Oba Shotobi’s godfather, Dr. Robert Brown, decided to formally take our Oba to the number one man in the state, Mr. Patrick Lloyd McCrory
As early as 10:00am, the Oba’s entourage, together with Dr. Bob Brown, left the home for about one hour journey to North Carolina, the capital of the state, to meet the Governor.
Around noon, the entourage got to the Governor’s massive edifice, where we were welcomed by the Governor’s officials including his protocol officers, who have been expecting us for the visit arranged by Dr. Brown.
We were led into an expansive, beautifully decorated hall where Oba Shotobi’s guests’ names have been placed on the table. They were to identify their names and sit down while waiting for the Governor.
We were also joined by other companies’ CEO’s professionals, Agric industrialists, who were eager to receive us. After waiting for about twenty minutes, they announced the arrival of the Governor, Mr. Patrick Lloyd Crory, who came in briefly. As he stepped in, everybody in the hall stood up for him while he asked us to sit down.
The Governor is in his 40’s, looks very attractive in his impeccable suit and was escorted by his state officials and protocol officers. No sooner had he come in, than the state officials asked us to introduce ourselves.
In the introduction, everybody took time to identify with kabiyesi by stating their professions back home. After the brief introduction, it was time for Dr. Brown to address the meeting.
He later took the microphone and told the Governor how appreciative he was for giving us time to visit him. According to him, it was amazing that the Governor of the state and his officials were poised to honour him and his guests.
Dr. Brown said that this was a good opportunity for Nigeria and America; thus, expressing happiness that the visit was made possible. He was also impressed by the publication of Oriwu Sun, where about ten pages were dedicated to him during last November visit. He presented the sixty four (64) page publication mainly for Oba Shotobi and himself.
After introducing Chief Monzor Olowosago as the Publisher of the paper, he took photographs with the Governor, Oba Shotobi and my paper. Subsequently, the Publisher later took photographs with the Governor, where he officially presented copies of Oriwu Sun newspaper to the Governor, who gave them to his protocol officers to keep for him.
Before the Governor’s response, Oba Shotobi, in his speech, told him that he was using this opportunity to tell him that North Carolina was his second home. While expressing happiness and greeting everyone present at the occasions, he said he could not help but narrate part of the story of his encounter with Dr. Brown in this manner:
“When Bob Brown saw me in Nigeria and brought me to America, he sent me to school and started paying my school fees both during the winter and summer periods. He made sure I got admission into the A &T University and the rest was history. I say thank you to Dr. Bob Brown.
“After thirty two years I left the shores of America, I have worked in several places including the biggest cement company in Nigeria, where I rose from becoming a pupil engineer to the Chief Electrical Engineer until finally my family called me to serve in the traditional institution in our town. For eight months now, I have been serving my people in that capacity.
“When the former King died, my people chose me as the next king and stood by me until I became king after all the processes have been completed.
So, after that, I felt it was time to come and inform the people at my second home – North Carolina and I am dedicating this crown to my lovely father and mentor, Dr. Bob Brown. I thank you for giving me the foundation and everything you have done in my life.
“I was here in November 2015 and that was the second of my home coming to A & T University but I was so busy that I could not make it. I want to use this medium to say thank you very much to the entire family of A&T University.
“And most, especially, I thank my professor who has eventually become a chancellor. He was always bringing me to the table and making sure that my papers were marked after every test or exam to ensure that if I made mistakes, I should learn from the correction. Once again, I say thank you sir for the role you played in my life.
“Again, I have seen a lot of developments in A& T University and I think it is something we also have to emulate in Nigeria. I will also come back for the honour that will be given to me at the civil Rights Centre and museum, where my statute and paraphernalia will be put permanently.
“And I am also happy to say that on January 29, 2016, Ikorodu people, Council of Oba’s and Chiefs would honour Dr. Brown as one of my Chiefs in the United States, which I hereby present the gift to the Governor let me also say that I wish to visit the governor in the white house, after leaving his current post.
“The last time we came here, we had all the events published by Oriwu Sun newspaper and the programme of honouring the Governor would come up by January 29, 2016 and after that, we should all start calling him by his title, Chief. I hereby present the cap of honour to the Governor and three piece suit for him. I use this medium to say thank you for receiving the gift.
“Moreso, the presentation of how to develop our community would be delivered by a representative from the school of Engineering and Agriculture. All other contacts would be observed after the visit.
“According to Ademuyiwa, the issues have to do with poultry, shopping and trying to get container to Nigeria and other countries. This is because Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa. Nigeria has taken over from South Africa and there is great potential opportunities for business in Nigeria. But Nigeria also needs help because without power nothing works.
“After Oba Shotobi’s speech, the Governor also said, “I am very happy for the kings second coming and we should also continue to develop this relationship to get technical opportunities, Agricultural opportunities and skills to improve the living standard of our communities, constituency, state and country. And also to improve export and import in our country. I really appreciate the presence of everyone at the occasion.
“You are highly welcome to our country.”