Kunle Adelabu
Four prominent personalities in Ikorodu were honoured at a royal banquet attended by the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and other dignitaries.
The awardees were Asiwaju Steve Anifowoshe, a prominent Pharmacist and international businessman and Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa, the Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), former three – term Member, House of Representatives and prominent broadcaster.
Also, Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, the Chairman, Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), former Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission and former Head of Service, Lagos State and Mr Fatai Oluwole, a former Director, Project Evaluation and Monitoring and former Member, Lagos State Judicial Service Commission.
A book, ‘Asiwaju: A Compendium”, in honour of Babatunde Olusola Benson, SAN, LLD (hc), KJW (932 – 2021), was presented at the banquet.
Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, the IKODASS Chairman, speaking at the banquet, said that the royal banquet is unique as it encompasses other major events.
He thanked the royal father and guests for buying tables and supporting IKODASS.
“This Royal Banquet is unique in more ways than one as you will enjoy Ikorodu hospitality at its best and equally experience two historic events: the presentation of a book on Late Chief Babatunde Olushola Benson, SAN, KJW, and the conferment awards on four illustrious individuals who have left their footprints in the sands of time”, Erogbogbo said.
While stating that IKODASS will be giving out bursary to some indigent students at the grand finale of the 30th Ikorodu – Oga Carnival on Saturday, November 20, 2021, Erogbogbo also charged eminent individuals to assist the association in supporting education of more deserving students by instituting scholarship awards with IKODASS.
He assured them that the association now has a dedicated account for the bursary awards.
The Chairman of the royal banquet, Chief Yemi Lawal, the Bobamulero of lkorodu, commended the Ayangbure and IKODASS for the wonderful event.
He said that he and his friends, including the Odofin of Ikorodu and Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria, High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, have resolved to bring more investments to Ikorodu.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, in his speech, reiterated that Ikorodu must produce the next Governor of the state.
“Ikorodu will not have its fair share of things until we produce the governor of Lagos State. As I have been stating, there is still a fight in future and I am ready to lead the fight for Ikorodu because it must be our turn after Governor Sanwo – Olu”, Ayangbure declared.
“We are going to give support to Sanwo – Olu’s government but after him, it must be our turn.
“I don’t care which part of Ikorodu or the family that a governor of Ikorodu extraction would come from. As long as he is an Ikorodu son, l am okay”.
Oba Shotobi described the book presented in honour of late Chief Babatunde Benson as another testament to productivity of Ikorodu sons and daughters.
He commended the giant strides IKODASS has been achieving under the leadership of Erogbogbo.
“This presentation of this book is another testament to the tenacity of the sons and daughters of Ikorodu division in term of their zeal and devotion to get results.
“This lovely banquet is another verdict that we did not make mistake with the choice of Erogbogbo as the IKODASS Chairman.
“The idea of a Royal banquet came from the people, and the leadership of Erogbogbo has executed this banquet in a grand style because it’s a first of its kind which is unique in all ramifications.
“This banquet lends credence to the fact that the indigenous people in Ikorodu division are hospitable and we must continue to make Ikorodu livable for our children and others. We must invest in the economy and other aspects of the division. This is how to expand our communities”, Ayangburen added.
While the royal father commended clubs like the Crystal and other clubs for their full presence, he expressed shock at others that were not present, especially the notable ones.
The reviewer of the book, ‘Asiwaju: A Compendium, Sir David Sunmoni , the Pro – Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, commended the author and IKODASS for producing the book.
He said that the book was published to charge the younger generation to strive for greatness in their chosen fields.
He said that Sir Benson lived a remarkable life which is written on the sand of time and urged guests that yearn to learn more about the late legal luminary and his activities while alive to get copies of the book.
The book is authored by Prof. Tajudeen Kayode Bawa – Allah and has 237 pages with nine chapters – Shobowale Benson & Family, His Profile, His Tentacles, B.O. Benson Annual Lecture, His Works & Extracts, B.O. Benson Legal Discourse, Reflection on B.O. Benson, Conclusions and Benediction.
Among other eminent personalities at the banquet were Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, Sir (Engr) Chief Kayode Shoderu, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Chief Bello Olusanya, Dr Eniayewun, Dr (Otunba) Saheed Ibikunle, Hon. Abike Dabiri – Erewa, Otunba (Sir) Ayodele Elesho and Mrs Tosan Erogbogbo.
