Ikorodu

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Ikorodu is a city and Local Government Area ^[1] in Lagos State, Nigeria. As of 2007 Ikorodu had an estimated population is 329,424. ^[2] The people of Ikorodu primarily speak Ijebu.

Contents 1 Founding history 2 The Royal Ancestor 3 Benin influence 4 Early Ikorodu 5 Administration 6 Geography 7 Religion 8 Modern Ikorodu 9 Industrialisation 10 Prominent Ikorodu People 11 Present Day Ikorodu 12 Culture 13 Commerce and industry 14 Politics 15 Problem and prospects 16 Security lives and property 17 Timeline of Ikorodu history 17.1 Pre 1900 17.2 From 1900 to 1919 17.3 From 1920 to 1939 17.4 From 1940 to 1959 17.5 From 1960 to 1979 17.6 From 1980 to 1999 17.7 Unsorted 18 References

[edit] Founding history

Ikorodu was founded by people whose ancestors descended from Remo stock of the Yoruba tribe who settled on the plateau where Ikorodu is located. The name Ikorodu is a shortened form of Oko Odu, which literally means Odu farm. ^[3] Odu, a now extinct vegetables species primarily used for cloth dying, once grew abundantly on this plateau. Due to the Remo accent Oku Odu was pronounced Okorodu and through time the it has come to be known as Ikorodu.

The area was first used by the sons of King Akarigbo Koyelu, primarily for hunting and farming, however the frequent trips back and forth between their home in Agbele-Ikoro and Ikorodu soon became tiresome. Because of this one of the first families to settle permanantly in the Ikorodu area was the family one of the King's sons Ile Ife Olusoga, also known as Oga.^[3] This by extension, confirms the Remo link in the origin of Ikorodu. The males among the early settlers in Ikorodu had facial tribal marks found among the Remo. The late Oba Adenaike Alagbe had such tribal marks.

[edit] The Royal Ancestor

Perhaps the pivot on which the stability of Ikorodu rests was the legal recognition given to only two ruling houses-Rademo Royal Family and Lasunwon Royal Family. To date, the two ruling houses have produced eighteen traditional rulers. The first recognised traditional ruler was Lasunwon. At his demise, Rademo took over the reigns of power. There was Lugbekan (from Lasunwon); Dotelu (Lasunwon), Kaalu (Lasunwon); Oguntade 1 (Rademo); Petu (Rademo); Kuyinu (Rademo); Ireshe (Lasunwon); Idowu Alagbo (Rademo);Odesanya(Lasunwon); Orelaja (Rademo); Ogunlaru (Lasunwon); Aina Odubote (Rademo); Odunjumo Araba (Lasunwon); Ajayi Owujebe (Lasunwon); Adenaike Alagbe (Lasunwon); Samuel O Ladega (Lasunwon). The incumbent, traditionally ruler, His Royal Highness Oba Salawu Oyefusi is from Rademo, and the third Ayangburen.

Late Oba Adenaike Alagbe, the Oloja of Ikorodu was installed Adegorushin on Monday 3rd June 1929 at the age of 75. He was formally crowned the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

Oba Alagbe is recognised in Ikorodu history as a transition-ruler. Not only for being the last Oloja and the first Oba to be crowned Ayangburen, he was also instrumental in the movement of the palace from Awofin in Ajina to Alyeluja when the community felt it was high time they built a befitting new palace for the traditional ruler of the town. A new world was discovered on the other side of the city wall, the present location of the palace Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

With this development, Oba Alagbe succeeded in pushing the frontiers of Ikorodu beyond the ancient city walls, to begin the town'

[edit] Benin influence

Soon after, some large contingent of Benin migrants came by land through Iki in Ogun state (where almost the whole land belongs to the Olisa family of Ikorodu) to the area now known as Ikorodu.

This group of Benin people was led by a wealthy and powerful man called Eregbouwa (now called Rebugbawa in Ikorodu) from the ancient royal family of Oliha of Benin City. In Benin language, Ere means king and Uwa means peace and prosperity, hence Eregbuwa mean king of peace and prosperity. The Benin people settled down amicably with the children of Akarigbo and the farm started to grow into a large settlement. This was about 1630. The institution of Obaship was conceded to the line of Akarigbo while the institution of Olisaship was conceded to the Benin settlers. In effect the Oba became the reigning monarch while the Olisa became the Kingmaker and the prime minister of the city-state.

This high position of the Olisa as the next in rank to the Oba in the city state was borne out in his attribute or cogno men in the Yoruba metaphor: AJUWE Akoye Orulu egbin o ru'lamuren a worun meaning a noble gentlemen who administers the town. This of course, is done subject to the authority of the Oba and it presupposes that the cordiality between the Oba and the Olisa should be impenetrable. This was the tradition arrangement. The institutions and deities such as the Osugbo, the Awo Opa, the Inomu and the Eluku were designed for the good administration and peace of the town.

Prior to the advent of the Benin people, Oga was the head of the establishment. He and Lasunwon lived in a hamlec called Agbele at the presence site of NITEL. Agbele was also called Egure and so Oga became the Elegure of Egure. Lasunwon was Odofin of Shagamu. But when the Binis came and Oga died. Lasunwon was installed the first Oloja of Ikorodu by Olisa Rebugbawe, the first Olisa of Ikorodu. Lasuwon and Eregbouwa (Rebugbawe) were therefore the first Oloja (Oba) and the first Olisa of Ikorodu respectively. There are two Ruling Houses for the Obaship namely Lasunwon and Rademo Ruling Houses.

