The 2024 Ipakodo Day Celebrations culminated in a grand finale that marked the third edition of the annual event, bringing together distinguished guests, residents, and leaders of Ipakodo Kingdom, as well as prominent figures from across Ikorodu Division.
The week-long celebration highlighted the rich cultural heritage, unity, and ongoing development efforts within the Ipakodo community, led by the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA) under the guidance of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, FNSE, the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom.
The event was marked by a strong call for unity, development, and continued collaboration to ensure the prosperity of Ipakodo Kingdom, the gateway community of Ikorodu Division.
Welcoming the guests and residents, the Chairman of the Ipakodo Development Association, Prince Olasunkanmi Shotonwa, expressed immense joy and pride in the growth of the Ipakodo Day celebrations.
Although only three years old, the event has already become a significant rallying point for the community and beyond.
He stated that this year’s event had attracted a wide range of activities, beginning with the Woro Carnival on September 30th, which showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of Ipakodo Kingdom.
Prince Shotonwa recounted the various initiatives that took place during the week, including free medical treatments and medications for residents, a football tournament for the youth, and food support for the elderly, widows, and other less-privileged individuals.
He also noted the tribute paid to His Royal Majesty at the Oba Sekumade Palace by market men and women, artisans, and transporters, followed by a commemorative Jumat Service at the Ipakodo Central Mosque.
The grand finale, held on Saturday, 5th October 2024, at the Ebute Ferry Terminal (fondly known as Dangote Ferry), was a momentous occasion, with two prominent sons of Ipakodo being honored posthumously for their invaluable contributions to the community.
In his keynote speech, the Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju highlighted his numerous efforts toward the development of Ikorodu West LCDA, of which Ipakodo is a key part.
Hon. Olanrewaju, who was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Bobatunluse of Ipakodo Kingdom during the 2nd edition of the Ipakodo Day Celebrations, expressed his gratitude to Oba Aremu Sotonwa for his continuous efforts to attract development to the region.
He added that the king is not alone in this endeavour, as the LCDA will always support his initiatives.
The late Prince Tajudeen Adedapo Odofin, founder of the TAO Foundation, was remembered for his numerous philanthropic deeds, including the rehabilitation of a block of classrooms at the Local Government Primary School, Ipakodo, commissioned by Oba Sotonwa earlier in the week.
Similarly, the late Alhaji Musediqu Oladega Alogba, the Baba Adinni of Ikorodu and founder of Construction One Nigeria Limited, was honored for his dedication to providing scholarships and educational support to students.
Speaking briefly at the ceremony, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, Chairman of the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL), expressed pride in the progress made by Oba Sotonwa and pledged to support the construction of a befitting royal palace for the king.
He praised the ongoing efforts to use the cultural heritage of Ipakodo as a means of driving growth and development.
Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, commended the Sekumade of Ipakodo for making the traditional institution a key tool for attracting development to the kingdom.
He urged the youth to take advantage of his SAIL Innovation Lab, located in Ipakodo, which offers technology-driven skills training. The senator emphasized the importance of this initiative in making Ipakodo a special hub of growth and innovation.
In his Royal Address, His Royal Majesty, Oba Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, FNSE, expressed gratitude to the people of Ipakodo for their unwavering support since he ascended the throne six years ago.
He acknowledged the challenging economic times facing the nation and called on the community to extend a hand of fellowship and support to those in need.
Oba Sotonwa proudly announced that over 200 raw food items had been distributed to indigent residents during the week, thanks to partnerships between the Ipakodo Development Association and several foundations, including the TAO Foundation and the ATOO Foundation.
The Sekumade of Ipakodo also revealed that plans for the construction of the Oba Sekumade Palace Pavilion had been expanded to include a complete redesign and reconstruction of the entire palace, a project set to begin in a few weeks.
The king expressed confidence that the community would gather next year to celebrate Ipakodo Day in a brand-new palace.
The event reached its peak with the Presentation of Awards to deserving individuals, including the posthumous recognition of Prince Tajudeen Odofin and Alhaji Musediqu Alogba for their philanthropic and community service.
Additionally, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN received the prestigious Pillar of Development Award for his unprecedented contributions to the growth of Ikorodu Division, particularly through the IDPIL’s SHEER agenda, focusing on security, health, education, environment, and road development.
Pledges and donations were made by several dignitaries towards the further development of Ipakodo Kingdom, with promises of continued support for the various initiatives underway in the community.
Among the notable attendees were His Royal Majesty Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom; His Royal Majesty Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; His Royal Majesty Oba Olukayode David Raji, the Eweye of Isiu; Emeritus Prof Kunle Ade Wahab; Chief Olukayode Rasheed Shoderu; Bldr Sesan Daini, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA; and many other dignitaries.
The celebrations will officially conclude with a Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 6, 2024, marking the end of an extraordinary week for Ipakodo and its people.
INN-HOUSE☆ 