The palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi received the crème-de-la-crème from all walks of life on Sunday, May 23, 2021, as he marked his sixth coronation anniversary. And to make the anniversary a memorable one, he honoured one of Nigeria's finest businessmen and realtor, Otunba Yemi Lawal and his wife Erelu Ayotunde Lawal. They both became Bobamulero and Yeye Bobamulero of Ikoroduland.
There were so many talking points and hot gists at the event. Starting from all that went down behind the scene, to how a popular female juju musician serenaded. How many royal fathers glammed the day plus the fashion styles of different women and ladies.
DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134152 was there with senior photojournalist, Abdulrasheed Sanni who brings you a report of the event, enjoy.
THE BRAND NEW PALACE OF AYANGBUREN OF IKORODU
Though the new palace was commissioned three years ago, it looked as though it was just completed yesterday. The white colour was sparkling and the shade of gold was bright. The palace hosted many royal fathers and all the guests of Ayangburen and the new chiefs. Inside the palace looked like a five-star hotel in Dubai. So beautiful with expensive interior designs. Did we mention the chandelier lights inside this beautiful palace? Oh, it’s a sight to behold.
Of course, anyone who has been to the palace of the Ayangburen knows that it is spacious enough to accommodate guests. It was well decorated to suit the purpose of the event and everyone undoubtedly had fun.
OTUNBA YEMI LAWAL’S LOVE FOR PICTURES REVEALED
Just before the official commencement of the event, photojournalists from some top media outfits were led by City People’s Abdulrasheed Sanni to capture the different fashion styles of the celebrants, their families and close associates. Right inside the palace, there were different poses and shots. Very notable was Otunba Yemi Lawal’s different poses as he expressed how much he loves taking pictures.
DOYIN OKUPE STORMS EVENT IN STYLE
Adedoyin Ajibike Okupe, better known as Dr. Doyin Okupe, is a Nigerian physician and politician who co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre and was the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He was once detained under General Sani Abacha and subsequently disqualified from participating in United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries; later on, he was a governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State. Okupe was Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.
Many didn’t know that Dr Doyin Okupe is the elder brother of Erelu Ayotunde Lawal, the wife of Otunba Yemi Lawal. So his presence and contributions at the event should not come as a surprise at all, he’s a family.
A STANDING OVATION FOR 12 DIFFERENT ROYAL FATHERS
The event called attention from all and sundry as different in Ikorodu as different royal fathers were trooping in with their entourages. It was indeed a battle of royalties, seeing some royal fathers pay homage to their superior. It was very difficult to say who is the most superior among these traditional rulers if they were to be judged by their appearances. At the commencement of the event, all about 11 different fathers accompanied the host king, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu as he takes his seat on the podium; while the guests gave them all a standing ovation as a sign of respect for the Yoruba culture. Oba Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Dr Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Epe, HRM, Oba Idowu Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu, HRM, Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Elepe of Epe, HRM Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Ikorodu, Oba Barr. Semiudeen Kasali, the Degorowa of Igbogbo, Oba Ayodele Aliru, the Uraka of Pokaland, HRM Oba Abayomi Ogunlari, the Olowu of Owu Ikosi, Oba Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin, Ikorodu, Oba Olukayode Raji, the Eweje of Isiwuland, Oba Adesegun Bolaji Alowonle, the Elemuren of Emurenland, Oba Muftau Ogunnukan, the Adegbawojo of Odogbawojo, Epe, Lagos and Oba Kazeem Gbadamosi, the Ologijo of Ogijoland.
THE NEW CHIEFS GALLANT ENTRY
Amidst the eulogy of Ikorodu traditional singers and drummers, Otunba Yemi Lawal and Erelu Ayotunde Lawal danced upward to pay homage to all the royal fathers and chiefs who were already seated and were awaiting their arrival. It was a serious celebration as family and friends also joined in the party. They didn’t just dance down, they also sprayed their entertainers and also got cash gifts as well.
WOLE AND AFUSAT LAWAL TAKE RECITATIONS
As the event was progressing, there was a need for the recitation of the new chiefs to be read before their official coronation. Wole Lawa, an Executive Director at Seagle Properties took the recitation of his mum while his sister, Afusat Lawal took that of their dad. They proudly read out loud, all the achievements and antecedents of their parents and it was really intimidating.
ONIRU OF IRULAND STOLE SHOW
Everyone knows the Oniru of Iruland, HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal to be very classy and stylish. To say that he stole the show with his entry and exit would mean to mince words. He came in announced by a beagle while everyone was already seated and all eyes were on his glow. He apologized for coming a bit late and leaving quite early but his presence made a lot of statement. Speaking about the celebrants, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal revealed that his contributions to the development of Iruland cannot be swept under the carpet. Before leaving, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal donated a lumpsum and received a clapping ovation from the guests as he took a bow and exited.
CELEBRANTS AND AYANGBUREN LEAD THE DONATION PACK
When it was time for donation, the celebrants, Otunba Yemi Lawal and his wife didn’t lay back and likewise the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi. While there were huge donations from other dignitaries and royal fathers like the Elepe of Epe, the Alaperu of Iperu, the Oniru of Iruland, Chief Femi Akinwunmi, Mr Mukaila Olatunde, Chief Dan Nwere, that of Otunba Yemi Lawal & wife and the Ayangburen stood out.
AYANGBUREN LEADS CORONATION PRAYERS
This is the time everyone had been waiting for. The big moment in the life of Otunba Yemi Lawal and Erelu Ayotunde Lawal. Of course, it wasn’t their first chieftaincy title, it was equally as important as any other and it meant a lot to the duo. Oba Adewale Shotobi led the prayer train before passing the baton down to the Akarigbo of Remo and all other royal fathers took their time to pray for the new Chiefs. The traditional rites were performed in the presence of everyone. The Asipa of Ikorodu Kingdom, Chief Kaoli Olusanya noted that the reason for holding the rites publicly was to diffuse the mindset of some people who believe that holding a traditional title is occultic or has some diabolic undertones.
After all the said and done, the Ayangburen adorned the new chiefs with their traditional caps, an event that marked the end of the coronation exercise.
ALARA OF ILARA & ELEPE OF EPE PRESENT CERTIFICATE AND STAFF OF OFFICE
To signal the official coronation, the Alara of Ilere Epe, Oba Dr Olufolafin Ogunsanwo presented the staff of office to the new chiefs while the Elepe of Epe in Ogun State presented the certificate of office. This simply led to the official announcement of the new chiefs to the entire Ikorodu community and the world at large.
QUEEN AYO BALOGUN SERENADES
There wouldn’t have been a coronation party without a live band giving it out very hot. This responsibility fell on no other than the popular female Juju singer, Queen Ayo Balogun. She and her band thrilled so much that all the royal fathers came to her spot to dance and spray. It was indeed party time.
ORIWU SUN BOSS BLESSED QUEEN AYO BALOGUN
Alhaji Monsor Olowosago makes a good definition of a determined entrepreneur. The publisher of Oriwu Sun, Nigeria’s leading community newspaper, is amongst other things a committed community leader and public commentator. But not that alone, he is also a party rocker and knows how to enjoy good music. He is very popular on the Nigerian social scene and was among the top celebrities that graced the event. He made a statement with the way he sprayed Queen Ayo Balogun while she sang his praises.
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