[edit] Early Ikorodu

The early town grew around a nucleus of settlement referred to as Itun, which covers a specific location with boundary. There is Itun layeodo, people by migrant from Ode-Remo, Itunsoku is said to be people by migrants from Isokun quarters in Shagamu; Itagbodo was originally peopled by settlers from Oke-Gbodo, Itun Elepe is said to be the quarter started by people of Elepe stock in Shagamu; Itunwaiye was originally the quarter of people from Iwaya in Ogun State; Itunsoku was originally peopled by migrants whose roots were traced to Isokun quarters in Shagamu; Itunojoru was the quarters people by migrant of Egba origin in Abeokuta. The cosmopolitan outlook of the emerging settlement became the catalyst for development. Apart from farming, the early settlers were astute traders, who developed coastal market at Ebute. The flourishing trade in cloth dying, fishing farm produce attracted traders from far-flung location in the hinterland.

[edit] Administration

Traditionally Ikorodu is divided broadly into three for ease of representative democracy. These divisions are Ijomu, Aga, and Isele, which are represented, in Osugbo-the highest administrative organ in the town headed by the Olisa as chairman of Iwerefa (while Oluwo is administrative head). The smaller divisions called itun in the town are subsumed in the three major larger divisions.

With this arrangement, the emerging administrative structure of Ikorodu ensured that the Obaship and Olisaship belong to the two primordial families of Oba (Lasunwon and Rademo) and the Olisa respectively. They are traditional and hereditable titles.

As the settlement grew with influx of more migrants, city wall sprang up top provide buffer zones against intruders. The city wall which modernity had wiped out, ran through present day Ireshe road to Ota-ona, right through Eluku street/Alhaji street, to Owolowo street and back to Ireshe road. The near spherical settlement within the wall was the totality of the old Ikorodo.

[edit] Geography

Ikorodu lies on a plateau' that assertion by my teacher holds good today. Ikorodu town is 5.3sq Kilometres from North to South. It stretches from Gbasemo (Aga) and Oriya stream in south to Agbala/tokin road in the north. It is bounded in the west by the Majidun River and in the cast by a straight line that connects Itamaga to Abel Abu factory on Igbogbo-Ipakodo road.

The top of the plateau is gently undulating. The most important streams are Apeka, Etunrenren, Erikorodo, Melegoke, Yewa, Eri-Ijomu, Ota Ona, Ota-Igbo and Erunwen. Most of these streams have now been savagely polluted by environmental resultants or modernity.

These streams were the sources of cool, smooth potable water to Ikorodu of yesteryears. Ikorodu town lies 30 30' East of Greenwich and 6075 "North of the equator. Glimpses of what it used to be in the past could be seen at present day "Oro groves"-Igboti. Ikorodu lies a few kilometres north of the Lagos Lagoon and, in actual fact, less than 10 kilometres North of the Atlantic Ocean (the bright of Benin). I remember that when I was young, after rainstorms, especially in the quiet hours of early morning, on my bed at Aga. I used to hear, loudly and clearly, the rumbling and roaring noise made by the breaking of waves on the Atlantic shores.

This was before the noise pollution of these days as a result of the invasion of electronic sound gadgets. How I wish we could sleep in Ikorodu and have the refreshing and sublime quiet of those days!

Our fathers were rain forests farmers and hunters. Their Arabic crops were mainly yams-different varieties-Akosu, Obisu (Ewura) and Isu alo, Maize and vegetables, beans (Ewapupa)- which I believe is almost extinct now Ewa ewuje and popondo. They also grew melons. They also cultivated cassava which was used to make garri and a large quality of which were reserve for the feeding of animals especially goats which were very many within the town. They had paw-paw, oranges, plantains and the native banana (Ogede Omini) but most of these fruits were never harvested because of the absence of markets and sales outlets for them. They were mainly left to rot away on the trees or were consumed by birds and animals.

The first settlement around here was Igbogbo, then followed by Ipakodo and lastly, Ikorodu'. It is interesting to note that 'Ewu-Elepe' is even older than Igbogbo in age. The chronological sequence of the four settlements is almost exactly the reverse of their present day size. -'The first shall be last, and the last first.'

• Ita Efulase- this is still our popular "Ita-Efulase O, kero wa wejina Olokobo, Ita-Efulase, kero wa wejina Olokobo".This is Ajina the venue of all traditional festivals the amphitheatre of traditional display, dancing and drumming. The hub of the ton's social and religious activities.

• Obun Ale: The only night market of those days and it is still in existence today. One important thing to note is that, socially, Obun Ale provided the venue where young men and women met in order to profess their love for one another than at any other venue. An unmarried would be full of expectations of meeting a suitor at Obun Ale.

• Obun Oke: This is still an extant market. However one recollects that there were some " Aba trees", about six of them, dotting over the landscape of the market. These trees had disappeared. Their role was to announce the death of any traditional chief because of such an occasion; the trees had the most expensive 'Aso-Oke' tied around them for upwards 14 days to signify woven cloths were never stolen. Go and try such for 10 hours today. They will disappear into thin air.

• Ita Aro: Ita Aro is a minor daily market for food items only.

• Ita Elewa: This was a water logged open space. There were two very tall, coconut trees at one end and a very tall Akoko trees on a spot now opposite the entrance of the present day Methodist Church. Later, Ita Elewa was transform into a children's playing ground before it yielded place to a motor part on the completion and commissioning of the Lagos Ikorodu road in 1954.Ita Elewa had the reputation of harbouring 'Elegbere' (spirits) in those days and only the most courageous and daring would pass by that area at night.

• Early Morning Markets; These were markets that were held between 5.00am to 7.00am. They were located at Ojubode, Ota Ona and Oju-baba (opposite the present salvation army church Itumaja). These early morning markets enabled those who were going to the farms to buy food they would consume on the farms. Main commodities were 'dipon' (Adaluewa), Igbalo (robo) and Igbalo Elewe, gari offered in small measures, smoked fish, etc. These markets have naturally by now become extinct.

• Native Authority Prison; There was a native authority prison on the site on which you have 'Exclusive Club House' today. The prison was closed down around 1938. We were told the prison got closed down because the inmates mutinied and incarcerated their warder.

• Native Court; The assessors were Oba Adenaike Alagbe, Oba Ogunlewe and Balogun Jaiyesimi. Of the trio, Oba Ogunlewe, Oloja of Igbogbo was literate. He was a product of Methodists Boys' High School, Lagos.

