The Sekumade of Ipakodo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Basiru Aremu Sotonwa, FNSE, reflected on five years of growth and development in the community at the 5th edition of Ipakodo Day Celebration, highlighting the progress recorded since the annual celebration began in 2022.

The grand finale took place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Oba Sekumade Palace in Ipakodo, Ikorodu West LCDA, Lagos State, with traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, business leaders and residents celebrating the heritage and progress of the kingdom.

Oba Sotonwa noted that what started as a simple idea had evolved into an annual community-wide celebration embraced by sons, daughters and residents of Ipakodo, both at home and in the diaspora.

The monarch highlighted some of the development strides recorded in Ipakodo since the celebration began in 2022, with renewed peace and unity topping the list.

According to him, the peace and unity witnessed in the kingdom had provided a foundation for meaningful progress, urging residents to protect the renewed harmony in the community.

Oba Sotonwa also highlighted the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern Sekumade Palace by the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative, IDPIL, under the leadership of Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN.

He recalled that before 2022, Ipakodo had one of the oldest palaces in Lagos State, noting that the ongoing palace project was one of the major milestones from the 3rd edition of Ipakodo Day Celebration in 2024.

The monarch further disclosed that a multipurpose hall was under construction at the Local Government Primary School in Ipakodo, describing the project as another milestone from the 2025 celebration.

He disclosed that the project had reached the roofing stage and would be commissioned for use on or before the first quarter of 2027.

Oba Sotonwa also expressed delight over the elevation of the Sekumade of Ipakodo stool from second-class to first-class status, describing it as a landmark achievement for the kingdom.

He attributed the development partly to the repositioning of Ipakodo through the annual celebration and congratulated the sons, daughters and families of Ipakodo Kingdom on the achievement.

Representing Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Otunba Saheed Ibikunle, Special Adviser on Constituency Matters, congratulated Oba Sotonwa, the sons and daughters of Ipakodo and residents of the kingdom on the auspicious celebration.

He conveyed Abiru’s goodwill to the traditional institution and the people of Ipakodo, while highlighting the senator’s interventions across Lagos East, particularly the Ikorodu-Itoikin Road and other infrastructural projects aimed at improving mobility, commerce and socio-economic activities across the communities.

Ibikunle also highlighted massive school projects facilitated across the senatorial district, alongside empowerment initiatives designed to support residents, young people and entrepreneurs. He congratulated Ipakodo Kingdom on the milestone and expressed Abiru’s commitment to initiatives that promote development, education, infrastructure and opportunities for residents across Lagos East.

Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, also delivered goodwill remarks at the celebration, congratulating Oba Sotonwa and the people of Ipakodo on the 5th edition of the annual celebration. He highlighted his interventions and contributions to the development of Ikorodu, while reaffirming his commitment to initiatives that promote infrastructure, community development and the wellbeing of residents.

In his Chairman’s Opening Remarks, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Chairman of the Board of Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, described it as an honour and privilege to welcome guests to the 5th Annual Ipakodo Day Celebration.

Makanjuola noted that the week-long celebration had brought the community together around unity, cultural pride and community development, highlighting activities including the opening Woro and traditional procession, Boat Regatta, health outreach initiatives, sporting activities and recognition of market men and women, senior citizens and other deserving members of the community.

He stressed that the celebration was not only about history and cultural identity but also about the collective aspirations of Ipakodo for the future.

Speaking from the perspective of Caverton’s marine operations, Makanjuola stressed the importance of waterways to the future of waterfront communities such as Ipakodo.

He noted that improved water transportation could enhance mobility while creating opportunities for trade, commerce, employment and wider socio-economic integration.

Makanjuola also noted that the prominence of the Boat Regatta and aquatic activities was fitting, as they reflected Ipakodo’s historic relationship with its waterways and the opportunities those waterways continue to offer.

He expressed appreciation to Oba Sotonwa, the Planning Committee, sponsors and members of the community for their contributions to the week-long celebration.

In his Chairman’s Speech, the Chairman of the Ipakodo Day Planning Committee described the grand finale as a reflection of the community’s collective identity, heritage, unity and determination to build a stronger and more prosperous Ipakodo for present and future generations.

He explained that the Ipakodo Development Association, IDA, remained a major platform for the development and advancement of the community, adding that committees had been created within the association to handle specific areas of responsibility and make it more effective and responsive to the developmental needs of Ipakodo.

He identified the Ipakodo Day Planning Committee as the committee entrusted with planning, coordinating and executing the annual celebration.

The Chairman also highlighted new programmes introduced into this year’s celebration, including the Walk for Fitness, Hair and Fashion Show, Children’s Day Celebration and Ipakodo Boat Regatta.

He explained that the initiatives were designed to broaden the meaning and impact of Ipakodo Day beyond merriment and social gatherings, with emphasis on culture, healthy living, youth development, entertainment, entrepreneurship, community engagement and preservation of the kingdom’s heritage.

He noted that the Boat Regatta had demonstrated the rich aquatic heritage of Ipakodo and the potential of its waterfront location to promote culture, tourism, entertainment and economic opportunities for residents.

In the welcome address, gratitude was expressed to Oba Sotonwa, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN, and the Ipakodo Day Celebration Committee led by Arc. Lanre Jamiu Alimi for their contributions to the celebration.

The address described the 2026 edition as an improvement on the previous year’s celebration and expressed optimism that subsequent editions would continue to surpass the current edition.

The donors who contributed to the week-long event were also appreciated, alongside the sons, daughters and residents of Ipakodo for their support.

The celebration also featured the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to Ipakodo Kingdom. The Oloja-elect of Lagos, Prince Abiola Kosoko, Om’ba Peju Akinyemi and Alhaji Danbaba were among the distinguished award recipients, alongside other personalities honoured during the ceremony.

The awards formed part of the community’s recognition of individuals whose contributions have supported the development, growth and advancement of Ipakodo and its people.

Other dignitaries at the grand finale included Prince Biodun Ogunleye, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who served as Father of the Day; Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, Accountant-General of the Federation, as Special Guest of Honour; Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, Ashipa of Ikorodu Kingdom, as Special Guest of Honour; and Engr. Kayode Adekoya of Koya Construction, as Guest of Honour.

Also present were Chief (Mrs.) Idiyat Sanda, Yeye Oge of Ikorodu Kingdom, as Mother of the Day; Mrs. Bolanle Adesulu of Ayobola Fabrics, as Special Guest of Honour; and Mrs. Adenike Shittu of Goodness and Mercy Venture, also as Special Guest of Honour.

Hon. Enitan Jessica Oba, Council Leader of Ikorodu West LCDA, commended the people of Ipakodo Kingdom for sustaining the annual celebration, while applauding Oba Sotonwa for his leadership and commitment to the growth of the community. She urged residents to continue supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development in Ipakodo.

The grand finale provided an opportunity to celebrate Ipakodo’s cultural heritage, recognise contributors to the community’s development and showcase initiatives aimed at strengthening unity, preserving heritage and creating opportunities for future generations.