Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Adegorushen V, has charged residents of Ikorodu, to ensure that they put smiles on their neighbours’ faces and share whatever that they have with those that are in need.
This was the message of the revered monarch, at the 8th edition of the Royal Christmas Carol held at the Ayangbure pavilion on Monday, December 18, 2023.
The annual yuletide service was conducted by the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Church, Ikorodu, with The Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Samson O. Osundina, JP., Bishop, Diocese of Ikorodu, delivering the sermon.
The first lesson of the carol was read by Oba Shotobi from the Book of Genesis 3: 1 – 12, while Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho (KJW) read the second lesson from lsiah 9: 2 -7, Prince Shotobi read the third lesson from John 1: 1 – 18, Col. Reuben Nwako (rtd.) read the fourth lesson from Luke 2: 8 – 20, and Deaconess Busola Isikalu, the Iya Oloja General of lkorodu, read the fifth lesson from Mathew 2: 1 – 12.
In his royal message during the special carol service, Oba Kabir Shotobi charged residents to be prayerful and thankful to God for the preservation of their lives.
He also enjoined them to make their families and neighbours happy during the yuletide season.
“I thank God for not losing anyone among my pastors and my people. We were gathered here last year, and here we are again this year to give thanks to God”, Oba Shotobi said.
“I appeal to you all to be prayerful and look up to God, at all time.
“I charged you to always be your brother’s keeper and share whatever that you have with others. The little things that we do counts and we must be mindful of who you made to smile.
“I am asking every one of us to make a promise that we will make other people happy and as you make your wives, children and others happy, God will make you happy”, Kabiyesi charged.
Ayangbure, who said that he is a proud Methodist, also thanked the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Church, Ikorodu, for accepting to conduct the Carol service every year.
“I want to thank the Methodist Church for accepting to conduct this service every year. I am a proud Methodist and I will continue to ensure that I am recognised as a member of the Church”, the royal father said.
“Next year, I will see you in good health and happiness. Merry Xmas and happy new year in advance”.
The Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, KJW, commended the royal father for sustaining the annual event.
“This is a period to help people and rejoice together. Kabiyesi has been doing this for the past eight years, and we are always here to celebrate with him”, he said.
“He is a cheerful giver and father of all and he has been preaching to all of us, Nigeria and the government”.
Asiwaju Rotimi Erogbogbo, Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), described the season as a period for celebration as well as reflection through the activities of the outgoing year and plan for the coming one.
“The Christmas period is a period that we celebrate with family and the community and it involves everybody regardless of your religion”, he said.
“It is a period of thanksgiving, prayers and solemnization to rethink about this year and years to come and what Christ stands for.
“It is a joyful moment and a period to remember that a king was born and died to save our souls and what does that mean to us?”.
The Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Choir (The Prelate’s Choir) was also on the ground to lead the gathering in singing various Carol songs to praise and worship God.
Also at the carol service were Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi, members of the royal family, eminent guests, traditional chiefs and residents.