[edit] Religion

Religion influence

In 1892 Christianity made an advent into Ikorodu. Late chief Aina Odukanmade (the 1st Mosene) an Iwarefa and one of the most popular and wealthy chiefs with four others welcomed the early missionaries and hoisted the British flag on the soil of Ikorodu. With the backing of the Oloja of Ikorodu, Aina Odubote, Balogun Jaiyesimi and Odukanmade the Lisa of Ikorodu, Christianity started on a good footing. The first church in Ikorodu was the C.M.S. Church, Obun Ale. When the building finally gave way to the evening market, it resurrected on its present location at Ijomu.

The coming of Islam to Ikorodu is not unconnected with the history of slavery in the West African sub-region. The year Samuel Ajayi Crowther regained his freedom from the bondage of slavery, marked a turning point in the history of Ikorodu. Alli Tairu who was one of the freed slaves brought the torch of Islam into Ikorodu. On account of his pioneering role in the propagation of Islam, Alli became the first chief Imam of Ikorodu. The first mosque erected in Ikorodu was located at Isele where it stands till today.

During the Agbala war between Ikorodu and the Egbas, Tairu a fiery soldier-scholar versed in the holy Koran was invited by the people of Ikorodu through Alli Tairu succeeded Alias the next chief Imam.

[edit] Modern Ikorodu

The last forty years has witnessed a tremendous growth in Ikorodu. The town is now six times its original size as a circular town. The frontiers of the Local Government now stretches as far the new industrial lay to the north at Odogunyan, to the far reaches of the Ogun River in the east. When fully developed, the industrial Estates at Odogunyan will be the largest industrial estates in black Africa.

The construction of Lagos-Okorodu road which was completed in 1953, and the coming of electricity three years later in 1956 opened a floor gate of business activities that laid the foundation for today's economic development and inherent gains.

It is interesting to note that commercial activities that brought Ikorodu to the threshold of history and national prominence was spearheaded by sons and daughters of the town-who asatsu traders, had established themselves as first among equals, and relevant in the international business sphere of the time.

These pioneers, come across as visionaries, men and women in the thrall of belief so powerful that they ignore all else to ensure that reality catches up with their dreams of lifting Ikorodu up the ladder. The emerging commercial, enterprising spirit produced such business tycoons as late Chief Joseph M.Shonubi popularly known as Owolowo. He was one of the earliest business magnates in Nigeria and easily one of the richest Nigerians of his time. Apart from running ferry services from Ikorodu to Lagos, Shonubi was recognised by all, from far and near, as the most prosperous trader in the stockfish and tobacco trade.

[edit] Industrialisation

To date, there are well over thirty industrial concerns located in Ikorodu. That is not all, the town also serves as the nation's communication gateway. The transmitters of the FRCN, External Service (Voice of Nigeria); NITEL transmitters and that of the State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Lagos and LTVB) are located in Ikorodu.

[edit] Prominent Ikorodu People

These enviable landmarks are in consonance with the achievements of unforgettable sons and daughters of Ikorodu. It is on record that the Late Chief Michael Olutusan Onafowokan was the first Nigeria graduate Architect and Town Planner. It is to his credit that he designed and supervised the road, which links Lagos to Ikorodu. He was also involved in the design of Nambe-Bamida Road, which links Nigeria with Cameroon.

Chief Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale Benson, the first indigene of Ikorodu to qualify as a Lawyer, is a figure to reckon with. In his pursuit of excellence and professional fulfilment, he went ahead to register the name of Ikorodu in the hall of fame as the first Federal Minister of information and Broadcasting.

Otunba Adeniran Ogunsanya, the first Attorney General of Lagos State; and one time Federal Minister of Housing and Survey is another illustrious son of Ikorodu who has made a mark for himself and also by extension, written the name of his town in gold.

There is practically no aspect of our national life where Ikorodu indigenes have not made their marks. The town has produce five senior Advocates of Nigeria-late chief Adebayo Adebola Ogunsanya;Justice Micheal Olawale Odesanya(SAN); Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson; Chief Theophilus Owolabi Benson; Otunba Adeniran Ogunsaya; and Mrs Folake Solanke (the first woman SAN)

The tireless drive of matching dreams with reality, has also provided an array of personalities who are not used as yard-sticks and seen as trail blazers in their professional callings; Dr. Rashedat Ojelade, on indigene of Ikorodu is the first woman in Nigeria to bag a PHD in Islamic studies; late Professor Bolaji Idowu, was the first patriarch of Methodist Church, Nigeria Tony Benson, who at a young age started the first discotheque in Nigeria, adds shine and breadth to the image already carved by his late father Bernard Olabinjo Benson (Bobby) who introduced the first professional orchestra in Nigeria-Bobby Benson Jam Session. It will also remain in the evergreen memory that Rasheed Gbadamosi economist, writer, became at the age of 27, the youngest commissioner ever in the history of Lagos State.

In the academia, Ikorodu can with all relish brandish its enviable laurels for being blessed with over ten university dons including the First Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta and a former deputy Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. In fact, one of these illustrious sons of Ikorodu-late professor Ayodele Awojobi crowned his academic excellence with the highest degree in the field of science Doctor of science (DSc), Awojobi, left his inventions AUTONOV (1,2,3)-a mechanical design in military vehicle which can be manoeuvred in both directions. The late Hon Mashoud Amzart is another illustrious son of Ikorodu who left an Indelible mark on this modern town, as the first Member of the Federal House of Representatives for the Ikorodu constituency between 1979 and 1983.

This galaxy of successful personalities have turned obstacles around them on their way up the ladder to a pathway to keep on course the history of a town aptly described as Ikorodu Oga, Ilu kekere oko ilu bantabanta. They have also in their strides for excellence, toned down wherever drab shade left around to bright colours.

