Kunle Adelabu
Eminent individuals and residents of Ikorodu have continued to assess the five years reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and first Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
The royal father marked his five years anniversary on the throne of his ancestors a few days ago with the instituition of an interest free loan scheme with 140 traders benefiting in the first phase.
The Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, Ikorodu Division, His Eminence, Sheikh Yahya Olorunosebi Oshoala Ajagbemokeferi (As – Samadani), has also took out time to review the reign of the monarch in the last five years.
In an interview recently with THE IMPACT, the lslamic cleric stated that the meaning of ‘Abdul – Kabir’ (Greatness), which is Oba Shotobi’s first name, is manifesting in his life and in his reign.
Sheikh Oshoala described the royal father as a round peg in a round hole, while also stating that he has brought tremendous developments to Ikorodu since his ascension to the Ayangbure stool.
“ His name, ‘Abdul – kabir’, which means ‘Greatness’ and it is one of the attributes of God and one of the names of Allah. That is why anytime that we are praying in Islam, we always chant ‘Allahu Akbar Kabir’ (God is the Greatest).
“The name (Abdul Kabir) given to him when he was born is manifesting in his life. It manifested when he became the Odofin of Ikorodu and now Ayangbure of Ikorodu. I congratulate him”, Sheikh Oshoala said.
“You cannot but find people that will always find opposition in every situation. People will want to hate you and you cannot please everybody. But for me and for what is glaring to everybody, Abdul – Kabir has been a round peg in a round hole”.
He said that Oba Shotobi has fitted perfectly into the position left by the former highly revered and respected monarch, Late Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi.
“He is an Oba per excellence for Ikorodu. In the Quran (speaking in Arabic) “Whatever we erase in our signs will bring the … or better”. Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi was an Oba among Obas and when he joined his ancestors , God gave us somebody who was with the former Oba and who had learned from him.
He said that the reigning monarch has further placed Ikorodu on the global honor map with his activities overseas.
“Oba Shotobi is even taking us to a greater level. During his five years reign , many illustrious Ikorodu sons and daughters has accompanied him to the United States of America where he was honoured.
“He has equally brought to Ikorodu people from America to be honoured too. This has placed Ikorodu on the map of honour globally”, the Islamic cleric said.
Speaking on Oba Shotobi’s development efforts in Ikorodu, Sheikh Oshola said:
“In the five years of his reign, he has built a big edifice as a palace extension. It is amazing that he built the gigantic edifice within three years of his reign, given Ikorodu another befitting look. Indeed, he is a pride.
“Also, look at the Oriwu Central Mosque which was recently completed during his reign. Though, the foundation and the construction of the Mosque was facilitated by the former Kabiyesi, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, but after his exit, Oba Shotobi came in and continued where the former Oba stopped and was going about to source for money for the completion of the Mosque. Look at the edifice today, is it not a pride of Ikorodu?”, he asked.
“I have every effrontery to say that Oriwu Central Mosque will be among the first five mosques when you are talking about Mosques in Lagos State and even in Yorubaland. Oba Shotobi did much in achieving this.
The Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque also acknowledged the royal father’s efforts in dealing with cultism and other social vices by strengthening the community policing system in Ikorodu and establishing cooperation between the community security and conventional security agencies.
“He has also been doing everything to rein in on the miscreants and youths that are engaging in cultism in Ikorodu. I pray that he will continue to succeed in this regard”.
While describing Oba Shotobi as a reputable monarch who always stands out among his peers, Sheikh Oshoala prayed for his long reign on the throne.
He also appealed to those who are still opposed to his emergence to withdraw their cases from court and embrace peace and join hands with him in developing Ikorodu.
“In terms of development, Kabiyesi is doing well and today, my Oba stands out as a reputable Oba among the Obas in Lagos State. My prayer for him is to live very long and continue to enjoy the guidance and protection of the Almighty Allah.
“For those who are against him, I want to advise that today, he is the Oba and as a result of that, that we should join hands to ensure that he succeeds. Let us join hands with him.
“This is his time because God has chosen him like He has been chosen leaders for people. Daudu, Sulaimon and many others like that were chosen by Him.
“I learnt that those who are still opposing him are still in court, I appeal that they should withdraw their cases from court. God has bestowed the crown on him (Oba Shotobi)”, Sheikh Oshoala appealed.
