Mariam Akinloye
Aftermath the celebration of the 10th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, events rounded – off with a special thanksgiving service to appreciate God for the successful first decade and week – long commemorative activities.
The service held at the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Church, Ikorodu, on Sunday played host to royal fathers and eminent personalities.
Bishop of Ikorodu Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Samson Olukayode Osundina, JP, delivering the sermon for the special thanksgiving service, congratulated the royal father for the eventful and impactful first decade.
The bishop said that during the 10 years, Ikorodu has witnessed economic, political and social developments, emphasizing the reign has also brought about and sustained unity, peace and harmony in the community.
He said that the 10th anniversary thanksgiving that the King has observed is not only to appreciate God for what He has done but also to seek for His guidance, favour and wisdom for decades to come for his reign and over his family. He quoted Hebrew 13:8 and Haggai 2:9 among other Bible paasges.
Bishop Osundina thanked Oba Shotobi for all that he has been doing for Ikorodu and for hosting the annual carol service at his palace.
While dedicating the royal father to the Lord and wishing him a long and successful reign the preacher also charged him to continue to lead with impact and fear of God.
Oba Shotobi, speaking with reporters after the Church Service, said that the thanksgiving is necessary to appreciate God for how far He has taken him.
“It has been wonderful since the beginning. In whatever situation we find ourselves, we must give thanks and adoration to the Almighty God and we started it all from this Church and I was once a choir member of this church. I have never left the Methodist Church and God in His infinite mercy has made them to pray for me and I have seen the blessings of God in me.
“So, I am happy that I finally came to give the thanksgiving at this Church.”
Ayangbure of Ikorodu said that the first decade of his reign is just the beginning, emphasising that he is ready to do more.
“This is the first 10 and the second one is when it becomes 20 and it’s the beginning of the journey and that was why I sang the song
“This is the first 10 years and they are still going to series of it and I will do my best. I have told myself that, whatever my community wants I must do it to their satisfaction. I must continue to do that because I want the people to be happy and I want to be happy myself, because if my people are happy, I will be happy and may GOD be with us,” Oba Shotobi said.
Hon Gbolahan Ogunleye, representative, Ikorodu Constituency I, Lagos State House of Assembly, who also attended the thanksgiving described Oba Shotobi as a dynamic royal father who is deeply concerned about developments in his domain.
“I see him as a father; a dynamic Royal father and he his mostly interested in the development of his kingdom Ikorodu and all his actions are about peace and bringing the people together.
“He is there when the traditionalist needs him. He’s a devoted to the Muslims and you can see him here in Church, knowing fully well that his Yoruba culture will not disturb his Islamic practice and also coming to Church to pray for the peace and prosperity of our town Ikorodu.”
The representative of Ikorodu Constituency I,, also said that the impact of his first decade has shown how far and successful that he will go in future.
“His first 10 years have shown what his trajectory will be in future. He needs more development. He has a listening ear and he rallies everyone, no matter your beliefs as you can see here and also no matter your political stance.
“As a politician, when it’s time for campaign I see all manner of banners on his walls in the palace. He is a peace-loving king and I wish him many more fruitful development years on the throne,” Hon. Ogunleye.
After the service, there was an interdenominational service at the palace where Christian congregations under the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ikorodu branch gathered for another special service.
