It was all glitz and glamour at Ipakodo Kingdom on Saturday as political office holders, eminent personalities as well as many illustrious sons, daughters and residents of Ipakodo Community gathered in their special attire (Aso Ebi) for the twin celebrations of the annual Ipakodo Day and 5th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa FNSE, (Osomeku 1), the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom.
The week-long eventful commemorative activities lined up to celebrate the twin occasions ended yesterday, Saturday, October 7, 2023 in a glamorous style amidst funfair with the formal launching and unveiling of the architectural model for Oba Sekunmade Palace Pavilion at the grand finale event at Ferry Terminal, Ebute-Ikorodu, Lagos.
This year’s celebration was no doubt characterized by various demonstrations that caught the attention of all the distinguished special guests and other prominent personalities within and outside the Ipakodo Kingdom who were present at the historic event.
The yearly celebration started last year as a socio-cultural festival that is meant to bind all the people of the Ipakodo Community together in an atmosphere of celebration and fun-filled activities. The event also offers a unique opportunity for both indigenes and non-indigenes of the Ipakodo Community at home and abroad to contribute to the development of the community through their generous donations, among others.
In his welcome address, the Joint Planning Committee Chairman, Dr. (Chief) Harrison Bolaji Adeniji, sought the support of all Ipakodo Indigenes, residents, and corporate bodies in the construction of the landmark legacy project of ₦50 million naira Oba Sekunmade Palace Pavilion in commemoration of the 5th coronation anniversary.
“The project means a lot to our Kabiyesi and the entire Ipakodo Community as the project is conceived to give a facelift to our over 40-year-old Oba Sekumade Palace while we await government intervention in building a modern and befitting palace for this community,” the Joint Planning Committee Chairman said.
Dr. Adeniji assured everyone that whatever was contributed towards the landmark project would be judiciously and transparently administered. He therefore extended his unalloyed gratitude in anticipation of a handsome donation from all and sundry.
In his royal remarks, HRM, Oba (Engr) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa FNSE, the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, expressed his gratitude for witnessing the second edition of the annual Ipakodo Day celebration, appreciating the Royal Heads and other notable personalities for their presence.
“I must confess that I am the luckiest king, having been blessed with highly supportive subjects, both Indigenes and non-indigenes alike. The success recorded at the maiden Ipakodo Day Celebration last year was largely unexpected. This is considering that we were starting for the first time, with very little time between the event planning and execution,” the Monarch said.
Oba Sotonwa appreciated the Lagos State Government for promptly heeding the call for the construction of a new and befitting Oba Sekunmade Palace. The monarch also appealed that the twin celebrations feature the construction of the Oba Sekunmade Pavilion to add value to the current palace structure.
The chairman of the day, Hon (Prince) Babajimi Adegoke Benson, Member, Federal House of Representatives, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Defense, in his speech congratulated and celebrated Oba (Engr) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa FNSE, the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, the chiefs, natives and inhabitants of Ipakodo Community on the historic 5th coronation anniversary celebration.
The lawmaker commended the organisers, urging every kith and kin in Ipakodo Kingdom, particularly all Royal Houses, sons, daughters, and residents of Ipakodo Kingdom to join forces with the Kabiyesi and the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA) in the development of the kingdom.
Dignitaries present at the event include Senator Adetokunbo Mikhail Abiru FCA, Chairman Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions represented by Dr. Saheed Ibikunle; Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State; Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lagos State; Alhaji Babatunde Tajudeen Rotinwa; Hon. Adebimpe Nosimot Akinsola; Chief Tajudeen Adewale Odofin; Chief Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Dr. Taiwo Hassan; Prince Oluwasunkanmi Shotonwa, Arc. Jamiu ‘Lanre Alimi, different social clubs, among others.
Popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Suilaimon Adio popularly called Atawewe made the programme a memorable with his fuji music as food for the soul. Also, another side attraction is the cultural display by traditional dancers and cultural troupes with their memorable displays, to mention but a few.
