The town of Ikorodu buzzed with color and celebration as the 34th Ikorodu OGA 2025 Festival concluded, highlighted by the conferment of distinguished chieftaincy titles on top federal government officials for their outstanding service to the nation, and launching of Ilufemiloye by Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom.

In a ceremony that blended tradition with contemporary governance, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was installed as the Otunba Adekílúmọ of Ikorodu Kingdom, while Distinguished Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari received the title of Baba Isale of Ikorodu Kingdom. The Chief Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Ogunjimi Shamseldeen was also conferred with an Otunba chieftaincy title.

The historic event, held under the royal authority of HRM Oba AbdulKabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, attracted an impressive gathering of national and regional dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

The installation of Speaker Abbas as Otunba Adekílúmọ acknowledges his exemplary leadership, steadfast public service, and deep connection with the Ikorodu community. The title recognizes his commitment to national unity, humility, and respectful engagement with traditional institutions.

Senator Yari’s installation as Baba Isale similarly celebrates a leader known for his strength, legacy, and far-reaching influence in Nigerian politics and governance.

The conferment of the Otunba title on Mr. Ogunjimi Shamseldeen, the Accountant-General of the Federation honours his distinguished service and commitment to excellence in managing the nation’s finances.

The event drew an extraordinary array of personalities from across the country, underscoring its national significance. Among those in attendance were:

Governor of Zamfara State
Inspector General of Police, represented by AIG Frank Mba, former Police Spokesperson and Commissioner of Police
Senator Gbenga Ashafa
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru
Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson (Member, House of Representatives)
Princess Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
Mrs. Jumoke Benson, representing Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria and Iya Oba of Lagos
Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Chairman, Ikorodu Division Progressives Initiative League (IDPIL), Ms. Abisola Olusanya Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State.

Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division Deaconess Busola Isikalu, chairmen in attendance included Prince Adedayo Ladega (Ikorodu LG), Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile (Ikorodu North LCDA), Hon. Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun (Igbogbo Bayeku LCDA), Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba Ijede (LCDA) Hon. Sunday Benson(Imota LCDA), and numerous other traditional rulers, political office holders, royal chiefs, and community leaders.

The celebration took a philanthropic turn as the newly installed chiefs demonstrated their commitment to community development through substantial donations to education.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas donated ₦50 million to support the Ikorodu Education Scholarship Scheme, while the Governor of Zamfara State contributed ₦20 million to the same initiative. Senator Abdulaziz Yari also pledged support for educational advancement in the kingdom.

Additionally, the Ikorodu OGA Festival Committee awarded scholarships to deserving students as part of the 2025 finale, ensuring the kingdom’s young talents receive the support they need to excel.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. AbdulKabir Adewale Shotobi, enriched the day’s proceedings by launching his book titled “Ilufemiloye”, a work celebrating Ikorodu’s rich heritage and cultural depth.

The monarch also used the occasion to advocate for modern infrastructure, requesting that railway services be extended to Ikorodu to enhance connectivity and economic development in the division.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole Olayiwola, Chairman of the Ikorodu Oga Development Association, expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on the kingdom and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote community development.

Prince Abdul-Lateef Adedayo Ladega, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, praised the festival for showcasing the unity and cultural vibrancy of Ikorodu, noting that such celebrations strengthen the bonds between traditional institutions and modern governance.

The festival showcased the unity, colour, and vibrancy of Ikorodu, with participation from numerous associations and community groups. Sons and daughters of the kingdom turned out in large numbers, celebrating leaders who have demonstrated dedication to humanity, accessibility to the people, and unwavering respect for culture and tradition.

The 2025 Ikorodu OGA Festival Grand Finale will be remembered as a powerful convergence of tradition, national recognition, and community pride. Through the conferment of high-ranking chieftaincy titles, scholarship awards, and cultural showcases, Ikorodu affirmed its status as a kingdom that honours its leaders, uplifts its youth, and celebrates its heritage while reinforcing the bonds of unity, culture, and progress that define the kingdom today.