It is in the glow of this bright colours of fulfilment that Ikorodu indigenes and well-wishers from all walks of life are here gathered today to celebrate a successful twenty five years sojourn of Alayeluwa Oba Oyefusi in the corridors of power as the Ayangburen of Ikorodu. This odyssey spanning a quarter of a century has brought unprecedented changes into Ikorodu. And it is all too obvious that the attendant prosperity has robbed off on practically all aspects of life in the town-an increased virile population, an enviable industrial growth, increased volume of trade and peaceful co-existence of all tribes that inhabit Ikorodu.

[edit] Present Day Ikorodu

Ikorodu town has changed a lot in the last 40 years or so. In terms of area, it extended beyond the inner circular route (the old city wall). In other words, the whole of that area called 'Aiyeluja' both sides of Ayangburen road extended to Solomade, Etunrenren, Lowa, Olori (both sided for Lagos road). The Ojogbe area, Gbasemo, Oriwu hotel area to Oluwakemi and Adaraloye streets both sides of Igbogbo road including Owode and Oriwu College, Mabodu area including Solafin etc.

The 1991 provisional census figure for Ikorodu Local Government area is 181,900. Out of this, at influx of people to Ikorodu from Lagos metropolis, popular of Ikorodu Township may have grown beyond 300,000.^[2] Our people are still farmers or engaged in Agro-related industries and sales outlets. About 60% of the people are engaged in trade and other businesses in Ikorodu or in the greater Lagos metropolis. These latter group shuttle daily between Ikorodu and Lagos. Our women are prominent traders in Lagos they dominated the textile business especially in the vibrant 'Gota' area, Ita Balogun, Alaloro, Apongbo etc. Someone has estimated that our women folk are so successful in business that they own about 60% of the wealth of all Ikorodu sons and daughters put together. Ikorodu people are great "Socialist" and they are hospitable, and entertaining perhaps, to a fail.

Some people, from within and from without, have criticised this crave among Ikorodu people and I believe that "too much of anything is bad"; I want to humbly suggest that we have to adjust especially during these 'sappy' days.

[edit] Culture

Culturally, Ikorodu people are great lovers and promoters of traditional festivals and culture. This is a measure of the extend to which there is religious tolerance among the people. It is not strange to find Christians and Muslims partaking in or supporting traditional festivals, overtly or covertly. There is hardly any family or household or compound where you will not find adherents of three main religions living peacefully together. The first festival in the year is the Odun Osu which is the traditional green light for other festivals to follow.

It invariably takes place towards the end of the dry season and before the onset of the first rains. Odun Osu is, strictly speaking, a royal festival in which the highest traditional social club. "The Rogunyo" plays a very important role. After Odun Osu comes Magbo festival. Magbo festival had been described by a visitor as the 'greatest carnival' in this part of the world. Magbo festival, just as the Liwe festival that follows closely on its heels is a 'Male-only' affair. Both festivals are celebrated with the women folk keeping in-door for some 24 hours. Each of the festivals does not hold on Fridays or Sundays as a mark of respect for these Muslim and Christian holy days.

These concessions did not come by easily, for, in the past, Muslims and Christians had to embark on the 'forceful show-down' with Magbo organisers to the extent that communal peace was threatened. The other festivals are the "Eyibi" festival incorporating special outing by Eluku. Eluku's role in our traditional society was that of executioner just as the osugbo was the traditional judiciary. It is interesting to note that in our traditional society was that it was run on the basis of absolute honesty. It was said that if an occasion arose for the sharing of money, no individual had the right to check the amount that was decreed to be his share. All he had to do was to stretch out his hands and put the money quietly into his pocket without any attempt to look at what was given out to him. Rank knew where he could sit down and what part of the carcass of an animal was due to his rank. Traditional, our fathers believed in 'life after death.' They were therefore scared stiff of doing anything immoral or dishonest.

Another important festival is the Ogun festival. This is celebrated during the late rains of September to October. It is the last traditional festival of the year and it is meant to appease the god of iron.

[edit] Commerce and industry

Modern Ikorodu terms of commercial activities have behind, it a long history dating back to very early days. Suffice it now to say that such Ikorodu magnates as late Chief Shonubi, Alias Owolowo, was one of the early business tycoons of Nigeria and early one of the richest Nigeria of his time. Apart from running ferry services from Ikorodu to Lagos, he established a lead in the stockfish and tobacco trade. He was the son of Lyalode Efun who was also reputed to be the richest individual in Ikorodu or her day. She had the only motor in Ikorodu in the early forties. Another commercial outfit that gained worldwide fame was the Ikorodu trading company (ITC) which exhibited the finest in commercial organisation qualities and acumen. The founding fathers of ITC. Alhaji (Chief) S.O. Gbadamosi and Alhaji Rabiu Allison are today of blessed memory. Today, the name of Papa Gbadamosi is known throughout the length and breadth of this great country of ours as a very successful businessman and industrialist.

It will be a futile exercise to try to compile a list of Ikorodu sons and daughters who are business tycoons. You know all them. Let us however mention those who daily make contributions towards the commercial/industrial activities in Ikorodu of today.

I will mention them not in any particular order-Bab Shariff (A printing and light packaging outfit, Expo Aluminium) (One of the best in the fabrication of Aluminium windows, doors, failings etc.)Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi Odesanya came with Ragolis spring pure natural water, Abel Abu Garment Industry, Olokunola Polythene Bag Industries, Romo-Polythene Bag Producer, Construction one Nigeria limited and Olukayode Adekoya for Koya Construction Company and Monsur Olowoshago for Oriwu Sun Newspaper limited.

[edit] Politics

Politically speaking, Ikorodu had more than its fair share of political leadership in this country, especially during the 1st and 2nd republic. The latter was also the 2nd republic. At the regional or state level, Alhaji (Chief) S.O.Gbadamosi was a factor to be reckoned with among those who formed the inner-most causes of the defunct Action Group (AG) and unity party of Nigeria (UPN) of the 2nd republic. Chief O. I. Alokolaro, Architect Allison, Mr. Olorunfunmi Basorun, Chief Reverend Jameson Abimbola, Odunlami, Dr. Sesan Onafowokan, Mr. Dosu Oshinowo, Mr. Ayodele Elesho, Mrs. Wonu Gbadamosi Folami, Prince Taju Odofin, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Otunba Yomi Oshikoya were political office holders at the state level at one time or the other. Currently, Mr. Kaoli Olusanya and Arch. Kayode Anibaba are serving in Governor Bola Tinubu's cabinet as commissioners.

