Rather than adopt what politicians call authoritarian or dictatorship, HRM. Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi has demonstrated humility and a policy of consulting his people and carrying them along in decision making and taking. Instead of using decrees, Oba Shotobi is seeking wise counsel from his subjects.
No wonder he is fond of seeking the views of stakeholders and who is who in the community and various interest groups before arriving at any decision. He has summoned three stakeholders meetings since he came on the throne and the responses, were fantastic. He tabled such issues such as palace/institutional matters, security development issues, etc.
Below are details of his speech on the most recent consultative meeting. Read on
I heartily give thanks to Almighty Allah, the most merciful, the most benevolent, the magnificent, for His love, care, protection and preservation of our lives, and for keeping me in peace on the throne of my forefathers. I also thank the IWAREFA headed by Olisa Zacheaus Odushoga, including Chief Afolabi Adekaiyaoja, the Solomade of Ikorodu, Chief Jacob Kolawole Adaraloye, Oponuwa of Ikorodu and Chief Kamoru Ore, the Apena of Ikorodu, for their uprightness and fairness in the administration of Ikorodu Kingdom. I am equally grateful to all Traditional Chiefs and Erelus.
In the last one year, I have been blessed with a shower of love, counsel and solidarity from the Council of Honorary Chiefs, the Otunbas, the royal families, friends, well-wishers, the clerics, the markets’ men and women and the generality of Ikorodu citizens. I am profoundly grateful to all for the wonderful support in the last one year, and for the prompt response to my call to serve in one capacity or the other. My appreciation will be incomplete if I do not make special mention of my wife, Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi, The Treasure of Ikorodu Kingdom and my children for the support from the home front. My office staff have also performed well.
I thank you all.
ELEVATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
In the last one year, God has shown extraordinary favour and love to some of our people who have been looking up to Him for answers to their prayers. On behalf of all Ikorodu sons and daughters, wish to congratulate and share in the joy in the professional elevation and appointment of:
1. Mr. Tokunbo Abiru who was recently appointed as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank Nig. Plc.
2. Prince Adewunmi Ogunsanya who was elevated as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Also, within the year under review, the Lagos State government approved the recognition and gazette of some of our Traditional Chiefs and Baales. They include:
1. Chief Zacheaus O. Odusoga, The Olisa of Ikorodu.
2. Late Chief Tinuola-Benson, Iyalode of Ikorodu.
3. Chief Afolabi Adekaiyaoja, Solomade of Ikorodu.
4. Otunba Lanre Afuwäpe, Otunba Odo-Nla.
5. Chief Jacob Kolawole Adaraloye, Oponuwa of Ikorodu.
6. Baale Mufutau Jimoh Odosoga, Baale Omitoro.
7. Baale Rilwan Alebiosu, Baale Poro Bage.
8. Baale Mehmud Oyebajo, Baale Eyita.
His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has been good to us and we appreciate him for the recognition of the Chiefs and Baales and I want to use this medium to ask for more of those who are qualified for similar status.
On November 24, 2015, 1 invited Ikorodu Eminent Personalities to my palace to render a report of my August, 2015 trip to the USA and London and I promised to convey the meeting ‘periodically at least twice in a year or as the occasion demands’.
On January 29, 2016, I rendered another feedback wherein I reiterated the overall objectives of the meeting as:
1. To establish effective communication between the palace and all categories of citizens and residents of Ikorodu as a means to promote mutual understanding, accommodation, tolerance, peace and prosperity.
2. To stimulate buy-in of the Ikorodu Model City Project Vision, and cultivate your commitment to the project.
MATTERS ARISING.
In the previous briefings, I identified two low hanging fruits as deliverables within our grasp. They are:
1. The donation of 100,000 volumes of books for public primary and secondary schools in Ikorodu by Booksmart International.
2. The construction of ‘The King’s Library & Youth Development Center’- a project to be donated by Dr. Robert Brown and his friends. The library’s component will include reading room, e-library, 100-capacity auditorium, cyber café and a museum.
On January 21, 2016, the books donated by Booksmart International were delivered to the Palace. I am pleased to inform you that I officially handed over the books to a representative of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State on Tuesday, August 19, 2016, at a ceremony witnessed by a large retinue of stakeholders in education including school children.
On the issue about the King’s Library and Youth Empowerment Center, the Ikorodu Model City Project Implementation Committee has secured approval from the Lagos State Polytechnic Governing Council for 5-hectares for the project. We keep engaging with the donors of the project about the progress and update.
SCHOLARSHIP AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME.
I am convinced that one potent strategy to fight the restiveness and vices that is becoming prevalent among our youth is to create an array of opportunities for empowerment and skill acquisition.
