The Palace of the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom buzzed with anticipation as HRM Oba Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, officially unveiled the Ankara Aso-Ebi for the 2024 Ipakodo Day Celebrations.
The unveiling media gathering, held on August 28, 2024, provided a clear preview of the week-long annual festival event, which has become a hallmark of cultural pride and unity for the Ipakodo Kingdom.
The briefing was a vivid reminder of the deep cultural roots and rich heritage of the Ipakodo Kingdom.
Prince Olasunkanmi Shotonwa, Chairman of the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA), opened the event by expressing heartfelt gratitude for the community’s steadfast support of Oba Sotonwa and the IDA.
He emphasized that this support has been crucial to the success of past Ipakodo Day Celebrations.
Prince Shotonwa acknowledged the community’s collective efforts, stating, “Without your ongoing encouragement and collaboration, we could not have achieved the impressive growth and acclaim that our celebrations now receive.”
He also highlighted the event’s rapid development and increasing prominence over the past three years, noting, “In just three years, the Ipakodo Day Celebrations have grown to be ranked alongside long-established community events in the Ikorodu Division.”
Prince Shotonwa concluded his address by presenting the program for this year’s events, which features a diverse range of activities celebrating the culture and unity of the Ipakodo Kingdom:
Day 1 (Monday, 30th September): Woro Procession and Traditional/Cultural Activities
Day 2 (Tuesday, 1st October): Free Medical Tests & Treatments
Day 3 (Wednesday, 2nd October): Ipakodo Youths & Senior Citizens’ Day
Day 4 (Thursday, 3rd October): Market Men/Women, Artisans’ & Ijoko Agba Day
Day 5 (Friday, 4th October): Jumat Service
Day 6 (Saturday, 5th October): Grand Finale & Reception
Day 7 (Sunday, 6th October): Church Thanksgiving Service
During his address, HRM Oba Basiru Aremu Sotonwa expressed pride in the remarkable growth of the Ipakodo Day Celebrations, which began as a modest initiative three years ago.
“I always feel proud and elated whenever I have the rare opportunity to address representatives of the good people of Ipakodo Kingdom, members of the press, and the Sekumade-in-Council to formally announce the commencement of the Annual Ipakodo Day Celebrations,” he stated.
Reflecting on the event’s development, Oba Sotonwa noted, “I am delighted to say that what started barely three years ago as a small initiative has continued to grow stronger and has become the foremost and most-attended annual community event in the entire Ikorodu West LCDA.”
He expressed his gratitude to Almighty God for allowing him to make history as the first Sekumade of Ipakodo to initiate and consistently host this community-wide celebration.
Oba Sotonwa also extended his heartfelt thanks to the people of Ipakodo Kingdom for their unwavering support since his ascension to the throne over six years ago.
“My special appreciation goes to the good people of Ipakodo Kingdom for your steadfast support,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the royal families, indigenes, residents, and corporate citizens for their collaboration and partnerships, which have made the Annual Ipakodo Day Celebrations a success.
Emphasizing the need for ongoing unity and effort, Oba Sotonwa remarked, “As the saying goes, ‘the reward for hard work is more work.’ To this end, I appeal to everyone to once again join forces with the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA), the organizers of the Ipakodo Day Celebrations, to make this year’s edition even more memorable than the previous ones.”
High Chief Oludayo Shotomiwa, the Olisa of Ipakodo Kingdom, encouraged the main committee and subcommittees to work as a cohesive team to ensure a successful event.
He also urged the planning committee to oversee all operational aspects closely to guarantee that everyone delivers their best for a memorable celebration.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Ankara fabric by Oba Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, which will be prominently featured throughout the celebrations.
The vibrant Ankara fabric, presented as the official Aso-Ebi for this year’s festivities, symbolizes unity and shared identity.
The unveiling event was attended by notable figures, including representatives from Ikorodu West LCDA, the former Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Mrs. Princess Ganiyat Olajumoke Jimbo Ademehin, Baales, market men and women, youth leaders, and artisans.
As preparations for the festivities continue, Oba Basiru Aremu Sotonwa reminded everyone of the importance of unity and collaboration, quoting an old saying: “Ajeji owo kan ko gbe’ru d’ori”—one hand cannot comfortably lift a heavy load.
He called on all to come together to build Ipakodo Kingdom into the community of their dreams.
INN-HOUSE☆ 