Kunle Adelabu
Traditionalists (Olombas) in Ikorodu under the aegis of the African Traditional Religious Practitioners on Monday (today), gathered at the palace of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu to offer special prayers for the Ikorodu monarch and the ancient town generally.
Representatives of different sects of the Olombas (traditional religious practitioners) also invoked the spirits of founders of Ikorodu and other gods for the protection against pandemic, instability and above all, cultism war being currently waged by rival cult groups.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and his wife, Olori Kiudirat Shotobi, both of whom wore white native attires like the Olombas to signify purity, sat for hours while prayers were offered.
Among the sects that partook in the special prayers were Awopa, Ifa Priests (Babalawos), Igunnuko, Eleku, Olorisha, Liwe, Awo Agba, Magbo and many others.
Oba Shotobi, speaking after the prayers, commended the Olombas for the initiative which he said that he was pleased with.
He assured them of his continuous support in all their activities.
“I am greatly happy and pleased with your coming today, especially for deeming it fit to offer special prayers for me and Ikorodu Kingdom.
“It is important for us to appreciate God and our ancestors for preserving us through the COVID – 19 pandemic, EndSARS crisis and other challenges that we have faced this year.
“I will continually work towards a good relationship with you because the Olombas are playing important roles in the development of our town”.
The elated monarch doled out cash gifts to all the female Olombas present whom he called his ‘wives’ and also donated two cows for the entire Olombas.
Speaking earlier on the purpose of their visit, High Chief Kareem Ore, the Apena of Ikorodu and leader of the Olombas, said:
“We are here for thanksgiving because the pandemic (COVID – 19), and other crises that the country witnessed and still witnessing did not consume us or negatively impacted on the royal family or wreak havoc on Ikorodu community”, he said.
“We are here to pray for peace, prosperity and orderliness in our town. Also, we are here to pray for our royal father and his family”, Apena added.
