Ikorodu, Lagos State — As the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, marks his 10th anniversary on the throne, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has penned a heartfelt tribute celebrating the monarch’s remarkable contributions to peace, unity, and the development of Ikoroduland.
In his special tribute, President Tinubu lauded Oba Shotobi’s steadfast role as a custodian of tradition and a bridge-builder between modern governance and cultural heritage, despite the absence of constitutionally defined roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“Even though political leaders hold constitutional authority, traditional rulers remain pivotal in maintaining peace and order in society.”
“Oba Shotobi has done remarkably well in fostering harmony among traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division and across Lagos State,” the President stated.
Since ascending the throne in August 2015, Oba Shotobi has strengthened bonds among royal fathers, promoted cultural cohesion, and played a significant role in the emergence and stability of traditional institutions in the division.
According to President Tinubu, the Ayangburen’s influence has ensured unprecedented cooperation among monarchs in the region.
The President also reflected on Ikorodu’s historical and strategic importance, noting that the town’s location as a gateway between Lagos and Nigeria’s hinterland has made it a hub of commerce and development since the mid-19th century.
He credited successive traditional rulers, including the late Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Oyefusi, for laying the foundation for the prosperity that Ikorodu enjoys today.
President Tinubu recalled his special relationship with Ikorodu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor (1999–2007), when he expanded infrastructure, created additional councils, and deepened development initiatives in the area.
“As Baba Oba of Ikoroduland, I have maintained a unique partnership with her traditional rulers. I deeply respect Oba Shotobi’s integrity, vision, and commitment to his people,” Tinubu said.
The tribute also highlighted Oba Shotobi’s rich professional background. After starting his career with the Tourist Company of Nigeria, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
He returned to Nigeria in 1984, joined the West African Portland Cement Company, and rose to the position of Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer before retiring in 2004.
Following retirement, he established Kadesh Ventures Nigeria Limited, a petroleum products marketing company, and remained deeply engaged in community development initiatives in Ikorodu.
President Tinubu praised Oba Shotobi’s role in tackling pressing social challenges, notably his active support for the passage of a bill against the menace of land-grabbing ‘Ajagungbales’ in Lagos State.
The monarch’s advocacy, alongside former Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, played a vital role in securing legislative action against the practice.
As Oba Shotobi marks a decade on the throne on August 10, 2025, President Tinubu offered prayers for his continued impactful reign.
“May his reign be peaceful and prosperous for Ikorodu and its people, and may Ikoroduland continue to grow and develop in leaps and bounds,” the President concluded.
The 10th coronation anniversary celebrations are expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria, honouring a monarch whose decade of leadership has been marked by unity, cultural pride, and enduring progress.
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