All praise and glory be to Almighty Allah, the beneficent, the merciful who made it possible for us to witness this day. I am particularly indebted to the Almighty God who has spared my life to fulfill his mandate on me, considering the fact that the Sekunmade stool has been vacant since 1999 after the demise of Late Oba Hassan Jimbo (may his soul rest in perfect peace).
I seize this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to the Lagos State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who has deemed it fit to consider me as a credible replacement for our departed monarch, Oba Hassan Jimbo. May God grant our indefatigable Governor the grace and the wisdom to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to all nooks and crannies of our State. You are appreciated by the good people of Ipakodo kingdom.
Our appreciation and gratitude are equally due to the Honourable Commissioner and principal officers of the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who treated our case with diligence and utmost urgency it deserved.
Distinguished guests and my good people of Ipakodo, without the intervention of our amiable Royal Majesty Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi and indeed Ikorodu council of Obas and Chiefs, today’s occasion would not have been possible. Kabiyesi, may your reign continue to witness peace and landmark developmental achievement.
As aforementioned, the Sekunmade throne has been vacant for the past 18 years thus today’s occasion has been made possible through the cooperative efforts and sacrifices of the various ruling houses. On behalf of the indigenes of Ipakodo, my thanks are deep and I hereby tender them to all the Ruling Houses. Be assured that all outstanding issues relating to the stool will be given urgent and adequate attention. Equally acknowledged are the support and progressive role played by the Ipakodo traditional and honourary chiefs. Your collective efforts have made today’s possible. You are immensely appreciated.
In the same vein, my appreciation goes to the Osomekun ruling house for their support (both moral and financial) and for the confidence repose in me as their choice to ascend the throne. I will do my utmost best to justify the confidence.
On a final note, I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to all and sundry for their attendance. It is my hope that the indigene and residents of this kingdom will team up with me so that together we can move Ipakodo to greater heights.