We cannot have an exhaustive list of political leaders at the local level. We however can place on record the political achievements of the Late Chief Kayode Alison, Late Chief Olugoka both of the Action Group/Unity Party of Nigeria and Chief N.O. Alowonle of the N.C.N. and Nigeria people party. We must recognise also the two leaders of the new grassroots political parties who have just been sacked from office, Mr. S.O.Alogba of the Social Democratic Party and Mr. Ogunfile of the National Republican Convention and Alhaji Mufutau Ajisebutu, a political activist and one time chairman of Ikorodu Local Government.

It is not just for fun that the other appellation of Ikorodu is 'Ilu kekere Oko ilu bantanbatan'. Ikorodu sons and daughters that have achieved eminent positions in their fields of endeavour run into hundreds. What is the number of University Professors, including a vice chancellor of a federal university and a former deputy vice chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife who are of Ikorodu. The number is large. How many towns off the size of Ikorodu in this country can boast of the number of legal luminaries of superstar grade as Ikorodu that has 5 Senior Advocates if Nigeria (SAN) including a woman. The first Patriarch of Methodist Church, Nigeria and a university professor emeritus is a son of Ikorodu. It was not by design that we have an array of eminent high court judges including a woman.

It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes so says the psalmist. Name any endeavour of life, you have Ikorodu sons and daughters excelling: Doctors, engineers, chartered accounts, media executives, sportsmen and women in international fame, Joe Rufus and Modupe Osikoya etc.

Ikorodu has a string of achievers dating back to more than a century. I read somewhere that the mother of late Bishop Oluwole hailed from Ikorodu. The Late J.S. Odulate alias Alabukun of Abeokuta fame was a son of Mosene in Ikorodu. His son was the first Ikorodu medical doctor just as Otunba T.O.S.Benson is the first Ikorodu lawyer. Late Chief M.O. Onafowokan was the first Nigeria graduate town planner.

One Mr. Parker, a freed slave from Sierra Leone and an indigne of Ikorodu was the first Christian religious leader in Ikorodu. He was a catechist left behind by Reverend Collimer of the CMS In Ikorodu in 1842.

We must recognise the contributions of the following highly admired late artists Sadiku Agbaku Onida, Saka Eruja, Ekine Goloba (The Master Drummer), Muse-son of Agbaku, Bombata (senior) Bombata (Nuru), Nosiru Atuwon, Baba Bello, Baba Olukoya and Baba Olorin. This list cannot be exhaustive. Similarity, we cannot but remember such characters as Owoje (reputed to be devil incarnate of Magbo festivals). There was a man called simply as KELEBE BALE DIRAMU. There was another gentlemen involved in "Okete yo" episode.

[edit] Problem and prospects

It is to be expected that, as a community or society moves up the ladder of modernization, certain social problems associated with that level of modernization were bound to emerge. The problems that plaque Ikorodu today is those societal problems associated with rapid urbanization. Ikorodu is a fast growing satellite city of the greater Lagos metropolis. There is a very high rate of unemployment especially among young school leavers and graduates. 'The devil,' of course, it is said, 'finds jobs for the idle hand.' There are some factories around that people provide employment opportunities but they are not sufficient in number to absorb any appreciate proportion of these unemployment youths. The fact that Ikorodu is now cosmopolitan and a mixed grill of persons from all over the West African Sub Region, makes competition for the new jobs available keener. Experience has also shown that many of these young people have an orientation that makes them less push-full and enterprising as their other competitors for jobs. For example, it has been found out that our youths have preference for less strenuous jobs, have less attachment to jobs and therefore leave jobs on very flimsy excuses.

The need to re-orientate many parents on the need for them to create time for the monitoring of the social, educational and religious preparations for responsible adulthood. This is a very urgent assignment. The in structured or rather forum to accomplish this Herculean task must be worked out, and very urgently too.

Our tomorrow will be a product of our today. The responsibility for the correct upbringing if children should not be abdicated in favour of teachers. Today's teachers are modern Nigeria as well and they are as busy pursuing the acquisition of wealth as the rest of us.

Another problem of Ikorodu of today is the high incidence of drug abuse. We surely cannot expect our children to be immune to events happening in metropolitan Lagos. Our society at large therefore has a duty to educate the youngest ones on the dangers of drug abuse. Governments, in Nigeria, happily are already investing a lot of their resources to check the spread of drug abuse. Individual parents have a crucial role to play too.

I have asserted in the one or two places above that Ikorodu is experiencing daily influx of people because of the fact that metropolitan Lagos is 'Load shedding' not only is life becoming 'too not', fiancé wise for the Nigeria low income earner in Lagos but the 'sappy' atmosphere has made landlords to attempt passing on the effects of SAP to tenants generally. Naturally people are looking for environment that would be more accommodating and welcoming, Ikorodu of today provides that alternative, the growth has hastened with the completion of the dualisation of the Owode-Onirin Ikorodu segment of the Lagos Ikorodu road now in use.

This leads us to examine the problems. However, Ikorodu local Government has gone into the lead to provide inter-city and inter-village transport service. Vehicles from other local Governments in the state also assist by playing the Lagos Ikorodu route. The state government's jubilee line that has been put in place has also help tremendously in alleviating the people's transportation. In spite of all these efforts, there is the need for more decisive approach to the

problem. I happened to know that there is in place, a world bank project, aimed arts solving the transportation problems of metropolitan Lagos. Unfortunately, the plan indicated by the federal government some years ago did not include Ikorodu within the scheme. However, I had made a case for including ikorodu in the scheme at a meeting which I had the rare opportunity to attend in the federal Ministry of transportation in 1991.

