The Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Engr Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, FNSE has declared the 2023 Ipakodo Day Celebrations open.
Oba Sotonwa declared the week-long twin events open at his Palace when various traditional and cultural groups paid homage to him in his Palace.
The traditional groups and Ipakodo Youths previously participated in a community-wide procession, laces with various cultural and traditional displays.
The monarch, later received the various groups, in company of his traditional chiefs and Baales expressed his gratitude to God for sparing his life to witness the second edition of the annual community celebration which he initiated last year.
‘I am very excited and most grateful to God for making me witness the second edition of Ipakodo Day Celebrations alive and in good health’.
What we started this time last year like a joke has now become a big event that is bringing all Ipakodo sons, daughters and residents together under an atmosphere of celebration’, he added.
Oba Sotonwa also used the opportunity to call on all Ipakodo sons, daughters and community stakeholders to take full participation in the week-long activities.
‘I want to use this opportunity to call on all Ipakodo sons and daughters, as well as all residents, irrespective of ethnic and religious affiliation to join us in this celebration which starts from today and will end on Saturday’, said.
The monarch equally stated that this year’s edition of the annual event was unique as it coincides with his 5th Coronation Anniversary celebration.
He noted that he has decided to commemorate the landmark occasion with the Formal Launching Unveiling of the Multi-million Naira Oba Sekumade Palace Pavilion as a legacy project of his reign.
Some of the traditional groups that paid homage to Oba Sotonwa at his Palace were the Igunuko, Group, Ipakodo Babalawo Group, Awo Opa, Oshugbo, Alapepe Group and the Ipakodo Youths organization who stole the show at the event with their music and unique dance performances.
Some of the notable guests at the even were, former Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Princess Jumoke Jimbo-Ademehin, the Lisa of Ipakodo, High Chief Oladayo Shotomiwa, all Baales of Ikorodu West LCDA, led by the Baale of Owutu, Chief Olatunji Aluko and numerous other Ipakodo traditional and Honourary Chiefs.