Towards achievement of this objective, I am happy to announce the offer of scholarship donation for 20 young Ikorodu indigenes by Right Link Travel & Tours Limited, the official agent handling my travels over the years. The scholarship will provide training in the aviation industry, including skills in Airline reservation and Ticketing, Tourism and Resort management, Hotel Management, Travel Formalities, Airport and Protocols Services.
The conditions applicable for the offer are:
· Minimum of O’ level qualification
· Ability to use the computer
· 18 years minimum age
· Must be self-disciplined and willing to work in the Aviation Industry.
· Mode of training and duration is full time (9.00 am – 2.00 pm, Monday -Friday) for one month.
Please avail this opportunities to our children whom we think can make the best use of the skills.
On behalf of the good people of Ikorodu, I thank Right Link Travel & Tours Ltd for this kind donation in commemoration of my first year anniversary. I pray that your business will be enlarged and prosper.
SECURITY AND SAFETY MATTERS.
Since my assumption of the throne, I have had cause to engage the police and the military in discussion about security and safety matters in Ikorodu kingdom. In the most recent past, Ikorodu has been portrayed in the news media for unpalatable news which are strange to our culture and character. I suspect that the migration of Ikorodu towards the prophecy of the popular song ‘Ikorodu a di headquarter……’ has attracted non-natives and foreigners into Ikorodu in search of economic opportunities. Thus, Ikorodu is fast assuming the status of a sprawling sub-urban city which is characterized by people of diverse cultures and values. A Yoruba adage says ‘Ogbara ojo, oni ohun onilewo, onile ni koni gba fun’. We will not relent-evil will not triumph over goodness, and I invoke the spirit of the gods of the land, and the spirit of my progenitors that the wicked evil perpetrators and their collaborators shall be swallowed by the works of their hands. Ikorodu shall remain peaceful, my domain shall dwell in the quietness of the Lord, and God will grant Ikorodu rest round about. Amen.
The newspaper stories about the good, the bad and the ugly carried in recent time about Ikorodu has been a cause for concern. Of recent, we have seen some strange activities of kidnapping, oil pipeline vandals, cult clashes, land grabbers, rape, ritual killings, and daylight armed robberies. Even though the police and the military have risen up to the task, our local vigilante group -‘The Onyabo’ has played a pivotal role in collaborating with the Police to curb the nefarious activities of the bad boys within the community. The men of The ONYABO deserve praise and encouragement for their sacrifice and courage to protect their fatherland which comes with risk to their own lives.
I was particularly disturbed by The Guardian Newspaper story captioned “Ikorodu: Abode of Peace or Den of Criminals?” page 49-51 on July 2, 2016. Even though I have issued a rejoinder to the story, I think we need to take a step further to restructure and strengthen- ‘The Onyabo’. Towards this end, I constituted a committee headed by Chief Rasaq Shodipo, the Olumale Eluku to hold meetings with The ONYABO so as to seek their views on how they could be supported to become more effective and efficient. One outcome of their meeting is the recommendation that Ikorodu Community should set up-a-corporate structure to manage, fund, and facilitate training for ONYABO.
It is for this reason that I have considered it imperative to establish ‘The Ikorodu Security Council’ with a view to reform, restructure, manage and rebrand ‘The Onyabo’ to make it more effective and efficient.
IKORODU SECURITY COUNCIL.
The Council shall comprise of the following:
1. Chairman & Chief Executive.
2. Three reps of IRDG.
3. Three reps of Hon. Chiefs.
4. Three reps of IKODASS.
5. Three reps of PCRC.
6. Three reps of Nigeria Bar Association, Ikorodu Branch.
7. Three reps. of Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikordu Branch.
8. Three reps of Business organizations.
9. ONYABO General Commander, Deputy General Commander & Provost Marshall.
10. Legal Adviser.
11. Executive Secretary
TERMS OF REFRENCE (TOR) FOR THE COUNCIL
1. To commission a study of security and safety situation of Ikorodu Kingdom.
2. To reveal the SWOT analysis of the security and safety of Ikorodu Kingdom.
3. To engage the Police and Military in designing a role for – ONYABO
4. To seek Lagos State government’s recognition and support for ONYABO.
5. To set up the operational and financial structure of ONYABO.
6. To raise fund and manage same for the cause of ONYABO.
7. To seek legal status for ONYABO operations through local government bye-law or Lagos State government law.
8. To draft a code of conduct for ONYABO.
9. To establish in-house insurance for ONYABO operatives.
10. To design welfare package for disabled or deceased members in active service.
In the search for a chairman/chief executive of the council, my mind has resolutely settled for an impeccable choice for obvious criteria such as-astute administrative skills, network, resourcefulness and passion for Ikorodu. After a series of engagements to clarify the issues about The Council and the expectations of the position of its Chairman, it is my pleasure to announce that-one of our best sons has accepted the challenge to serve in that capacity. The Chairman of ‘IKORODU SECURITY COUNCIL’ is PRINCE ADEWUNMI OGUNSANYA (SAN). On this note, I expect all corporate and social groups who have been identified to nominate members to the Council to send in their best hands for the job. The challenges before the Council are daunting but not insurmountable if tackled with commitment and passion. I wish The Council success.
