The ancient Ipakodo Kingdom in Ikorodu was agog on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as sons, daughters, residents and friends of the community gathered for the grand finale of the 5th Annual Ipakodo Day Celebration.
The event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, business leaders, community stakeholders and residents to celebrate the history, culture, unity and development of Ipakodo Kingdom.
The grand finale was marked by goodwill messages, cultural displays, recognition of community contributors and reflections on the development milestones recorded by the kingdom over the past five years.
SULEIMAN KAZEEM OPENS EVENT
The Chairman of the event, Hon. Sulaiman Kazeem, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Government, delivered the opening remarks at the grand finale.
In his remarks, Kazeem congratulated the traditional institution, the Ipakodo Day Planning Committee and the entire people of Ipakodo for sustaining the annual celebration for five consecutive years.
He noted the importance of community celebrations in preserving history, strengthening relationships among residents and creating opportunities to discuss the development needs of the community.
The chairman also commended the organisers and community stakeholders for keeping the celebration alive and encouraged sons and daughters of Ipakodo to continue contributing to initiatives that would promote peace, unity and sustainable development within the kingdom.
OBA SOTONWA HIGHLIGHTS FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS
In his address, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, FNSE, reflected on the journey of Ipakodo Day since its establishment in 2022.
The monarch said what started as an idea five years ago had grown into an annual community-wide celebration embraced by sons, daughters and residents of Ipakodo at home and in the diaspora.
According to the monarch, one of the major outcomes of the annual celebration has been renewed peace, unity and progress within the kingdom.
He urged residents to protect the peace and unity achieved in the community, describing them as essential foundations for meaningful and sustainable development.
ULTRA-MODERN SEKUMADE PALACE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The monarch also highlighted the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern Sekumade Palace as one of the major development milestones associated with the Ipakodo Day initiative.
The palace project is being undertaken by the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative (IDPIL) under the leadership of Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN.
The project was identified as one of the development gains associated with the 2024 edition of Ipakodo Day.
MULTI-PURPOSE HALL PROJECT REACHES ROOFING STAGE
Another project highlighted during the celebration was the ongoing construction of a multi-purpose hall at the Local Government Primary School in Ipakodo.
According to the monarch, the project emerged from the 2025 Ipakodo Day celebration and had reached the roofing stage.
He disclosed that the facility is expected to be completed and commissioned for use on or before the first quarter of 2027.
SEKUMADE STOOL ELEVATED TO FIRST-CLASS STATUS
Oba Sotonwa also celebrated the elevation of the Sekumade stool of Ipakodo from a second-class to a first-class traditional stool.
The monarch described the development as a landmark achievement for the kingdom and congratulated the sons, daughters and families of Ipakodo on what he described as a significant milestone in the history of the community.
He said the development had further positioned Ipakodo among the historic communities of Lagos State.
DR. SAAHEED IBIKUNLE DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON BEHALF OF SENATOR TOKUNBO ABIRU
Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, Special Adviser on Constituency Matters to Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Senator at the 5th Ipakodo Day Celebration. He conveyed Abiru’s goodwill to Oba Sotonwa, the traditional institution and the people of Ipakodo, while highlighting the Senator’s interventions in road infrastructure, education, youth development and economic empowerment, including the ongoing Ikorodu-Itoikin and Itoikin-Ijebu-Ode road projects, classroom projects in Ipakodo, the Senator Abiru Innovation Lab, MSME support and annual bursary programme. He congratulated Ipakodo Kingdom on the celebration and reaffirmed Senator Abiru’s commitment to supporting development initiatives across Lagos East.
BABAJIMI BENSON DELIVERS GOODWILL MESSAGE
Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, also delivered goodwill remarks at the celebration.
Benson congratulated the traditional institution, the planning committee and the entire people of Ipakodo on the fifth anniversary of the annual celebration.
He commended the community for sustaining an initiative that combines cultural heritage, community development and social interaction.
He also stressed the importance of unity and collective responsibility in driving development, encouraging the people of Ipakodo to continue supporting initiatives that preserve their heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
HON. ENITAN JESSICA OBA SPEAKS TO THE MEDIA
The Council Leader of Ikorodu Local Government Area, Hon. Enitan Jessica Oba, also spoke with the media during the celebration.
She congratulated the people of Ipakodo on the successful 5th edition of the annual celebration and commended the traditional institution and organisers for creating a platform that brings the community together.
She noted that celebrations such as Ipakodo Day provide an opportunity for residents, leaders and stakeholders to reconnect with their cultural roots while also reflecting on the development of the community.
Hon. Enitan Jessica Oba further emphasised the importance of unity, community participation and support for development initiatives, noting that the progress of Ipakodo requires the collective efforts of traditional institutions, government, residents and private stakeholders.
She also congratulated the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom and the people of the kingdom on the various development milestones highlighted during the celebration.
DIGNITARIES GATHER FOR IPAKODO DAY
The celebration attracted prominent traditional rulers, political leaders, business executives and community stakeholders.
Among the dignitaries were Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Chairman of the Board of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, who served as Chairman of the Occasion; Prince Biodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, as Father of the Day; Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, Accountant-General of the Federation, as Special Guest of Honour; Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, Ashipa of Ikorodu Kingdom; Engr. Kayode Adekoya of Koya Construction; Chief (Mrs.) Idiyat Sanda, Yeye Oge of Ikorodu Kingdom; Mrs. Bolanle Adesulu of Ayobola Fabrics; and Mrs. Adenike Shittu of Goodness and Mercy Venture**, among others.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS HONOURED
A major highlight of the grand finale was the recognition of individuals for their contributions and support towards the development of Ipakodo and the success of the annual celebration.
Those recognised included Oloja-elect of Lagos, Prince Abiola Kosoko; Om’ba Peju Akinyemi; Alhaji Sanni M. Danbaba, and several other distinguished individuals.
The awards provided an opportunity for the community to appreciate individuals whose contributions have supported community development, cultural activities, peace-building and the continued growth of Ipakodo Day.
A CELEBRATION OF THE PAST AND A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The 2026 edition of Ipakodo Day was more than a cultural gathering. It provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on its journey, celebrate its achievements and identify the responsibilities ahead.
From the ongoing palace construction and school multi-purpose hall to the recognition of the traditional institution’s elevation, the celebration placed considerable emphasis on development alongside culture and heritage.
As the fifth edition came to a close, the people of Ipakodo were reminded of the importance of preserving the kingdom’s peace and unity while working collectively towards further development.
For Ipakodo, the fifth anniversary marked another chapter in an annual tradition that continues to bring its people together — at home and in the diaspora — to celebrate their identity, honour contributors and look towards the future.
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