Kunle Adelabu
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu and the First Permanent Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, on Thursday, January 6, 2022, installed a reputable Pharmacist and humanitarian, Otunba Steve Anifowoshe as the Asiwaju of Ikorodu Kingdom.
He was installed alongside his wife, Chief (Mrs) Olufunmilola as the Yeye Asiwaju of Ikorodu Kingdom.
The revered royal father was joined by the Akarigbo of Remoland, HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi who was represented by the Elemuren of Emuren, HRM Oba Adesegun Alowonle, the Ranodu of Imota, HRM Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, HRM Oba (Engr.) Bashir Shotonwa, the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr) Akeem Oyebo, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, HRM Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Eweye of Isiwu, HRM Oba David Raji Balogun and other monarchs for the installation ceremony.
Other royal fathers that graced the installation ceremony were Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, Ologijo of Ogijoland, Oba Babatunde O.O. Ogunlaja, Aladesonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Taiwo Taiwo, Onipara of Ipara Remo, Oba Elias Ijelu, Olota of Ota-Ikosi, Oba Afeez Olakunle Badru, Elejigbo of Ejigbo Kingdom and Oba Adewale Musafau, Olofin of Orugbo Kingdom.
While Oba Shotobi presented caps and beads to Chief Anifowoshe and his wife as the Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of lkorodu Kingdom, Oba Agoro offered them royal blessings and also presented the Staff of Office to the new Asiwaju.
Also, Oba Adesegun Alowonle (on behalf of Oba Adewale Ajayi) and Oba Semiudeen Kasali presented certificates of appointment to the Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Ikorodu Kingdom respectively.
Asiwaju Anifowoshe and Yeye Asiwaju Anifowoshe, after the installation ceremony, were presented by the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo to Chief Yemi Lawal, the Bobamulero of Ikorodu and Bashorun Moshood Adesegun Bello Olusanya, the Bashorun of Ikorodu, for their admission into the Council of Honourary Chiefs in Ikorodu Kingdom.
Asiwaju Anifowshe, by virtue of his new position, will be the Chairman of the Ayangbure Council of Honourary Chiefs which comprises Otunbas and other honourary chieftaincy title holders installed by the Ayangbure.
Chief Abdul-Wasiu Layembi Orenuga, the Head of the Lasunwon Ruling House of Ikorodu, while publicly announcing the support of the entire royal family for the installation of Otunba Steve Anifowoshe as the new Asiwaju of Ikorodu, said that he is a capable man who has been supporting the family and contributing immensely to the development of Ikorodu.
The Asipa of Ikorodu Kingdom and a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, speaking on the duties of the new Asiwaju, said that Chief Anifowoshe is taking over from late Chief Babatunde Benson as the leader of the honourary chiefs in the kingdom.
“The new Asiwaju is not new to the system; he owns two titles and there are roles attached to them. He is a Prince and Otunba which is a title reserved for those born into royalty. And now, he will be combining those titles with his new title as the Asiwaju of Ikorodu”, Asipa Kaoli said.
“Asiwaju is the leader of honourary chiefs and leader in the community. Today, Asiwaju Anifowoshe has been confirmed as leader of Ikorodu Kingdom and will be expected to contribute to the development of Ikorodu.
“He is well connected and with enormous financial strength. He has reach beyond Nigeria which will benefit Ikorodu greatly”, he added.
“By virtue of his new position, he is to take over the Chairmanship position of the Council of Honourary Chiefs in Ikorodu Kingdom, a position left vacant by the death of late Chief Babatunde Benson, and move Ikorodu forward.
“We usually hold the council meeting every month and this we must continue under your leadership”.
Olusanya also said that the new Asiwaju of Ikorodu will be expected to use his wealth and connections in ensuring that the Ayangbure’s vision for the kingdom is achieved.
“As the new Asiwaju of Ikorodu, your vision must be aligned with that of the Ayangbure to ensure the actualization of the dream that the royal father has for Ikorodu which is changing the narratives positively”, he charged.
“He has to assist the Ayangbure in creating opportunities for our youths in Ikorodu and works with other stakeholders in ensuring that there is peace and unity in the Kingdom.
“lkorodu will need your connections, both in Nigeria and abroad, which must be harnessed to develop our town”, Asipa Kaoli said.
Some of the distingushed dignitaries at the installation ceremony were High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, the Odofin of Ikorodu and Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly and Opomulero of Ikorodu, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, Asiwaju of Ipakodo, Sir Ladi Lawal, Sen. Seye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works, Prince Kunle Oduborisha, President, Oriwu Club, Aremo Segun Ogunlewe, Aremo of Igbogbo Kingdom, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu, Chief Yemi Lawal, Bobamulero of Ikorodu, Otunba Ajenise Kuti, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, former Chairman, Governing Council, Lagos State University, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Executive Secretary, Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative LTD/GTE (IDPILG), Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Alhaji (Chief) Monzor Kolawole Olowoshago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun Newspaper and the Baroyin of Ikorodub and Sir (Engr.) Chief Kayode Shoderu.
Asiwaju Steve Anifowoshe studied Pharmacology at Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, United States of America (USA) and worked at Eckerd Pharmacy, New Orleans, USA, as Manager and later as overall Store Manager.
He also worked with Rite Aid Pharmacy in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, a job which marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial quest.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of Pharmacy, Otunba Ayorinde has been honoured with numerous awards including Honourary Doctor of Pharmacy by Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and Maryland Board of Pharmacy in 1990. He is a member of the Maryland Pharmaceutical Association.
The highly respected honourary Chief in Ikorodu Kingdom is also enlisted in the America Nationwide Registers of Who – Is – Who in Executives & Businesses.
