… IDPIL to Build Ultra-Modern Palace for Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom

The 2024 Ipakodo Day Celebration marked its grand finale, on Saturday, 5th of October, with great fanfare, bringing together Royal Fathers, Distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, Son and Daughters of Ipakodo, residents in a joyous celebration of Ipakodo’s unity, diversity, and Cultural Heritage.

In his welcome address,

Prince Olasunkanmi Shotonwa, Chairman of the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA), highlighted the significance of the celebrations, stating that Ipakodo Day showcases the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and brings together indigenes and residents regardless of tribe, creed, religion, or social status. This year’s event featured a week-long celebration, including the Woro Carnival, free medical treatments, a football tournament, and homage to the monarch.

The Chairman said two prominent community heroes, Late Prince Tajudeen Adedapo Odofin and Late Alh. Musediqu Oladega Alogba, who were recognized posthumously for their philanthropic contributions to Ipakodo Kingdom. Odofin’s TAO Foundation has touched hundreds of lives, while Alogba’s educational supports have benefited many schools and students.

He also announced the presentation of a Special Pillar of Development Award to High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, for his unprecedented contributions to Ikorodu Division communities through the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative. Prince Olasunkanmi Shotonwa concluded by calling on dignitaries to support the Ipakodo Development Association in stimulating community development through cash and kind donations. He reiterated the association’s commitment to community growth and progress.

Oba Engr. Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, has called on the people of Ipakodo Kingdom to extend a helping hand to those struggling financially, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during difficult economic times.
Oba Sotonwa expressed gratitude to his “very supportive and cooperative subjects” since ascending to the throne six years ago. He highlighted the community’s achievements, citing the successful Ipakodo Day celebrations as a testament to the power of collaboration.

As part of the celebration, The monarch stated they have distributed of over 200 raw food items to indigent residents, including the aged, widows, and less-privileged individuals, made possible through partnerships with TAO Foundation, ATOO Foundation, Alhaji Sanni Dan Baba Foundation, and Chapel of Transfiguration Church on Wednesday.

Additionally, Oba Sotonwa shared updates on the planned construction of the Oba Sekumade Palace Pavilion, revealing that the project will undergo expansion to include a complete redesign and reconstruction of the entire palace, thanks to a notable philanthropist’s support. The project is set to commence within weeks.

The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, in his speech praised the Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, HRM Oba Engr. Basiru Sotonwa, FNSE, for his outstanding leadership and guidance.

He acknowledged the monarch’s tireless efforts in promoting the welfare and development of Ipakodo Kingdom, expressing pride in the growing development witnessed across the land, and Congratulated him on this year Ipakodo Day Celebration.

He said,“Construction of the following roads and schools within Ipakodo, will  commence very soon: Apena Jimbo Street, Ojediran Street, Ibuowo Street, Rehabilitation/ Construction of Classroom blocks at Ipakodo Primary School, and Rehabilitation/ Construction of classroom blocks in Ipakodo Grammar School”.

Speaking further, Abiru highlighted immense benefit of SAIL Innovation Lab, the first of its kind Innovation Lab, which is an endowment of SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an initiative by Senator Abiru and his wife, Mrs Feyisola Abiru, located at Ipakodo, Ikorodu. According to him, the Innovation Lab has put Ipakodo, and by extension, Ikorodu on the world’s map, stressing that many young people’s lives were being transformed through impactful programmes and opportunities the Lab offers for participants.

Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman of Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Ltd/GTE (IDPIL),  who was the Chairman of the Occasion announced plans of IDPIL to construct an ultra-modern palace for the Sekumade of Ipakodo, which will commence less than a month time.
Ogunsanya, a renowned philanthropist and leader, took the opportunity to congratulate the Kabiyesi and the people of Ipakodo on this year’s Ipakodo Day celebrations.

In his address, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem, the Executive Chairman Ikorodu West LCDA, expressed pride in Ipakodo’s cultural heritage, traditions, and resilience. “We take pride in our cultural heritage, our traditions, and our people, who have consistently demonstrated strength and unity in the face of adversity,” he said.

The celebration, according to Hon. Sulaimon, serves as both a time for merriment and an opportunity to reflect on collective progress, envisioning a brighter future. Various activities, including traditional dances, music, and art exhibitions, will showcase Ipakodo’s rich culture.

SKO extended gratitude to Oba Engr. Basiru Aremu Sotonwa Oshomekun II for his tireless efforts in promoting the kingdom’s welfare and development. He pledged commitment to addressing challenges and creating growth opportunities.

Representing Director-General Jibrin Baba Ndace, Abdulkabir of Voice of Nigeria praised Ipakodo community’s vibrant culture during the Ipakodo Day celebration.
“We always align with our host community,” Abdulkabir said, highlighting Voice of Nigeria’s transmission presence in Ipakodo. “I love what I’m seeing here; this is a definition of rich culture.”
He congratulated the Kabiyesi and indigenes of Ipakodo on this year’s celebration, solidifying Voice of Nigeria’s commitment to community engagement and cultural preservation.

Royal fathers in attendance include: HRM Oba Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, The Ayangbure of Ikorodu and the Paramount Ruler of Ikorodu Division, HRM Oba Semiudeen Kasali, The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom and HRM Oba Olukayode David Raji, The Eweye of Isiu, Aremo Ogunsanya,

Other Dignitaries are: Sir Raheed Omokayode Shoderu, Emeritus Prof. Kunle Ade Wahaab, Dr. (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Builder Olusesan Daini Executive Chairman Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, amongst other dignitaries.