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20th Anniversary of Ascension: Lady Doja Otedola Pays Aladeshonyin Courtesy Visit as Preparation Gathers Steam

Published

2 years ago

Sep 19, 2022.

20th Anniversary of Ascension: Lady Doja Otedola Pays Aladeshonyin Courtesy Visit as Preparation Gathers Steam

By Babatunde Kaka

Eko Hot Blog reports that the former Lagos State First Lady and Iya Oba of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Lady Doja Otedola, on Sunday 18th August 2022, paid a courtesy call to the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, FMBE.

Aladeshonyin, Mama Otedola, Mrs Adefuye amd Professor Okubena in a group picture

Lady Doja Otedola disclosed that the courtesy call, which coincided with the meeting of the members of the 20th Anniversary Committee headed by Otunba T.J Abass and Otunba Adegbuyi Damilola, was borne out of love and solidarity towards the Royal father, whom she described as a confidant.

“Kabiesi Oba Babatunde is a son, confidant. I don’t think he has any secret in his life that I don’t know about. We’ve been together for years. At times, we have misunderstandings like human beings and when he does something I don’t like, I tell him off. And I used to tell them, I know your background in the palace because when you come to me and you do something I don’t like, I will tell you off but once the crown is there, we have to respect him”

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Speaking further, the nonagenarian whose birthday celebration earlier in the year at Odo-Iragunshin Epe brought about the influx of Nigeria’s industry captains and political juggernauts, emphasized that the former Secretary of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs is an epitome of respect, humility and hospitality.

Emphasizing the bond they share, she recalled that she was his Chief mourner when his mum called to glory, she also added that despite his imperfections, she always marvelled at the Royal father’s very rare caring heart, as he regularly checks on her well-being.

HRM Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja with Mama Otedola and TJ Abass in his palace

“Oba Babatunde is very respectful and outspoken. He knows what I like and what I don’t like. When he offends me, he would apologize. He comes to me at Odo-Iragunshin every time to check on me which is very good. I Keep on telling people, that those who always ask about me are my brothers and my sisters”

“It is very rare to see people like him as an Oba behaving like how he behaves. As you see him, we’ve been together for long. His mother is from Ijebu Waterside or so, I remember when his mother died, I was the Chief mourner. He is loveable but as a human being, he is not perfect, even Jesus is not perfect,” she said.

Lady Doja Otedola and the 20th Anniversary Coordinator, Otunba TJ Abass

The Yeye Oba of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, therefore, appraised the fact that His Royal Majesty distinguished himself from all manners of religious bigotry and sentiments. This, she said was notably in his resolve to support the dream of his people to perform the pilgrimage to the Holy lands of Mecca and Jerusalem while also affirming his benevolence and charitable acts.

The moments Mama prayed for Oba Ogunlaja

“One thing that he does that I really appreciate, is he is less concerned about your religious belief, whether you are a Muslim or Christian. There’s a particular festival, either Ileya or so, I can’t remember. He would send Muslims for Hajj and Christians to Jerusalem for pilgrimage at his own cost. He has money and he spends it for the people, I love him, that’s why I am here today, God bless him”