[edit] Security lives and property

Maintaining security within Ikorodu Local Government area as a whole is becoming a big problem. This is to be expected. I want to acknowledge here, the good job that the Nigeria police in Ikorodu has been doing within the limits of the resources placed at their disposal. We should mention the contribution of Neighbourhood Watch to crime fighting effort. I also want to acknowledge the sacrifices made by various individuals and the police Public Relations Committee, Ikorodu. Our local newspapers especially Oriwu Sun have also assisted greatly by reporting incident and Sun have also assisted greatly by reporting incidents and perpetrators of crimes properly and promptly.

Ikorodu local government has also been assisting the police. Early this year, the local government purchased a brand new Peugeot 504 pick-up van for the patrol operations of the police and I am satisfied the vehicle is being used specifically for the purpose for which it was meant.

The local government is also responsible for fuelling police vehicles on patrol duties on monthly basis. At this juncture, I want to call for the continued co-operation of our people with the police to ensure that no criminal fined a haven in Ikorodu. The Industries around too should please continue 'to assist the police to assist them.'

I am happy to make special note of the peace that had characterized partisan political activities in Ikorodu local government area in the last ten years. We are all brothers and sisters united before we went into politics. We should not allow political partisanship to divide us like we did the late 50's and 60's when everything done in Ikorodu was done with political bias and manoeuvrings. We must cultivate the best political culture of moderation in the belief that we are all committed to the 'Oga' orientation that had made us a great people.

The potentialities for every dynamic growth of Ikorodu are here for everybody to see and appreciate, however, we can have sustained growth only when we have 'peace and stability' in place. Like in any collectively of human beings, we should expect divergence of views and opinions on the particular issue. In spite of this, we can agree to disagree and never to disagree to agree. I am sure you appreciate the point that I am making. Please let us spare no efforts in ensuring the tranquillity of this invaluable legacy of ours-Ikorodu Town.

I cannot end this discussion of our prospects without mentioning social weakness. We are too prodigal in the social spending of our private life. We spend more on social parties than on the upbringing and education of our children. Somebody must start the belling of this evil cat. I therefore want to appeal to all of you gathered here, especially the elites, to resolved to set enviable examples in providing that there is sense in maintaining moderation and modesty in our private social spending. This is a task that must be done. Those of us who are educated and have social status should be courageous enough to show and condemn by example. Why can we not sit down and calculate the wastages that occur during weekends in Ikorodu? I want to suggest that a special committee be established to brain-storm on the issue, neither state legislation nor local government bye-law nor the use of the police had worked in the past and will not work. In other words, we need the re-orientation towards the re-orientation of our priorities. It is a question of correction-persuasion alone is the panacea.

[edit] Timeline of Ikorodu history

[edit] Pre 1900

• 1851 - Gollmer, C.A. headed a church Missionary Society delegation to Ikorodu.
• 1864 - The Egba Ikorodu war broke out, with Ikorodu emerging victorious.
• 1865 - Glover, J.H. Governor of Lagos reconciled Ikorodu with then Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Ademuyewo Fidipote.
• 1892 - Cession of Ikorodu to the British Government by the Akarigbo of Ijebu-Remo. Signatories to the cession document were the then Akarigbo, the then Olisa of Ikorodu (Olomu), the Mosene of Ikorodu, (Chief Aina Odukanmade), the then Balogun of Ikorodu (Chief Akin Jaiyesimi) and Sir G.T.Carter, Governor of Lagos colony.
• 1896 - Odukanmade, Aina (Chief) the first Mosene of Ikorodu died.
• 1896 - Owujebe, Ajayi (Oba) Oloja of Ikorodu was installed in 1896 and died on October 9, 1928.
• 1899 - Eruja, Saka Adeniyi Olatunji the great traditional singer, entertainer, and social reformer born in Ikorodu in 1899 and died on Sunday August 2, 1953 at the age of 54.

[edit] From 1900 to 1919

• 1907 - Odukan, Bakare a renowned Muslim was installed Chief Imam of the Ikorodu Central mosque in 1907 and died in 1923.
• December 23, 1910 - Gbadamosi, Sule Oyesola (Chief) is born, a business tycoon and politician he was elected Ikorodu member of the Western House of Assembly in 1951 and re-elected in 1956, he passed away at his alternative residence in Ode-Remo on February 5, 1993.
• December 1, 1912 - Onafowokan, Michael Olutusen a prominent indigene of Ikorodu and Nigeria's first Architect was born in Ikorodu.
• April 27, 1913 - Alison, Rabiu Ayinla (Alhaji) OON a prominent business tycoon, philanthropist, and past chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Council, is born in Ikorodu, died on October 21, 1982.
• September 28, 1913 - Idowu, Bolaji (Professor) a renowned clergyman, author and first indigene of Ikorodu to head the Methodist Church of Nigeria (1972-1982) was born.
• 1916 - African Bethel Church School opens.
• 1917 - Benson, Theophilus Owolabi San (Otunba) is born in Ikorodu and first Ikorodu lawyer in 1947, was elected member Western House of Assembly in 1951, elected to the Federal House of Representatives in 1954, and he became the first Ikorodu Federal Government Minister of Information in 1960.
• 1917 - Ogbara, Lamidi Abudu a renowned Muslim business tycoon, community leader, philanthropist and first treasurer of Ikorodu Town Hall project, was born in Ikorodu.
• June 1917 - Awodeinde (Awo Lajiga) was installed the Olisa of Ikorodu, died 20th November 1937.
• 1919 - Victoria, Efun was installed Iyalode of Ikorodu in 1919 and died 1945.

