Aladeshonyin, Mama Otedola, Mrs Adefuye amd Professor Okubena in a group picture
Eko Hot Blog reports that the former Lagos State First Lady and Iya Oba of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Lady Doja Otedola, has paid a courtesy visit to the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, FMBE.
The visit on Sunday, August 18, 2022, came as the monarch is preparing to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
The moments Mama prayed for Oba Ogunlaja
It also coincided with the meeting of the members of the Anniversary Committee headed by Otunba T.J Abass and Otunba Adegbuyi Damilola.
Speaking on the visit, Lady Otedola stated that it was borne out of love and solidarity towards the royal father, whom she described as a son and 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,” the Iya Oba of Odo-Noforija Kingdom said.
“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.”
She further spoke of the former Secretary of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs as an epitome of respect and humility.
Stressing her special relationship with the Aladeshonyin, Lady Otedola recalled that she stood as his Chief mourner when his mother passed away.
HRM Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja with Mama Otedola and TJ Abass in his palace
The nonagenarian, whose birthday celebration earlier in 2022 at Odo-ragunshin Epe brought about the influx of eminent Nigerians, went on to describe the monarch as loveable.
“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-ragunshin 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,” she said.
“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.”
Speaking further, Lady Otedola hailed the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom as a respecter of everyone regardless of religious beliefs.
Lady Doja Otedola and the 20th Anniversary Coordinator, Otunba TJ Abass
She noted that this was obvious in the royal father’s commitment to supporting the dream of his people to perform the pilgrimage to the Holy lands of Mecca and Jerusalem.
The Iya Oba of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, therefore, prayed that God will continue to protect Oba Ogunlaja for many more years on the throne of his fathers.
“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,” Lady Otedola said.
“He likes to accommodate people and to cut the long story short, I love him. That I am here today, at my age, 90 plus, it shows the love that I have for him. I love him, may God bless him. May he reign more than the 20th Anniversary and the lord will continue to protect him.”
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