One of the ardent supporters of Kabiyesi in Ikorodu, a high Chief and a principled man, Chief Shamsideen Adekayaoja, the Solomade of Ikorodu, is dead. He was aged 85.
He died on Thursday, July 19, in one of the hospitals in Ikorodu after a brief illness and was buried on Sunday, July 22 according to traditional rites.
Chief Adekayaoja, who got to the throne of his forefathers, Solomade of Ikorodu, in July 1983, was installed by the late Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi. Until his death, he was one of the key members of both the late Oba and the present one.
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Since his death was announced, the Shotobi palace had been enveloped in grief. One of the traditional chiefs told Oriwu Sun that the death of the Solomade was a big blow to the traditional Chiefs and the palace.
He, therefore, described him as an honest man with a large heart who always said the truth. According to the Chief, the deceased would be greatly missed for his leadership and amiable personality. He urged the family members to ensure that his successor has a similar character and personality.
In an interview with one of the children, Miss Kehinde Adekayaoja, the last child of the deceased, she described her father as a very principled disciplinarian. Her words, “He made me who I am today.”
She also described her father as a revered traditional ruler and community leader who had contributed immensely to the development of Ikorodu tradition and community.
According to Kehinde, the large crowd trooping to their house since the announcement of his death was a reflection of his kind personality and a good person who related well with others.
On the burial arrangement, she said it started from the day he died due to his status as a key traditional chief. She disclosed that different groups of traditionalists have been coming to the house to perform traditional rites almost on a daily basis.
Another Chief, Mukaila Gbadamosi, Baale of Ayomishe village in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, described him as a pleasant personality who lived his life for others. He commended the deceased for his support for him, which, according to him, ensured that he became the Baale against all odds.
He reflected the same views of Chief Adekayaoja’s daughter that Chief Solomade was known for saying the truth and wants people to emulate his exemplary way of life. He urged the children to remain United and follow the footsteps of their father to honour him in death.
A family member of the deceased, Alhaji Jubril Adekayaoja, said the Chief was not only a kind and patient person but also looked after the interests and welfare of his family members.
Meanwhile, different personalities have been visiting the Solomade palace to pay condolence to the family and to Oba Shotobi’s palace. Oba Shotobi told Oriwu Sun that he would miss the man for a long time to come.
Chief Adekayaoja was survived by his wife, Olori Olufunsho Abake Adekayaoja and nine children.
The children are: Mr. Wale Adekayaoja, Mr. Femi Adekayaoja, Mr. Bayo Adekayaoja, Mrs. Lola Adeyi, Miss Toyin Adekayaoja, Mr. Omotayo Adekayaoja, Mrs. Olayinka Arigbede, Mrs. Taiwo Adegbemile and Miss Kehinde Adekayaoja.