Kunle Adelabu
The journey to the final abode of the late Asiwaju of lkorodu and former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Chief (Sir) Babatunde Olushola Benson, SAN, KJW, started on Thursday (yesterday) as his remains were moved round major areas and streets in Ikorodu township in what could be described as a ceremonious procession.
The procession took off from the lkorodu Town hall around in the morning and had the presence of late Benson’s children, family members, sympathisers and residents who all trooped out enmasse today their last respect to the iconic legal luminary.
The procession was led by the Chairman of the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo and other members of the socio-cultural group.
Members of IKODASS started converging on the Ikorodu Town hall around 8.00am and later moved to Baba Aladura Benson’s house at Owolowo where the remains of Chief Benson was brought in by LTJ (Lateef) Funeral Service amidst cheers by the crowd.
From the Baba Aladura Benson's house, the procession proceeded to Isiaklu Street, Ayangbure road, Oriwu Road to Ita – Elewa while the Apepe traditional music group entertained the crowd with traditional songs, most of which were sang to praise and honor the late Asiwaju of Ikorodu.
From Ita – Elewa, the procession moved back to Oriwu Road to connect Otambala Street, Odugate Street, Obun – Oke, Jaiyesimi and Itamito where the crowd stayed for about 30minutes before moving to Ita – Aro.
The procession onece again moved back to the Oriwu road to link Obun – Oke and moved through Obun – Ale market to connect Ajina market, an important and historic area in Ikorodu.
From Ajina market, the crowd entered Oba Alagbe Street and had a stop-over at the late Shobowale Benson’s house for about 40minutes while the children and family members of the deceased danced in celebration of the late nationalist.
Thereafter, the procession moved through Alagbe Street to Itunmoja to connect Alhaji Street, Ladega and Ojubode and back to Ayangbure road.
While on the Ayangbure road, the procession had another stop-over at the main entrance of the Ayangbure palace from where the hearse moved the remains of Chief Benson to his home in Ibeshe for the lying – in – state session.
Teachers and Students of the Ikorodu Junior and Senior High Schools, which Chief Benson and his wife facilitated its establishment, also took part in the procession carrying banners.
Meanwhile, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, IKODASS Chairman, speaking with our reporter, said that the procession was organized to honour and announce the death of Chief Benson whom he described as a great man, patriot and a man with many attributes.
“The procession has been very eventful and necessary because late Chief Babatunde Benson is a prominent leader and the first chairman of the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) who championed the cause of IKODASS from the onset”, Mr Erogbogbo said.
“He was a patriot who was born and connected to the four walls of this town. It is important for people to know that he’s no longer with us.
“Today, we are celebrating a great man. A man that cannot be equaled. We have never done this for anybody before now. We are doing it for Chief B.O. Benson because he deserved it.
“He was an icon, patriot, a man of honour and many attributes and that is why you see us in large number and colourful attire going round.
“This procession is in honour of a great man and patriot and it is organized to celebrate him and announce his exit”, Erogbogbo said.
