15th August, 2015
Despite a subsisting court order, kingmakers in Ikorodu, Lagos State, western Nigeria, on Saturday, enthroned Oba Kabiru Shotobi, as the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, amidst heavy presence of security personnel.
Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja on Thursday ordered that the coronation of the new Ayangburen of Ikorodu be suspended.
In her ruling, she stopped Shotobi from either “presenting himself for coronation” or “parading himself as the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, or actualising any recognition thereon as such or exercising any of the Ayangburen royal functions.
Ogungbesan gave the order pending the determination of a suit filed by one Odupitan Eniola, from the Lambo branch of the Lasunwon chieftaincy family of Ikorodu Kingdom.
The Judge said that the order was “in the interest of justice.”
However, the order did not deter the kingmakers from going ahead with the coronation On Saturday.
NAN reports that armoured tanks, officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and Onyaabo (a local security group), were seen positioned at different parts of the town.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, was also seen at the Ayangburen Palace, monitoring the security situation.
NAN reports that the town witnessed serious traffic gridlock following the barricade of some streets around the palace by the police.
Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, congratulated the monarch and assured him of the state’s support during his reign.
He prayed for continued peace, unity and progress for the indigenes of the town.
Also speaking, Comrade Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner of Information in the state, said that the programme was not the coronation ceremony of the monarch, but to celebrate him.
Elesho, who acted as the Master of Ceremony, urged the people to disregard the information circulating around the town since Friday. “The King was coronated on Aug. 2, according to the tradition of the land. Talks about coronation today are belated because the Oba has already been coronated.
“Today is just to celebrate his coronation and installation of chieftaincy titles on befitting members of the community,” he said.
The Imam of Isele Mosque, Ikorodu, Alhaji Rafiu Abiodun, said that due process was followed before Shotobi emerged as the monarch. “Shotobi performed all the traditional rites, spent 90 days at Ipebi where he was groomed according to the tradition and culture of the land,” he said.
Abiodun, who is also a member of the Coronation and Chieftaincy Committee, said that the monarch’s reign would bring advancement to the community and Lagos State.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Jimi Benson, Representing Ikorodu Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives and Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu Constituency at the State Assembly.
Sen. Olorunibe Mamowora, Mr Seye Ogunleye, former Head of Service and some traditional rulers were also in attendance.
Shotobi is a descendant of the Lasunwon Ruling House of Adegorushen Compound, Ajina, Ikorodu.