[edit] From 1920 to 1939

• January 22, 1922 - Shogbamu, Yakubu (Chief) is born in Ikorodu, was installed Mosene of Ikorodu on November 10, 1979. He died on May 19, 1999.
• 1929 - Egbewunmi, Amodu Rufia was installed in Olori Ebi Sekunmade, Ipakodo. The title was changed to Baale in 1939 by the then District Officer. He died in 1942.
• June 3, 1929 - Alagbe, Adenaike Adegorushen IV (Oba) born in Ikorodu in 1854 to the Lasunwon Ruling House, was installed Oloja of Ikorodu on Monday June 3, 1929 at the age of 75, was crowned on Monday April 10, 1950 became the first Oba with the title of Ayangbure of Ikorodu. He died on Wednesday November 14, 1951 at the age of 97.
• 1930 - Dawodu, Owen Sanya died.
• 1931 - First airplane flies over Ikorodu.
• July 8, 1931 - Oyefusi, Salaudeen Afolabi Adekoya (Oba) is born, was installed Ayangburen of Ikorodu in September 1971.
• 1932 - The Old Afin (Palace) at Ajina, Ikorodu was rebuilt.
• July 4, 1932 - Benson, Babatunde Olusola SAN (Chief), is born in Ikrodu, a legal luminary he became the second Ikorodu son to become president of the Nigeria Bar Association (1978-1980) and second to be Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1983, and first chairman of Ikorodu Oga Day organising Committee.
• September 23, 1932 - Abiru, Mudashiru Akanbi (Hon Justice) was born in Ikorodu. He became a judge of the Lagos high Court in 1983, and was the first Ikorodu son to be elected into the Federal Senate in August 1979. As Senator, he spearheaded the reduction of the Oriya Hill (Ikorodu) gradient.
• 1933 - Ajasa, Ominu was installed Apena of Ikorodu.
• January 12, 1933 - The Ikorodu Central Mosque, situated at Itun-Nla Street had its foundation laid. The ceremony was performed by Lemomu Buraimoh of Ikorodu.
• 1934 - Oshikabala, Bombata (Chief), the controversial cultural singer died in 1979 at the age of 70. He started singing in 1934.
• November 7, 1934 - Adegbola, Anthony Afolabi (Professor) was born in Ibadan. He received his PHD in 1965, and became a professor in 1968.
• 1936 - The Owode Market in Ikorodu was opened.
• 1936 - The Salvation Army School, Ikorodu opened.
• 1936 - Oluda, Sadiku Agbaku (Chief) a businessman but more popularly known as Magbo singer, drummer and social critic died in Ikorodu.
• 1937 - Adeniji, Babatunde Adebayo (Justice) was born in Ikorodu. He was appointed a judge in 1984.
• 1937 - Awojobi, Ayodele (Professor) was born to Pa Daniel Awojobi, a native of Ikorodu. He was awarded a Doctor of Science degree by Imperial College in U.K. in 1974 at the age of 37, and later became a renowned educationist, Mechanical Engineer, and the first Head of the Department of Engineering at the University of Lagos where he lectured for 18 years. He died in September 1984 at the age of 47.
• 1937 - The Ikorodu Rest House was built on Beach Road.
• 1937 - The Tax Office in Ikorodu was converted to the Ikorodu Law Court.
• 1937 - Oguntade, Suberu was installed Odofin of Ikorodu in 1937 and died in 1951.
• April 20, 1937 - Longe, Eniola Folorunsho (Justice) was born in Ikorodu. He was appointed judge of the High Court of Lagos in 1983.
• 1938 - Native Authority was established in Ikorodu.
• February 1938 - Sanni, Sikitru Adebayo (Professor) was born in Ikorodu. He first Department of Charter Engineering in Nigeria between 1968 and 1970 at M.I.T. He was promoted Professor in 1977.
• July 2, 1939 - Adeyinka, Fatai Afolabi (Justice) was born in Ikrodu. He was appointed judge of the High Court of Justice, Lagos in 1984.

[edit] From 1940 to 1959

• December 20, 1940 - Adedipe, Nurudeen Olorunnimbe (Professor) is born in Ikorodu. He became the first Ikorodu son to become a university vice chancellor, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
• 1941 - Oshuntowe (Madam) was installed Iyalode of Ikorodu.
• 1942 - Dosunmu, B.M. was installed Fusigbuwa of Ikorodu.
• 1944 - Mabunmi, Lawani was installed Apena of Ikorodu.
• 1947 - The Muslim School, Isele, in Ikorodu was opened.
• June 10, 1947 - Akande, Inumidun Enitan (Hon. Justice) born in Ikorodu, became the first Head of Ikorodu female indigene to be appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos in August 1989.
• 1948 - Shobowale, S.B. was installed Olisa of Ikorodu.
• 1948 - Awodeinde, B.L. the first Olori Ijo Methodist Church, Ikorodu died.
• 1949 - Oriwu College, the first secondary school in Ikorodu, was opened.
• 1950 - The Ikorodu Maternity Centre was opened. The ceremony was presided by Major J.C. Allen, the then British Deputy Commissioner for the Colony.
• 1951 - The Majidun Bridge was completed.
• 1953 - The Lagos-Ikorodu Road was opened.
• 1954 - Ikorodu was emerged with Western Nigeria by the McPherson Constitution of 1954.
• 1954 - Ogunsanya, Adeniran San (Otunba) was elected to the Federal House of Representatives, became Federal Minister of Housing and Survey 1965, and became Attorney General of Lagos State in 1968.
• March 1957 - Banwo, Emmanuel Ibikunle Adesanya (Chief) was the first Ikorodu indigene to become the Principal of Oriwu College Ikorodu.
• 1958 - Electricity was commissioned in Ikorodu.
• 1959 - Odulate, Jacob alias (Alabukun) was installed Odogunloye of Ikorodu.

