It was a historic and colourful day last Saturday in Ikorodu as Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East, brought honour to his hometown by bringing the Deputy Senate President, Senator (Dr) Barau Jibrin, CON, CFR, and other distinguished members of the National Assembly, including Senators Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), to the grand finale of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and the Paramount Ruler of Ikorodu division, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, at the Musical Village, Ikorodu.
Chairing the occasion, Senator Barau described Oba Shotobi’s reign as “visionary, courageous and progressive,” crediting the traditional ruler with transforming Ikorodu into a hub of peace, culture, and economic activity.
“Ten years on the throne is not merely a count of days, but a measure of impact,” Barau said. “You have preserved treasured traditions, advanced your people’s welfare, and strengthened the place of traditional institutions in our national governance framework.” Barau also praised the monarch’s advocacy for constitutional roles for royal fathers.
The Deputy Senate President also commended Ikorodu’s political representation at the national level, singling out Senator Abiru as “a shining example” whose influence in the Senate has yielded landmark results. He highlighted Abiru’s successful sponsorship of the Nigerian Insurance Reform Bill, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in the week, the Copyright Act, and his role in major road rehabilitation projects, including the 34km Ikorodu–Itoikin Road and contributions to the Ikorodu–Sagamu Road reconstruction.
He also lauded Abiru’s SAIL Empowerment Foundation and its SAIL Innovation Lab, which has trained thousands of youths in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, leading to decent jobs and thriving ventures.
Senator Abiru, in his goodwill message, described Oba Shotobi as “a beacon of wisdom, peace, unity, and development,” noting that his reign since 2015 had ushered in a golden era of cultural renaissance, political and socio-economic progress in Ikorodu Division.
Abiru also praised Senator Barau as “a man of sterling character and unblemished public service record,” whose presence at the event underscored the national respect commanded by the Ayangbure.
The celebrations featured cultural performances, royal processions, and tributes from traditional rulers, political leaders, and community members, all affirming the monarch’s status as a custodian of peace, unity, and progress.
First lady Oluremi Tinubu, CON, was represented by the wife of the deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Lagos State First Lady, Mrs (Dr) Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Akarigbo of Remo Land, HRM, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Rep Babajimi Benson, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, were among other dignitaries that graced the event.
