Wale Jagun
The ancient bond between Ikorodu and Remoland was further strengthened last Thursday, as a prominent son of Ikorodu, Chairman, MultiChoice Nigeria and the Odofin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, was installed as the Odofin of Offin Shagamu and Odofin of Remoland by
His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, LLB, LLM, FCA, FBR, Torungbuwa II, Akarigbo of Shagamu and Paramount Ruler of Remoland.
The ceremony, attended by top government functionaries, prominent traditional rulers, traditional chiefs, political leaders, community leaders, business figures, captains of industry and other dignitaries, took place at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu.
The ceremony had the full presence of royal families; council chairmen, cultural groups and associations; youth groups and other stakeholders from Ikorodu and Remoland.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, led the state officials to the talk -of-the-town installation ceremony of the lawyer cum business mogul of international standing. They were joined by the Gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Ogun State, Sen. Olalekan Solomon (Yayi) and his PDP counterpart, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu.
The installation followed days of traditional rites and seclusion, culminating in the final installation rites and the formal installation of Odofin Ogunsanya at the Akarigbo palace.
The colourful ceremony also provided an opportunity for the display of Yoruba culture and Remo tradition, with different dance groups and cultural performers entertaining guests as the palace grounds became a meeting point for people from all walks of life.
For Ogunsanya, however, the new title represents more than another addition to his growing list of traditional honours. It places on him another layer of responsibility to the people all over Remoland and beyond.
Oba Akarigbo, while congratulating the new Odofin, said the installation represents the beginning of a stronger relationship and expressed appreciation for Ogunsanya’s contribution to the traditional institution.
“Good things will not stop; they will continue for the rest of your life,” Oba Ajayi told Ogunsanya.
The royal father added: “We have known each other for a long time, but today is a better symbol that there are many things we will do together,” the Akarigbo said.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, described Ogunsanya as a man whose achievements have gone beyond business and personal success, noting that his connection to his roots has remained evident despite his position as a major business executive.
Recalling Odofin Ogunsanya’s connection to the title and royalty, the Governor said:
“A fruit does not fall far from the tree. Adewunmi has, for you to walk the path that his father walked, and he’s even doing a better job at that”, the Governor said.
Abiodun described the new Odofin as a trained attorney, entrepreneur and chairman of MultiChoice Nigeria, while also praising his ability to remain connected to his roots despite his responsibilities and business interests.
According to the Governor, Ogunsanya’s influence extends beyond Ikorodu, citing his intervention in a dispute involving the state government and a traditional ruler in Ogijo.
He noted that Ogunsanya’s acceptance of the Odofin title of Shagamu and Remoland, further demonstrated his willingness to take on more responsibilities.
The Governor used Ogunsanya’s example to challenge successful Nigerians to look beyond personal wealth and consider how their achievements could benefit the society.
“This underscores the fact that this man is an all-rounder. A man who has the time and space for everything.
“It’s not enough that God has blessed you, and because of those blessings, you just remain in your home in Ikoyi, enjoying yourself with your family and friends. But it’s more important to look at how that blessing can be extended to others in the larger community”, he said.
Abiodun described such service as exemplary and urged those present at the ceremony to become “spheres of influence” within their communities.
He subsequently congratulated Ogunsanya on his installation as the Odofin of Shagamu and Remoland, describing him as one of Ogun State’s “proud and illustrious sons.”
The new Odofin, in a brief response, thanked the Governor, traditional rulers and other dignitaries for their support and presence at the ceremony.
“I don’t think today is a day for speeches; everybody should just enjoy themselves,
Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya was born into the famous Ogunsanya family of Ikorodu, an important royal lineage and was the son of the late Chief Adedeji Ogunsanya who was also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and one time President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Odofin Ogunsanya is the Principal Partner of the law firm of Messrs Ogunsanya & Ogunsanya, a reputable law firm in Lagos.
Ogunsanya’s longstanding philanthropic and developmental activities in Ikorodu Division and beyond have seen his interventions in the construction of residences and palaces for traditional rulers in Igbogbo, Isiu, Ipakodo and Ogijo, as well as annual scholarships for indigent tertiary institution students. interventions he undertook in his position as the Chairman, Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL) GTE.
One of his most significant ongoing interventions is the multi-billion-naira Renal and Intensive Care Unit Centre at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, which is expected to provide specialised healthcare services to residents of the division and the state in general.
Ogunsanya has also announced plans to establish a university for Ikorodu Division through the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL), while a technical college being supported by the group is expected to be completed and commissioned next year.
With the installation, Ogunsanya now holds the titles of Odofin of Remoland and Odofin of Ikorodu Kingdom, in addition to other traditional honours, including Baba Oba of Igbogbo Kingdom, Isiu and Ogijo lands.
