Just as the much-anticipated weeklong commemorative activities lined up for marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Engr Dr Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, commenced today, 2nd of August, goodwill messages have started pouring in from different parts of the country, in celebration of the revered monarch.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has sent a heartwarming congratulatory message to Oba Shotobi, eulogizing the exemplary leadership qualities of the monarch.
In the Congratulatory Message titled: Ayangburen of Ikorodu at 10: Tribute to Oba Kabiru Shotobi and personally signed by him, President Tinubu described Oba Shotobi as a committed traditional ruler who is passionate about the peace and security of his community.
The Nigerian President, in the message specifically commended the Permanent Vice Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs for ‘his integrity, hardwork and enduring commitment to the development of Ikorodu’.
President Tinubu wrote, ‘The Ayangburen clocks 10 years on the throne of his forebears on August 10, 2025. I salute him for his to integrity, hard work and enduring commitment to developing Ikoroduland’.
‘Such was Ayangburen’s commitment to cleaning up the town and burnishing her image that he played a salutary role in the passage of a significant bill
sponsored by the former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, on the menace of the ‘Ajagungbales’. Like Hon.Agunbiade, Oba Shotobi was concerned about the menace and passionate about stamping it out.The monarch reportedly personally attended the public hearing on the bill and held several private discussions with the sponsor and others, all of which aided the passage of the bill at the Lagos Assembly’.
‘On this occasion of Oba Shotobi’s 10th anniversary, I pray to God Almighty to grant him more years of impactful reign. May his reign be peaceful and prosperous for Ikorodu and its people,and may Ikorodu land continue to grow and develop in leaps and bounds’.
The President also noted that traditional rulers are revered in traditional societies and today, owing to their critical role as custodians of culture and tradition. However, their influence has waned considerably in modern times because those elected into government at all levels now wield constitutional authority.
He however maintained that, nonetheless, traditional rulers remain pivotal in maintaining peace and order in society. Even when our political system has not carved out constitutional roles for royal fathers,their pivotal role in democratic governance is well noted and respected.
Tinubu further stressed that, ‘Because traditional rulers know their people deeply, they resolve disputes among
them,including family, land, chieftaincy, and other issues.This intervention has helped sustain and maintain peace and unity,precursors of development’.
The President also testified about the dynamic leadership role being played by Oba Shotobi in Ikorodu Division and Lagos State at large.
‘Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Adegorushen V, the Ayangburen of lkorodu, has done remarkably well in this direction and many other ways. Since he ascended the throne
in August 2015, the Ayangburen has engendered good understanding and a robust working relationship among traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division and Lagos State’.
‘More than ever before, I learnt that the Obas in the division now work in harmony. Oba Shotobi has also been instrumental in the emergence of other traditional rulers and chiefs in lkorodu Division’.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu is as remarkable as Ikorodu town. Ikorodu is uniquely located in Lagos State,the Southwest, and Nigeria. Because of its location, Ikorodu is the gateway to the country’s hinterland.
Tinubu also acknowledged the significant growth Ikorodu has enjoyed under the reign of Oba Shotobi in the past 10 years.
‘Ikorodu town has grown significantly over time due to the development brought about in the city by successive governors of Lagos, their representatives at national and state assemblies and the council chairpersons in the area’.
