By LaRoyal:
Celebrating traditional heritage is like giving back to the original community from which we come. In this regard, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Animashaun Sotonwa, the Osomeku I, Sekunmade of Ipakodo Kingdom, in collaboration with the Ipakodo Development Association (IDA), chaired by Prince Aremuade Animashaun and his esteemed members, celebrated the 4th edition (2025) of Ipakodo Day. The event was attended by a series of dignitaries who witnessed the collective efforts of the people of Ikorodu-West LCDA in promoting their heritage for global recognition.
This event played a pivotal role in uniting all stakeholders, including indigenes and residents, along with their local, state, and federal government representatives at the highest level.
The 2025 Ipakodo Day celebration officially began with the traditional rally, popularly known as “WORO,” which included the traditional worshipers (the Olombas), princes and princesses, and indigenous resettlers on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
This was followed by a church service on Sunday, September 28, 2025; free medical services on Monday, September 29, 2025; and other humanitarian engagements through Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for the elders’ welfare; Thursday, October 2, 2025, for the marketers; and Friday, October 3, 2025, for Jumah service. Finally, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Ipakodo Day Celebration grand finale took place at the ferry terminal, Ebute, Ipakodo axis, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Featuring Nigerian Fuji musician Sulaimon Alao Adekunle, popularly known by his stage name KS1 Malaika, who entertained attendees as they celebrated together.
During the speech delivered by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Animashaun Sotonwa, The Osomekun I, the Sekunmade of Ipakodo Kingdom, Kabiyesi began by congratulating all sons and daughters of Ipakodo Kingdom, both at home and in the diaspora, on the occasion of another historic celebration of the annual community-wide Ipakodo festival Day Celebrations — “Mo yo fun yin, mo yo fun ara mi o!”
Said, is always elated whenever he has the opportunity to address the good people of Ipakodo Kingdom on the occasion of the Grand Finale of this annual Ipakodo Day Celebration, in accordance with the words of our elders, which says, “Ajoji Owo Kan, Ko Gberu D’ori!” which literally means, tree does not make a forest.
The Ipakodo Kingdom has continued to establish itself as one of the most significant communities to reckon with, not only in Ikorodu Division but throughout Lagos State.
Kabiyesi also testified that Ipakodo has witnessed significant developmental progress since its inception of the Ipakodo Day Annual celebration in 2021.
This year’s Ipakodo Day Celebration has significantly promoted peace, unity, and progress within our community. Both indigenes and non-indigenes have continued to relate to one another like brothers and sisters.
The economy of the Ipakodo Kingdom has experienced exponential growth, resulting in widespread economic prosperity. Additionally, we have achieved significant infrastructural development.
Notably, the ongoing construction of the modern Oba Sekumade Palace is being sponsored by the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative LTD/GTE (IDPIL/G) under the chairmanship of High Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN. He chaired the project for the 2024 Ipakodo Day Celebration and expressed his delight that the palace construction is progressing smoothly.
“This is just one of the many benefits this event has brought to our kingdom.”— Like you all know, the Ipakodo Day Celebration is not just about merrymaking.
To this end, Kabiyesi hereby solicits the support of all our dignitaries and special guests to donate generously towards a ₦25 million appeal fund for the construction of a block of classrooms at the Local Government Primary School, Ipakodo, as our pet project for this year’s event.
In a welcome address delivered by Prince Olasunkanmi Aremuade Animashaun Sotomwa, he stated that the Ipakodo Day Celebration over the past four years has brought significant development and business growth to the Ipakodo community, as well as to the Ikorodu-West LCDA at large. He concluded with a blessing: “God bless Ipakodo, God bless Ikorodu Division, God bless Lagos State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He offered this prophecy to express appreciation and to warmly welcome the guest of honor, alongside the sons, daughters, and residents of the Ipakodo Kingdom. Idagbasoke Ipakodo, Aajumose ni o! He said.
In a speech delivered by Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, Member of the 8th, 9th, and 10th National Assembly representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, after all protocols had been observed, he expressed his happiness to be present at the 4th edition of the Ipakodo Day Celebration.
The event began with the recognition of the dignitaries present: His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Basiru Aremu Sotonwa and his wife, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Adenike Shotonwa; His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barrister) Semiudeen Kasali Orimadegun, The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; The Alagura of Agura, Oba Alayelua Mofuf Ogunnaike; The Ashiwaju of the Ipakodo Kingdom, Professor Kunle Ade Wahab; The Aremo of the Ikorodu Kingdom, Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya and his beautiful wife; The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu-West, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, also known as S.K.O., “The Bobatunluse of Ipakodo Kingdom”; The Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Hon. Prince Lanre Sanusi, popularly known as P.L.S.; The Local Council Chairman of Ikorodu-North LCDA, Hon. Ameen Olawale Apanishile; The Chairman of Igbogbo Bayeiku LCDA, Hon. Prince Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA); The Imota LCDA Council Chairman, Hon. Sunday Benson; as well as the guests, High Chiefs, Baales, and the good people of Ikorodu Division.
It is indeed a great day, fully aware that I need to be here for the 4th edition of the Ipakodo Day Celebration, especially since he is also a prince from the Osomeku branch of the Sekunmade lineage.
After listening with rapt attention to the remarks of Mr. Peju Akinyemi, the media aide for the Ipakodo Day Celebration and the pioneer of Ikorodu-Oga Online Radio, Rep. Benson set out to take action.
Rep. Benson pledged to donate generously to the N25 million Decapitated Classrooms Project at the LG Primary School, located behind Ipakodo Palace in Ikorodu-West LCDA, Lagos State, Nigeria. He plans to rally support personally from the Ikorodu Divisional Chairmen and friends to back this cause.
Kabiyesi has been exemplary since his accession to the throne; it has been developmentally driven.
Thank everyone for always supporting him. I also thank Ikorodu-West LCDA for their support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, and every Nigerian citizen residing in Ipakodo and Ikorodu-West LCDA at large for steadfastly supporting His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).
In conclusion, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, extended heartfelt greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “I love you all! In terms of development, you haven’t seen anything yet—much more progress is still to come.” Rep. Benson is a member of the 8th, 9th, and 10th National Assembly representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and serves as Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence.
Honourary award was thereby presented to the notable community-driven dignitaries by Rep. Benson.
LaRoyal Global CommunityNews:
2025 ©️ Edition.
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