The Oba-elect of Odo-Nla, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, the Fuwagbade of Odo Nla has felicitated with HRM, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbunren of Ikorodu kingdom, Lagos on the occassion of the just concluded Odun Osu festival 2022.

The climax of the week long elaborate traditional ceremony took place at the magnificient palace of HRM, Shotobi, in Ikorodu, last weekend.

It was a tradition at its best on display as guests from far and wide stormed the palace to witness the age-long annual festival. Leading the large delegation of Odo-Nla kingdom was Otunba David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, Olotu Omo’ba Meta.

Big banners with photographs of both Oba Shotobi and Oba-elect Olowolekomoh at both the public and private gates of the Ikorodu monarch welcome guests to the ceremony last Saturday amid traditional dances and singing as well as awards and recognition to Ikorodu sons and daughters who had distingushed themselves in their various endeavours especially as it relate to the upliftment of the kingdom.

When it was time for Oba Shotobi to come out of his inner chamber to the open court yard of the palace, the festival took on a different verve. Important guests were recognized and called upon to pay homage to the Oba, including the large entourage of Odo Nla kingdom led by Otunba Ekiyoyo.

Oba-elect Olowolekomoh while congratulating HRM, Shotobi, described the festival as a celebration of life.

It would be recalled that Olowolekomoh emerged the Oba elect of Odo-Nla kingdom last December among other five contestants to the ancient throne of Odo-Nla. Six candidates, Princes Kazeem Benson, Olusoji Daudu, Adesegun Ogunkoya, Ademoritan Adeyemi, Adewale Balogun from the Ogbodo and Raselu ruling houses contested for the royal crown.

“On behalf of the entire community of Odo-Nla and the Omo-Oba Meta royal family, The Oba-Elect of Odo-Nla Kingdom; Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, The FUWAGBADE OF ODO-NLA, uses this unique opportunity to celebrate and felicitate with His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the HRM AYANGBUNREN of Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria on the annual occasion and anniversary of the just concluded “ODUN OSU FESTIVAL 2022” which is certainly ushering in a new season of abundant growth, productivity, peace and prosperity for Ikorodu indigenous community this last Saturday 26-03-2022.

“Pursuant to the cordial relations and great historical kinship and affinities between the two communities in particular, it is noteworthy to emphasize that the Oba-Elect of Odo-Nla; Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh is a direct male descendant of the younger Sister of HRM Oba Abdul Kabiru Adewale Shotobi’s grandfather through the linage of Shotobi of Adegorushen – “Lasunwon Royal family”. He is also confirmed to be the only Prince coming out from a male lineage of Oyeneru Agbaku of Odo-Nla Royal Family.

The entire Odo-Nla community is therefore a critical joint stakeholders, participants and Co-Celebrants of this great festival and tradition in the spirit of affectionate brotherhood and royalty with the great community of Ikorodu Kingdom at large.”

Olowolekomoh was grateful to HRM for the role he played in the process leading to his emergence as Oba-elect of Odo-Nla. “The re-instatement exercise and the attendant rigours (of the Oba selection process) could not have been easily overcome without the full encouragements and support of our paramount rulers and royal fathers in the entities of his Royal Highness, Oba Sikiru Adetona (The Awujale of Ijebu Ode) and Oba Engr. Abdul-Kabir Adewale Shotobi – Adegorushen V (The Ayangburen of Ikorodu) respectively and other important royal dignitaries and stakeholders alike. It’s my commitment to work fervently in synergy and cooperation with my local government area functionaries and the entire cabinet members and staffs of Lagos State in harmonising the growth and developmental planning set out for Odo-Nla kingdom for our mutual benefits.”

Otunba Ekiyoyo who could not hide his excitement at the ceremony, gave gratitude to God for sparing the lives of the guests to witness what he described as a “historic tradition”.

“By this time next year, our Oba-elect, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh would attend physically, after the coronation later this year. You saw the honor and recognition given to us by HRM? In fact, today is not a day of long talk, let us enjoy the festival,” Ekiyoyo.

In the same vein, Prince Adebisi Olanrewaju Olukoga of Odo Nla, also joined Oba-elect Olowolekomoh in congratulating HRM, Oba Shotobi on the successful hosting of this year’s Odun Osu festival.

“I, Prince Adebisi Ọlanrewaju Olukọga, the son of Ogunlana ‘Upẹnyẹwa’ Ọdẹyẹmi Ofinran of Odo-Nla Kingdom and the entire Odo-Nla community under the umbrella of the Oba-Elect (Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh, happily felicitate with Kabiesi Alayeluwa Ọba Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushẹn (V) the Ayangburẹn of Ikorodu Kingdom and the organizers of this year’s Odun Osu festival.

“All the additional hours, all the sacrifices, all the restless evenings and early mornings have paid off! Without genuine efforts, it’s impossible to expect a successful event! You merit this successful event.”

In welcoming the new Otunba and Yeye Otunba Fuwagbuyi in the person of Prince Ganiu Abiru and the wife Princess Olubunmi Abiru to the Council of Honorary Otunbas in Ikorodu Division, the General Secretary of the council,

Otunba Dr Fatai Olajide Olukoga (Otunba Iwade of Ikorodu) said As Honorary Otunbas, they are expected have “constant liaison with the Kabiyesi Ayangburen in matters related to the development of Ikorodu, accompanying Kabiyesi on important outings, and liasson with the state government on matters relating to the State and Ikododu Division, and any other assignments as deem fit by Kabiyesi.”

He then welcomed the new otunbas into the council on behalf of the Chairman, Otunba Isiaka Gbadamosi and members

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion from the Omo’ba Meta Royal Family Odo-Nla are; Prince Adeseye Adedipe, three Ruling Houses Olotus; Olotu Ogbodo: Rasaki Adebayo Onabajo, Olotu Uponyewa: Alhaji Tajudeen Sholaru, Olotu Raselu, Alhaji Sikiru Banjo Ota, General Secretary Omoba Meta: Omotolani Ogunsami.