[edit] From 1960 to 1979

• 1962 - The Transmitting Station of the Voice of Nigeria was installed in Ipakodo Ikorodu.
• July 25, 1963 - Awotedu, Otayomi (Chief) the Apena of Ikorodu was installed, he died in Ikorodu on May 15, 1987 at the age 100.
• 1965 - Alokolaro, Femi was elected to the Western House of Assembly.
• 1965 - The Exclusives Ikorodu inaugurated with Dr. Bolaji Sanni Ajenifuja as first chairman.
• 1967 - Odesanya, Michael Adeyinka (Hon. Justice) became the first Ikorodu indigene to be appointed judge of Lagos High Court.
• 1968 - Ikorodu became a separate Division from Ikeja.
• 1972 - ETI-OSA Local Council was separated from Ikorodu District Council.
• 1972 - The National Bank of Nigeria opened branch in Ikorodu.
• 1972 - Oriwu Club Ikorodu was inaugurated with Mr. Shomi Jaiyesimi as first president.
• 1972 - Solanke, Folake San became the first female State commissioner, she was also the first female chairman of Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation; and became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1981.
• 1973 - Gbadamosi, Rasheed (Chief) playwright/economist was appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment and Economic Development.
• April 1973 - Gowon, Yakubu (Rtd. General) Head of State visited Ikorodu.
• 1974 - The Nigerian Port Authority built a lighter Terminal in Ipakodo, Ikorodu.
• 1977 - Kamson, S.O. (Chief) a renowned business tycoon and philanthropist died at the age of 67.
• 1979 - Amzart, Mashoud Adio was elected the first honourable member of the Federal House of Representatives (1979-1983) representing Ikorodu Division.
• 1979 - Oshinowo, Oladosu (Chief) became the first Ikorodu indigene to be elected Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. (1979 - 1983)
• 1979 - Basorun, Rueben Olorunfunmi became the first indigene of Ikorodu Division to become Secretary to the Lagos State Government (1979-1983).

[edit] From 1980 to 1999

• 1981 - Bamimosu, Tanimowo Rufai businessman, frontline politician, and community leader was installed Odofin of Ipakodo in 1981 and died October 27, 1984.
• October 8, 1981 - Oshisanya, Suberu Sule Obasanya (Chief) alias Essofes, the Are of Ikorodu and Chairman of Central Mosque Management Committee, died at the age of 71.
• October 18, 1981 - Jimbo, Hassan Olughenga Omobowale Lasisi (Oba) was presented his staff of Office as Sekunmade of Ipakodo.
• 1982 - Wahab, Kunle (Professor) became the foundation Dean of Department of Estate Management at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. He was appointed chairman committee of Dean 1987.
• April 3, 1983 - Shokunbi, Rashaki (Chief) was installed the head of Rademo House.
• July 21, 1983 - The Ikorodu Water Works located at Oya-Ona was commissioned by the then Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
• July 21, 1983 - The Ikorodu General Hospital on Beach was commissioned.
• August 1983 - The Ikorodu Provident News (now Ikorodu News), the first newspaper published in Ikorodu Division and the first community newspaper in Nigeria was launched at the Exclusive Club House, Ikorodu with Mr. Ganny Awobajo as editor.
• October 1983 - The Rotary Club of Ikorodu was inaugurated. It received its charter from Rotary international in February 1984 with Rotarian Layi Adegbola as charter president.
• February 25, 1984 - Ragolis waters Limited opened its pure natural water factory on Lagos Road, Ikorodu.
• April 1985 - The Oriwu Sun, Ikorodu's second newspaper was established with Chief Monzor Olowosago as publisher and editor.
• May 25, 1985 - Women Training Centre at 46, Oriwu Road, Ikorodu was opened.
• 1987 - The Immigration Office was re-established in Ikorodu.
• February 2, 1987 - Jagbemokeferi, Mustapha Osoala (Alhaji) an ardent pagan turned renowned Islamic faithful, great promoter of Islam in Ikorodu, and direct descendant of Ogborin Shekuoye, died in Ikorodu at presumed age of 135.
• November 26, 1987 - The Lagos-Ikorodu Road dualisation contract was signed in Lagos. Dr. Olusegun Onafowokan, the Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Transport signed for the Lagos State Government.
• January 1989 - Alagbe, Gbadamosi Dosunmu (Prince) former Head of Lasunwon Ruling House, Ikorodu dies in Ikorodu at the age 82.
• April 4, 1990 - Olukoga Adekoya, Otunba Fuwagbade of Odonla, Ikorodu and prominent community leader in Ikorodu Division died at the age of 77.
• February 2, 1991 - Oga Statue of the royal prince from Shagamu, believed to be the founder of Ikorodu in mid 17th Century, was unveiled.
• February 5, 1991 - The ITA-ELEWA Recreation Park, built by the Rotary Club of Ikorodu was commissioned by the then chairman of the Ikorodu Local Government, Mr. Mathew Ayodele Awolesi.
• November 20 and 21, 1992 - Ikorodu Oga Day Celebration was first held.
• 1993 - The Ikorodu Star was established in Ikorodu with Alhaji Musiliu Lawal-Animashaun as publisher.
• January 19, 1993 - Oteju, Afolabi (Chief) was installed Odofin of Ikorodu.
• January 19, 1993 - Ogunleye, Kayode (Chief) was installed Odofin of Ikorodu.
• April 20, 1993 - The Ikorodu High Court, Olubi Street, Ikorodu was commissioned. The then Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola performed the ceremony.
• May 7, 1993 - Ogunsanya, Adebayo San (Chief) a renowned legal practitioner passed away at the age of 71.
• June 6, 1993 - The Ikorodu Community Bank began operations.
• December 18, 1994 - Alogba, Muse Oladega (Chief) Chairman Construction One Nigeria Limited and Baba Adinni of Ikorodu was the Chief Launcher at the official commissioning of ultra-modern Ikorodu Town Hall which had been completed in 1992. The late Arc. Micheal Olutasen Onafowokan designed the building.

[edit] Unsorted

• Honourable Olanrewaju Odesanya was appointed as a member of The House of Assembly.
• Willoughby, W. was the first Post Master in Ikorodu.
• Mudashiru, Gbolahan (Rtd Air Conmdr) became the first Ikorodu indigene to become Governor of Lagos State.

[edit] References

Coordinates: 6°36′N, 3°30′E