By Bisiriyu Rafiu Olalekan
Ikorodu, Lagos | August 6, 2025
In a celebration that beautifully blended tradition, intellect, and empowerment, Day 4 of the Ayangburen at 10 anniversary featured a thought-provoking public lecture and a life-changing scholarship award ceremony for 50 deserving students. The event, held at the Ikorodu Town Hall, further highlighted the enduring legacy and progressive vision of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.
The well-attended lecture, themed “Contemporary Traditional Rulers and the Quest for Inclusive Governance and Development in Nigeria”, explored the evolving role of monarchs in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Traditional Rulers as Development Catalysts
Representing the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, delivered a powerful message. He emphasized that traditional rulers must go beyond ceremonial roles and become active agents of development in their domains.
“As we reflect on the past decade, I urge us all to envision the next ten years. How can traditional rulers actively engage in transformative initiatives? How can they influence policies for the betterment of their communities?” Hon. Adams asked.
He recalled the 2015 Obas and Chiefs Law, passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly, which legally recognized the traditional institution, defining their roles, duties, and dispute-resolution frameworks while shielding them from arbitrary interference.
“This is not merely a celebration of a decade of traditional leadership,” he said. “It is a call to action—a call for honest dialogue and active participation in shaping the future of our communities.”
50 Students Empowered with ₦250,000 Each
In line with Kabiyesi’s vision for human capital development, 50 students were awarded scholarships worth ₦250,000 each, a magnanimous gesture funded through the Ayangburen Scholarship Initiative. The announcement was met with cheers and gratitude as it marked a significant investment in the future of young Ikorodu indigenes.
Intellectual Excellence Meets Royal Wisdom
The keynote speaker, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, an expert in history and African studies, delivered an insightful address that analyzed the place of monarchs in governance and their indispensable cultural relevance in the face of modern challenges.
The event was chaired by High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN), while Asiwaju Kaoli Olatunji Olusanya gave the welcome address, setting the tone for a robust intellectual discourse.
A Gathering of Dignitaries
The venue brimmed with royalty, professionals, and community stakeholders. Among the dignitaries were:
Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo
Olori Bridget Kudirat Abosede Shotobi
Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, Chairman IKODASS
Rotimi Erogbogbo, Secretary of the 10th Anniversary Committee and former IKODASS Chairman
Representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, NUT, Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Iyaloja General Busola Isikalu (Ikorodu)
Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya Asiwaju of Ibeshe Kingdom
Professor Fatai Abatan Dean of Students Affair Lagos State University
Representing the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Dr. Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development, lauded Oba Shotobi’s exemplary leadership over the past decade, describing him as a strong advocate of inclusive governance and people-centered development.
Looking Ahead
As the day closed, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose. The synergy between the intellectual discussions and the scholarship gesture perfectly symbolized Oba Shotobi’s reign—where tradition meets transformation, and where leadership is measured not just in rituals, but in tangible impact on lives.
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