Kunle Adelabu
-As family unveils statue, book in his honour
Royal fathers and eminent personalities, on Saturday, joined the family of the legendary Ikorodu warrior, Balogun Mabogaje Jaiyesimi, to immortalize their ancestor and the legendary war General (1801 – 1901), who led the Ikorodu forces in conquering the Egba warlords at the Wompari war, at the final ceremony of the maiden Jaiyesimi Day.
At the well attended event held in Ikorodu, the Jaiyesimi Descendants Royal Family of Ikorodu, also unveiled a giant statue of the war General on a horse with a gun in his hand, to depict him as a warrior.
There was also a public presentation of a book titled, ‘Balogun Mabogaje Jaiyesimi (1801-1901): Biography of a Legendary Icon and Great Warrior’, authored by Dr. Henry Bandele Ogunjewo. The book chronicled exploits of the valiant warrior.
Among dignitaries that joined the family in the celebration was the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, who chaired the grand finale of the glamorous Jaiyesimi Day Celebration.
Abiru, who shares ancestral ties with the Madariola branch of Jaiyesimi family, described the day as a celebration of “heritage, courage, and the unbroken bond that ties us to our past”.
He praised Balogun Jaiyesimi as “a gallant defender whose sacrifices secured Ikorodu’s survival and greatness”. He added that his story represents “acts of love and commitment to his people”.
Abiru commended the Jaiyesimi descendants for their initiative in renovating the Balogun Jaiyesimi Palace, calling it “a noble act that preserves our shared heritage.”
The lawmaker, therefore, called on younger generations to draw strength from the courage of their forebears, urging the people of Ikorodu to defend their community “not with swords and shields, but with knowledge, unity, and enterprise”.
He reaffirmed his dedication to community development, noting that “preserving tradition and promoting progress must go hand in hand”.
“The legacy of Balogun Mabogaje Jaiyesimi reminds us that every generation must rise to its challenge, Let us build on his courage through education, innovation, and unity”.
In his remarks, Otunba Olaniyi Ajadi Banjoko, who is the Asiwaju Omoba Balogun Jaiyesimi, appreciated the great support of Senator Abiru towards the success of the event.
Royal fathers and other eminent personalities at the event included Oba (Dr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Engr. Bashir Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, represented by Oba Jamiu Sule-Onosipe, the Onigode of Igode Kingdom, Oba Benson, the Olojodu of Ojodu and Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, the Ologijo of Ogijo.
Others were Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, MFR, Mr. Hakeem Abiru, Sheikh Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi, the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, Dr. (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Dr. Frederick Oladehinde, the former Commissioner of Transportation, Lagos State, and Otunba Ganiu Abiru among others.
