chiefs, etc.
While speaking, the Oba commended Ikorodu town, saying that it is too important to be neglected as it was already in the world map. In his words, “Lagos is not looking down on Ikorodu, and the idea of a palace is not for my own personal gain.” He cited the example of Awujale’s palace, which was in the past built by a proud son of Ikorodu, late Adeniran Ogunsanya. He stated further that the befitting project needed to be accomplished. “If you see me as a beggar, I will accept and I will continue to knock on your doors. The Speaker is there for me always and I appreciate his support,” he said.
After the speech, a formal foundation laying ceremony was conducted, after which Kabiyesi, members of the high table comprising some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and traditional rulers, including Oba’s wife, Olori Shotobi, went outside the palace. It was a time of anointing for express completion of the project and for seeking God’s intervention. It was first commissioned with the spreading of salt and holy oil on the project site by His Lordship, Rev. Osundino, who proclaimed that it shall be well with kabiyesi, his family and Ikorodu kingdom. He performed the laying of block first, followed by kabiyesi, his wife and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
Dignitaries present at the event were the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly; Deputy Speaker, LSHA; Special Adviser, Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola; Chairman of APC, Lagos State, Henry Ajomale, represented by Alhaji Safaru. Others include, His Lordship, Rev. Osundino; Olubeshe of Ibeshe, HRM, Richard Ogunsanya; other Obas from Sagamu; Chief whip, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiru and his wife; Elder Dele Olowu; NURTW Chairman, Tajudeen Agbede; Otunba Sunkanmi Tijani; Architect Adesina Soyebo; Pastor Ola and friends from America; Hon. SOB Agunbiade; traditional rulers and chiefs; Hon. Saheed Ibikunle; Alhaji Monzor Olowosago; Kaoli Olusanya; Otunba Ayodele Elesho, compaere of the event; among others