Mariam Akinloye & Kunle Adelabu
Following the demolition of the distressed Adeboruwa Palace, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, has laid the foundation of an ultra – modern Adeboruwa Palace.
The Igbogb/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, had at the weekend demolished the distressed palace to pave way for a new and befitting edifice for the First-Class monarch and the ancient Igbogbo community.
THE IMPACT had reported that the council earmarked over N400milion for the project which is scheduled to be completed in a few months.
Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini, speaking at the ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday, said that he is still acting on the instruction of the Adeboruwa that told him in December 2016 when he visited him at the palace to seek his blessings for his aspiration and he was told to go and develop the town and not disappoint.
He assured the Adeboruwa, chiefs and major stakeholders in Igbogbo that the modern palace will be constructed and delivered.
“By God’s grace, we will complete the palace because He has perfected everything concerning it. This palace will be completed by July.”
The LCDA chairman assured, “When this palace is completed, it will be our pride in Igbogbo because it will be an edifice that will be compared to some of the best in the Southwest, Nigeria.”
Daini confirmed THE IMPACT’s report that a whooping sum of N400million has been earmarked for the project:
“Someone had reported in the social media (probably referring to THE IMPACT publication) that we are expending over N400million on the project, thinking that they are exposing us, but the truth is that we are not hiding the figure.
“We are ready to avail anybody of the details of the contract. They thought that they were exposing us but it’s a government document and not that of my family.
“Before we embarked on the project, we prepared the necessary document for the Governor’s approval and we did not do it in secret. In fact, a son of the soil, Engr. Abiodun Dankuwo is the Technical Director who reviewed.”
Speaking on the features of the proposed palace, Daini said:
“There will be an office, and archives room that will document traditional and cultural values of the people of Igbogbo that our children can visit to learn from. It will be an avenue for preservation of our history.
“The building will be fully air conditioned and also there will be a restroom for Kabiyesi and other amenities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Adeboruwa – in – Council, Odofin Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo charged political leaders at the ceremony to ensure that an appropriate person is picked to administer the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA.
He commended the council for the initiative and prayed that the building would be completed.
Political leaders like Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, GAC chieftain, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, GAC chieftain, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC chieftain, Hon. Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, all commended the council boss and prayed for the completion of the palace.
Also at the ground breaking were Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), Chairmanship aspirant, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mr Shakiru Seidu, another Chairmanship aspirant, Mr Ade Bolowotan, Chairmanship candidate, chieftains of Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA), religious leaders and other residents.