THE AYANGBURE PALACE EXTENSION PROJECT.
On August 15, 2015, during the installation of some new Chiefs, I reiterated the need to build additional accommodation in the palace. As it is presently, the palace accommodation is grossly inadequate for the Ayangbure and members of the King’s household. The Palace was a project conceived and donated by Lagos State government, for which we are grateful. It is now the turn of Ikorodu sons and daughters and indeed the entire Ikorodu citizen, friends and well-wishers to contribute generously towards providing a befitting extension to the Palace for the King and his household. The Ayangbure Palace is a community property and our common heritage. It should reflect our culture, values, and sophistication.
It is my vision, that with the cooperation and support from our good people, we can together accomplish the task to build the Palace extension and get it ready for commissioning on my second year anniversary-Insha-Allah. It is expedient, just as it is achievable. Moreover, I believe the time to do it is now. It will add value to who we are as a people- IKORODU OGA.
Before I ask for the presentation of the architectural details of the project, I want to thank our two sons who presented concepts for consideration by the technical committee. From the feedback I received, the two of them have done exceptionally well and they deserve my appreciation and commendation for answering to the call to serve Ikorodu community all the time. I am equally grateful to members of the Ikorodu Model City Implementation Committee for their diligence and advice. I pray God Almighty will prosper your ways.
Let me share with you the vision of the Palace extension as depicted in the architectural design. (Electronic presentation by the Architect – Adesina Soyebo).
Dear eminent Ikorodu people, I hope that the Palace Extension Project presentation has inspired you and fired your imagination about the class of royalty we wish to create for the Ayangbure. On this note, I invite all to contribute generously in kind and cash, and also mobilize resources from friends and well-wishers towards the achievement of our dream. It is a project for posterity.
Let me remind all, that our revered Late Otunba Adeniran Ogunsanya (SAN) of blessed memory was the Chairman and Chief mobiliser for the Awujale Palace Development Project in the 1970s. His name was written on marble for his extra- ordinary passion and contributions towards the success of the project.
It is our turn today to upgrade our own Palace and I do not expect less commitment from us. I will create a journal in my office to record the names of all donors for the project regardless of the size of donation. From the list, three categories of donors’ names will be extracted and engraved on marble which shall be permanently fixed conspicuously on the Palace.
The categories shall be Platinum for those who donate FIVE MILLION NAIRA AND ABOVE, Gold for those who donate up to TWO MILLION AND FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND, and Bronze for those who donate up to ONE MILLION NAIRA. Let me reiterate again that all sizes of donations are welcome, and they shall be receipted and accompanied with a letter of acknowledgment and appreciation from me.
On this note, I will set the pace for the donation with a sum of five million naira only (N5,000,000,00). You may please write your pledge or cheque in the circulated slip.
The project account detail is as follows:
NAME OF ACCOUNT: OBA KABIRU ADEWALE SHOTOBI.
BANK NAME: SKYE BANK NIG. PLC.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1761063955
FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME.
The details of the First Year Anniversary Programme are:
· Tuesday 2nd Aug. 2016………… …Olomba Day-Traditional Homage at the Palace starting from 10.00am.
· Wednesday 3rd Aug 2016……………….. Unveiling and Royal blessing of ‘IKORODU UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB’ at the Palace – 12.00 noon.
· Friday 5th Aug. 2016……………….Oge Day, Celebration of Creativity at the Ikorodu Town Hall starting from 10.00am.
· Saturday 6th Aug. 2016………………. Installation and Iwuye ceremony at 10.00am, Foundation laying ceremony of the Ayangbure Palace Extension 2.00 pm.
· Sunday 7th Aug. 2016…………… Thanksgiving Service at Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Ita-Elewa at 10.00am; Princes & Princesses Social Party at 3.00 pm at the Palace.
Please take this information as invitation to attend the ceremonies as there will be formal invitation cards. You are all invited to come and celebrate with me.
CONCLUSION.
My dear Ikorodu Eminent People, A thank you profusely for attending and listening to me, as I am full of expectations for your responses to all the issues raised in my discourse.
My best regards with appreciation.
Ikorodu Oriwu Agbewa,
Ori Ade agbe yin, Ajuse.
HRM ALAIYELUWA OBA KABIR ADEWALE SHOTOBI, ADEGORUSHEN V,
AYANGBURE OF IKORODU