THE Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom and permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, has made clarification on a recent directive imposing a nine-day ban on drumming within certain areas of the ancient town of Ikorodu.
In a statement made available to The Nation by the Ayangbure Media Office (AMO), the monarch said the development is part of the celebration of the annual Osu festival by the palace and the entire people of the town. According to Oba Shotobi, “the festival is purposely meant to seek the faces of God almighty and the ancestors for peace to continually reign in Ikorodu and its environs.”
The monarch noted that the 2016 edition of the festival is the maiden first to be celebrated by him since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers as the Ayangburen last year. He solicited the support of his subjects and other well-wishers towards the success of the very important festival.
Oba Shotobi explained that the ban imposed on drumming for nine days is an integral part of the traditional activities marking the celebration of the festival. “Osu festival is a royal ceremony for the King. He is joined by the people to celebrate every year. There are things that have to be done traditionally during this time and the ban on drumming is one of such,” the statement read in part.
“Before now, the ban used to last for 30 days during the period. But it has been reduced to 9 days by my traditional council.”
This is in recognition of certain realities of our current civilization. This year’s Osu festival started on February 17 and will be on till March 20. But the ban on drumming will only be in place for nine days,” the release said.
The traditional ruler also explained that the restriction on drumming is strictly within the old town as places in the new areas and developing sites are not affected. He urged the people to use the period to pray to God for peace, progress and development in Ikorodu and its environs.
Tag: Lagos monarch
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Lagos monarch explains ban on drumming
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Lagos monarch, chief differ on title withdrawal
The Onibeju of Ibeju Land in Lagos, Oba Rafiu Bamidele Salami, has disowned Chief Jamiu Eletu who is parading himself as “Oba of Awoyaya” under the Onibeju’s authority.
Oba Salami said he did not confer such title on Eletu, describing his claims as “dubious, of no effect and void.”
The monarch said he withdrew the “Asiwaju of Awoyaya” conferred on Eletu because of his alleged “unwholesome acts”.
But Eletu said he has not been notified on the withdrawal of his title.
Besides, he said Oba Salami cannot remove him from office without a court order.
Oba Salami said Eletu obtained a form seeking the chieftaincy title of Oba, but did not return it for processing.
“I did not sign any document investing him with any title at any time,” Oba Salami said.
He said Eletu did not conduct himself with dignity, but rather acted in a way that could diminish the honour of the chieftaincy institution.
“All documents relating to the Asiwaju of Awoyaya title with Chief Adewale Jamiu Eletu’s name is hereby rendered null and void.
“He should, therefore, desist from parading himself as the Asiwaju of Awoyaya,” Oba Salami said in a statement.
In a telephone chat, Eletu said Oba Salami lacks the power to strip him of his title.
“He has not told me that he has withdrawn any title from me. He ought to serve me a letter.
“I hold the title of Oba Oduduwa Olorisa of Lagos and Obarisa of Ijo Olorisa ati asa ile Adulawo Worldwide. The title is registered under the Federal Government. We have the certificate. So the obaship of Ijo Olorisa does not concern him (Oba Salami).
“If he wants to withdraw the title of Asiwaju of Ibejuland from me, he must go to court and serve me. If he does anything to the contrary, I will take him to court.
“I gave him my application form for the Asiwaju of Ibejuland. He stamped and signed it and I also signed it,” Eletu said.