Odo-Ayandelu On Standstill As Oba Aderibigbe Opens Multi-million Community Palace

By Babatunde Kaka and Zainab Olanrewaju

Yesterday 5th November 2020, the entire kingdom of Odo-Ayandelu went agog as well wishers, political leaders, religious leaders and chieftains besieged the ancient town in luxurious cars, posh, exquisite and elegant apparels. The sun shone so bright that one would come to terms with the fact that the event was indeed a gathering of Royals.

The major reason for thronging the ancient town is none other than the two in one event witnessed in the community. Besides commissioning the Community Palace, it was also the turn of Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom, Oba Bldr. Aderibigbe Asunmo to host the monthly meeting of Lagos State Ijebu Traditional Rulers.

Notable guests who graced the event includes Hon. Dr. Samson Onanuga, Chairman Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Hon. Adeniyi Saliu, Chairman Eredo LCDA, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi- Ayangburen Ikorodu, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo- Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP- Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Ranodu of Imota, Elejinrin of Ejinrin and Adegbajo of Odo-Gbawojo. Others include Olowu of Owu Ikosi, Elejigbo of Langbasa, Obateru of Egbin.

The historic and epoch making commissioning of the Community Palace of Alayandelu of Odo- Ayandelu Kingdom is such that will forever be remembered by the good people. Going down memory lane, the piece of land on which the community palace was erected was donated to the community in 1990 by the then Odo-Ayandelu Chief Imam, Alhaji Asumo Omolaja Balogun. However, as fate would have it, after being abandoned for 28 years, the dream of getting a befitting Royal Palace for Odo-Ayandelu community was successfully accomplished by the humanitarian and selfless son of the late Chief Imam who is now the Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu Kingdom, Oba Bldr. Ganiyu Aderibigbe Asunmo, Jamade I.

The commissioning of the monumental is no doubt one of many milestone achievements in the history of Odo-Ayandelu town.

While the event kicked off with prayers from the legendary Oba Ranodu of Imota, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi in his opening speech showered encomiums on the various transformational projects embarked upon by Oba Asunmo which he described as capable of uplifting Odo-Ayandelu Kingdom. The Permanent Vice Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs also donated the sum of 250,000 naira to the community.

While rendering his speech, the charitable and people loving Oba Bldr Asunmo revealed that the sum of 5 million Naira donated by the listening Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to renovate his personal residence was diverted for the outright reconstruction of the community palace. Alayandelu recalled how both her first wife fondly called “Jobayo” and his daughter donated 20 bags of cement each for plastering the modern community edifice.

Alaiyeluwa also took turn to appreciate other donors who made the reconstruction project a huge success. They include Jamade Ruling House, Luyalo Ruling House, Adekomaya Ruling House, Orediyan Ruling House, Kabiyesi’s Friends, Alayandelu in council USA and UK, Committee of Friends, The Community purse and Local Government.

Speaking with Ekohotblog, Oba Asunmo expressed excitement at the commissioning of the palace and appreciated the kind gestures of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other donors. towards the development of Odo-Ayandelu.

” I feel excited. I immensely appreciate our listening and supportive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for extending his olive branch to us in Odo-Ayandelu and I also want to thank my family, friends, well wishers and the entire people of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom for their unalloyed support towards the successful completion of the community palace.

Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA chairman also spoke with Ekohotblog. The executive chairman expressed delight at being opportune to commission the palace during his regime. He also described Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe as a goal getter and blessing to the entire Ayandelu kingdom.

” I am the best man that is happy today because this is the first of its kind, this palace is commissioned during my regime. I am so happy for commissioning this palace of Odo-Ayandelu kingdom. The people are happy and they are all rejoicing because the palace is an ultra modern palace.

” Oba Jamade I is doing well since the ascension to the throne of his fore fathers, he has performed beyond reasonable doubts. He built the secondary school and also the low cost housing estate here and the palace is another great milestone for him and I am sure the people of Odo-Ayandelu are happy with him”, he said.

The event witnessed cultural displays from traditional societies in Odo-Ayandelu kingdom to the amazement of the audience. Masquerades of different colour and size accompanied by traditional drumming and singing thrilled the gathering with spectacular dance steps and acrobatic displays.

The event was anchored by on air personality (OAP), Chief Gbenga Dosunmu. Also, the atmosphere of the celebration was thrown into a succession of entertainment and comedy as popular Nollywood Yoruba MC, Lanko thrilled guests with stomach bursting and rib cracking jokes. Live band music where Royal fathers put on their dancing shoes was ably performed by popular fuji artist Ataare Shamsideen.