Ikorodu, Lagos State — August 5, 2025, The Lagos State Government has lauded His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Dr. Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, GCIO, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, for a decade of impactful reign that has brought peace, unity, cultural preservation, and unprecedented development to Ikorodu Kingdom.
The commendation came during a grand Public Lecture and Scholarship Award Presentation held at the Ikorodu Ultra-Modern Town Hall as part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th Coronation Anniversary.
The colourful ceremony also featured a vibrant Clubs & Societies’ Parade, showcasing Ikorodu’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
Representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje delivered an inspiring goodwill message to honour the monarch’s decade of leadership.
“Kabiyesi’s reign has harmoniously blended cultural heritage with visionary governance, fostering peace, unity, and unprecedented development in Ikorodu Kingdom,” Dr. Agbaje said.
He noted that the Ayangburen’s leadership has strengthened collaboration between traditional institutions and government, enabling significant developmental strides in rural electrification, road rehabilitation, cultural preservation, and security initiatives such as the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL).
Dr. Agbaje described the Public Lecture and Scholarship Awards as a clear reflection of the monarch’s passion for education and youth development.
“Today’s programme is a testament to Kabiyesi’s enduring commitment to human capital development, community growth, and the nurturing of our future leaders,” he said, congratulating all scholarship recipients and urging them to use the opportunity to become ambassadors of excellence and service to the community.
The day’s keynote address, themed “Contemporary Traditional Rulers and the Quest for Good Governance and Development in Nigeria”, was delivered by Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization and Pro-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Prof. Oyeweso underscored the critical role of traditional rulers in promoting socio-political stability, driving development, and fostering harmony between modern governance and cultural heritage.
In his welcome remarks, Chief Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, praised the monarch for his exemplary leadership and tireless dedication to the well-being of his people.
The ceremony was chaired by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, represented by Hon. Noheem Adams, Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly (Eti-Osa Constituency I).
The gathering attracted a distinguished roll call of dignitaries, including: HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, Odofin of Ikorodu; Otunba Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State; Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Ogunfodunrin, Chairman, Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS); Deaconess Busola Isikalu, Iya-Oloja General of Ikorodu Division and other dignitaries.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of ₦250,000 scholarship awards to 50 indigenous students from institutions including Lagos State University (LASU), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), University of Ibadan (UI), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The scholarships were courtesy of the Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi Royal Foundation.
The awards, initiated under Kabiyesi’s reign, aim to ease the financial burden on students and promote educational advancement in Ikorodu Division.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Agbaje, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor and the Lagos State Government, prayed for the Ayangburen’s continued good health, wisdom, and strength to sustain his reign as a beacon of peace, prosperity, and unity for Ikorodu Kingdom.
The well-attended event, blending cultural pride, academic celebration, and intellectual discourse, was a fitting tribute to a monarch whose ten-year reign continues to inspire progress and strengthen the social fabric of Ikorodu and Lagos State at large.
INN-HOUSE☆ 