The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, on Friday, December 21, 2018, held his annual Christmas carol, where he preached to all residents of Ikorodu division to continue to embrace peaceful co-existence and love one another.
At the event, which took place at the Monarch’s palace, Oba Shotobi urged everyone to emulate the love God has for humanity, which made Him to send down His only begotten son to the world. According to the Monarch, for the redemption and salvation of people, Jesus Christ was humbled and loving till the point of death while stating that if true love can be embraced throughout the world, there would be unity and peace.
The Monarch, who appreciated the clergyman from Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Ikorodu, for staging the carol, which was tagged, ‘Royal Christmas Carol’, in his palace, also called for peace during the festive season, urging everyone to be his/her brother’s keeper. He as well advised politicians to go about their campaign peacefully, stating that election should not cause chaos in Lagos State and Ikorodu in particular.
In his brief sermon at the event, the Bishop, Diocese of Ikorodu, Rt. Rev. S. O. Ogundina, implored everyone to continue to appreciate the loving kindness of God for humanity. He said it was not by anyone’s power or knowledge that he or she was alive to celebrate year 2018 Christmas carol with Oba Shotobi, his wife, Olori Kudirat Shotobi, their children and all members of the traditional institution in the town.
He pleaded with all the people, who had the grace to still be alive despite respective challenges they faced in 2018, to express their gratitude to God. He said, “In whatever situation you find yourselves, learn to glorify and thank God because he is the only living God that knows everything. He has the power to make alive, kill, hear, and do anything no one can query. Therefore, show your gratitude to him and you will be surprised that through thanksgiving, your case will be settled.”
Rt. Rev. Ogundina, who described Oba Shotobi and his Olori as wonderful and loving couple that has great concerns for Godly things, stated that with the supports churches in Ikorodu have been getting from them, they are the right choice from heaven for the people of Ikorodu. While speaking with the press at the event, Bishop Ogundina urged that the 2019 general elections should be allowed to be peaceful by both the politicians and other Nigerians. He revealed that as a church, they would continue to offer prayers for successful, peaceful and fair elections.
Earlier on, Oba Shotobi lighted the Christmas light and later read the 2nd lesson at the carol service while the choir from the Cathedral rendered various melodious praise songs in remembrance of the day Jesus Christ was born. After the vote of thanks by Sir Otunba Ayodele Elesho, the Agba Akin of Ikorodu kingdom, prayer and benediction, Christmas greetings as well as photo sessions ended the annual event.
Dignitaries at the event included, Aremo of Ikorodu, Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya; Ayangbure traditional Chiefs, Baales; members and leaders of Lasunwon Ruling House of Ikorodu and Rademo Ruling House, among others.
