While great things are happening in Ikorodu, this year 2021 has been a bleak year the great division lost so many prominent sons and daughters.
Beginning from January 2021 to December 2021, Ikorodu has lost prominent individuals who made their names and left indelible marks on the sands of time.
Though, many have died in the past, this year’s rate of deaths of prominent men and women in the land are quite worrisome.
These lost heroes and ‘sheroes’ are exemplary sons and daughters of the soil who distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and made Ikorodu prominent on the map.
Some of them made their family names echo through the history of Ikorodu division; others soared across Lagos and Nigeria while some were known actors on the global scene.
It is a sad experience to watch these illustrious sons and daughters of Ikorodu buried in 2021, most notable among the fallen heroes is Babatunde Olushola Benson (SAN), popularly known as B. O. Benson.
The legal luminary broke many records during his heydays as the only Nigerian lawyer who had served as both secretary and president of the Nigerian Bar Association. He was a pioneer member of the West African Bar Association and had convened many international legal conferences in Africa.
The late B. O. Benson groomed many lawyers whom have established their personal practices at home and abroad.
His first daughter is today a Justice of Lagos High Court.
Chief B. O. Benson was actively involved in community development during his time and earned various recognitions from many institutions.
He was capped the Asiwaju of Ikorodu Kingdom, a position which placed him as the prime honourary chief in the Ikorodu. He was a knight and lay preacher/president of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.
Alhaja Mutiat Ogbara, the Iya Oba of Ikorodu and a very wealthy philanthropist, was the wife of the late Ikorodu billionaire, Alhaji Lamidi Ogbara who died several years ago.
Until her death, Alhaja Mutiat Ogbara, known as, ‘Iya Gori’, was a cheerful philanthropist who put smiles on the faces of the people and engaged in many charitable deeds, including the building of blocks of classrooms in Ipakodo Grammar school years back.
She had a flourishing textile business in “Gutter Ariyo market, Lagos contributed immensely to the development of Islam during her lifetime.
She left behind palatial mansions in Ipakodo and Ikoyi, Lagos as well as prominent children who are doing wonderfully well in their respective chosen careers.
High Chief Rasaki Shodipo, the immediate past Olumale Eluku of Ikorodu, is among the prominent Ikorodu sons that died in 2021.
The prominent traditionalist joined his ancestors early this year. Recently, his successor and incumbent Olumale Eluku of Ikorodu, High Chief Olabanji Oreagba, led other family members to organize a befitting final burial ceremony for the late Olumale who died few days to his proper installation as Olumale Eluku.
Another deceased prominent son is Alhaji Isiaka Toyin Allison (a.k.a Soku). Before his death, he was a staunch member of Shams-Ul-Deen Society of Nigeria, where he played a prominent role as a leader. He was the son of a wealthy philanthropist, late Chief Rabiu Allison.
After his graduation from the University, he worked with BAGCO before dedicating his life and time to the propagation of Islam. Because of his effort in the development of the Shams-ul-Deen Society of Nigeria, he was conferred with the highest title of the society.
He left behind children who are making waves in their respective chosen fields and who also gave him a loud and befitting burial.
Alhaji Ibuowo Ogunneye who also died in 2021 was a prominent businessman of note in Ikorodu. He was a son of the soil who made his fortune through legitimate business ventures. His contribution in Ikorodu as a proud citizen was recognised.
Alhaji Ibuowo during his time was the Ogbeni Oja of Ikorodu.
Another popular son of Ikorodu who died this year in 2021 was Alhaji Baruwa. He was a philanthropist of the first order. He was a wealthy developer on Lagos Island who had many buildings to his credit. He was known for his supportive activities in the Muslim community circle and held important chieftaincy title as of Ikorodu Central mosque.
Alhaji Sule Aremu Safari was a prominent member of Oriwu Club. He was one of the early eminent sons of Ikorodu who excelled in the financial industry when he rose through the ranks in Central Bank of Nigeria to become director of the apex bank. Alhaji Safari Sule was a founding member of the Prestigious Oriwu Club in Ikorodu. He served as head of various community progressive fora in Ikorodu including president of the Old Students Association of Oriwu College, Ikorodu.
During his leadership as president of the Old Student Association, the group built many facilities in the school and the school won many national awards in Nigeria.
Also this year, Ikorodu lost another prominent son in the person of Alhaji Sally Mohammed. He was a popular hotelier in Lagos and also a socialite.
Few weeks ago, the news spread that Alhaji Omidina Babatunde, popularly known as Baba Suwe, died. Baba Suwe who died in the fourth week of November 2021, and was buried shortly after, was a famous theater artist from Igbogbo, Ikorodu, and built his house at Ewu-Elepe. The late veteran thespian entertained Nigerians for decades and became a household name with his comic performance.
Baba Suwe was given a befitting burial by fellow theater artists of Nigeria, led by Baba Latin and many otherfamous actors.
Another religious man who died this year was Alhaji Idris Andu, a very close pal of Chief Imam of Ikorodu Central Mosque. He was on sickbed for a while before answering the call of Allah.
Again, in this year, the Odofin of Ikorodu, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, (SAN), lost his senior brother, Tajudeen Ademefun Ogunsanya in November, and was buried at his father’s premises at Itasin in Ebute, Ikorodu.
The burial event was witnessed by important dignitaries from Ikorodu and across Lagos state.
Also, Alhaja Chief Omotayo, the Alaga Adinni Obirin of Ikorodu Central Mosque, equally answered the call of Allah in 2021.
Another woman of substance whose death shook the entire Ikorodu community was Alhaja Suliat Ayoka Abiodun, a member of Olori Shotobi Committee of Friends in the palace who also died in 2021.
Alhaja Suliat was the wife of prominent socialite in Ikorodu and a retired banker, Alhaji Ishau Abiodun, a man of great repute.
Also, young brother of Justice Kazeem Alogba, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Mr. Ahmed Ololade Alogba died this year. Until his death, Mr. Ahmed Ololade Alogba was a police officer in Britain. His remains were buried at Solebo Estate, Ikorodu, where he built his personal residence.
The year 2021 was a dark year for Ikorodu community, the number of deceased illustrious sons and daughters were too many. We pray never to have a reoccurrence of such year.
We wish everyone a new year of good health, prosperity, long life, and hazard-free.