Mariam Akinloye
His Royal Majesty, (Oba) Dr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Adeborushen V, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, on Wednesday, paid royal visitations to two prominent centenarians in Ikorodu who are over 100 years in commemoration of his 11th coronation anniversary.
The visits, which were to Pa Ashafa Ajibola Erogbogbo, father of Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) who celebrated his 100th birthday anniversary some months back, and 102 years old, Most Superior Evangelist Taiwo Oshin, according to the royal father, were to appreciate the elderly persons and thank them for their services and contributions to the development of Ikorodu, the country and humanity in general.
While Pa. Erogbogbo was visited at his Igbo -Oluwo home, the royal entourage met with the Most Superior Evangelist Oshin at his Losi Oba Avenue home in Ikorodu, with Oba Shotobi presenting them with cash and other gifts.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, speaking on his visit, said that it was in recognition of their contributions to the development of Ikorodu.
“This means a lot to us. Ikorodu did not just came into being, we have the founders, elders, and our forefathers that made Ikorodu what we have today.
“Some of these elders are still with us and they are over 100 years. We still have them with us and they have seen a lot and fought for us in Ikorodu. We need to appreciate them and that is part of what we are doing”.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Ikorodu -Oga Development Association (IKODASS) in honouring senior citizens in Ikorodu who are above 70 years, Oba Shotobi emphasised that the visits to the two centenarians will remain memorable to them.
“They were happy seeing the King and his entourage paid them royal homage. They have never seen anything of such and the visits will register in their memories. They will cherish the Kabiyesi’s visit, and the joy that they will have is what we want to achieve with the visits.
Oba Ayangbure also hinted that the royal visits to senior citizens in lkorodu who are over 100 years, will continue on Friday.
Asiwaju Kaoil Olatunji Olusanya, the Asipa of Ikorodu, and Asiwaju of Ibesheland, commended the royal visits, and described them as opportunity to tap from the experiences of the centenarians.
“The initiative of Kabiyesi to visit the centenarians, is a good thing and step in the right direction.
“Firstly, we should not wait till our elders die before we celebrate them. It is a thing of joy for the elders, particularly during this time when they are almost isolated, and they are just on a low. It is a thing of joy for them to see their king and chiefs to come and felicitate them. It makes them happy and that is what they need, while they are still alive.
“Not only that, visiting them will also afford us to hear one or two old stories about their experiences and about their knowledge of the town which could be useful in moving Ikorodu forward”, Asiwaju Kaoli said.
While commending the government for caring for senior citizens, Asiwaju Kaoli also charged that government at all levels need to do more for the aged people for them to enjoy and live their last years happily.
The Aro of Ikorodu Kingdom, High Chief Emmanual Olufemi Onafowokan, who thanked God for the wisdom He has bestowed on Oba Shotobi, described the visits as first of kind and innovative.
While further commending Oba Shotobi, Chief Aro said that the visits were productive for the royal father and the centenarians.
Pa Ashafa Erogbogbo, speaking, appreciated the royal father and his entourage for the visit and offered prayers.
In his own remarks, Most Superior Evangelist Taiwo Oshin, expressed his happiness, and said that he was amazed by the visit of Oba Shotobi, as well as the monetary gift and other items that were presented to him.
The centenarian also emphasised that he will cherish the visit forever because of what it meant to him.
Mrs Oluwafumilayo Oshin Oyetade, daughter of Pa Oshin, thanking the Ayangbure on behalf of the family, said that they feel honoured by the royal visit.
She described the royal visit to the elderly persons as a good initiative that must be commended.
Others in the royal entourage were Chief Niyi Banjoko, Bobakeye of Ikorodu, Chief Abiodun Awolesi, Saalu Apesin of Ikorodu, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai, IKODASS Chairman, Baales and others.
