Eight years after defeating ‘Badoo’, Ibeshe rounds off festival with scholarship, awards

…Abiru, Aroyewun speak 

CITIZENS COMPASS— The Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association (IKIDAS) in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA) Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, in the South-West part of Nigeria, has rounded of the maiden edition of Ibeshe Festival 2025, with scholarship to indigent citizens and awards.

Ibeshe Festival 2025 took place eight years after the community overcame the dreaded cult gangs group nicknamed as Badoo who sucked the blood of innocent residents in 2017.

Thankfully, the then Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, fought the gangs to a stand still.

The proactiveness and unity of residents paved the way for this laudable achievement.

In October 2025, Citizens Compass reported that IKIDAS announced the maiden edition of Ibeshe Festival 2025, which had been slated for December.

The Festival was drawn to a close over the weekend as a former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Apex leader of a formidable political group, The Mandate Group(TMG), Ikorodu Division, Asipa Kaoli Onasanya and the royal father of Ibeshe the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, and other prominent figures in Ikorodu Division led residents and other stakeholders in celebration.

Roll call of day included royal fathers, traditional, community and political leaders among whom were the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi.

The Festival which spanned between December 13 and 20, has Chief Kaoli Olusanya, as the Chairman, welcomed the guests said the idea of 1st Ibeshe festival was conceived at a casual discussion in January 2025, with the Olubeshe- in- Council when the oba expressed his desire for a community institution that should be established to galvanize the resources and talents of the Citizens and residents of the kingdom, for greater glory of the kingdom.

“This I took as an instruction into an action plan of Kabiyesi’s desire and IKIDAS was inaugurated on April 21, 2025, with the slogan IKIDASS- IBESHE ARISE.

He said that the vision statement of IKIDASS is “to transform Ibeshe into a cross- culturally peaceful, safe and vibrant and inclusive modern community of opportunities for investment and businesses where everyone has access for personal growth while preserving the town’s cultural goals.”

Furthering he said that the core values are captured in the slogan ARISE., Authenticity, Renewal, Inclusivity, Safety and Empowerment.

He highlighted some benefits which the Ibeshe Kingdom has enjoyed in 2003 and 2007 under the regimes of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, first Housing Estate.

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola delivered the Ibeshe ferry terminal.

He further stated that Ibeshe has benefitted a lot from the state government, he applauded the state government presence in Ibeshe.

He said with the support from stakeholders, the community now has a block of six classrooms, delivered to Ibelefun Community Junior Secondary School, he thanked the major donors, Senator Mikhail Abiru, Hon. Babajimi Benson MHR, Ms RuthAbisola Olusanya, Hon. Moshood Aro, to mention but a few.

He said the gathering was a clarion call for sponsorships, donations, partnership and collaboration with IKIDASS for facilitations opportunities, youth training and empowerment.

“We have our five-year road map plan of 2025 to 2030. Our development project agenda will be launched today which includes a befitting royal palace, youth recreational and technology centre, police station and public primary schools among others.”

He, on behalf of Olubeshe, thanked members of IKIDASS for their giant roles, steadfastness and commitment to the course of the land.

He finally appealed to the sons and daughters of Ibeshe in diaspora to support in the development of ibeshe.

“I believe that together, “We are greater than who we are” he concluded.

IBLCDA Chairman, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, described the occasion as a unifying moment and pledged continuous support to the development of ibeshe land.

Activities of the occasion showcased drama presentations from two schools, who thrilled and added colours to the event.

Scholarship

The occasion showcased scholarship Certificates awards to Best Performing Students from the Schools in Ibeshe.

A Scholarship foundation was inaugurated so that it would remain a legacy that comes to stay.

The Scholarship, “Oba Adewamiri Ayokulehin Olaide Memorial Scholarship Scheme” foundation, was in memory of the first traditional ruler of Ibeshe whom the project was named after.

It was sponsored by his son, Prince Kayode Ayokulehin Olaide.

Homage

Various groups, associations and artisans including the well refined Ibeshe Queen were also in attendance.

The Miss Ibeshe was 19-year-old Miss Sunday Senememie Kanyinsola (Miss Oke Awori), 23-year-old Miss Oladejo Hannah Oluwatosin(Miss Oba Olaide), came 2nd and the

3rd place went to 23-year-old Miss Adedamola Oluwadamilola Ologbenla.

IKIDASS Awardees :

There were awards for various categories for people who have distinguished themselves in various ways including

Honorary category for Adenuga Iyabo Munirat, a paramount comedian, and student of Tai Solarin University Education. (TASUED).

Another awardee in the Honorary category was the immediate past councillor for Ward C4 in IBLCDA, Mathew kolade Olufemi Arowolo who has served as a two time councilor for the community. He was the winner of the Best Councilor in Lagos State and presently a senior legislative Aid to the Speaker, Federal House of Representatives.

Grand Commander:

The Grand Commander Award went to Member, Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, a lawyer, an astute politician and management expert.

Finally Olubeshe conducted the cutting of the cake as a significant marking for the successful festival.

Reacting, the Senator representing Lagos-East Senatorial District, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, posted on his X Handle formerly known as Twitter, thus:

On behalf of the people of Lagos East Senatorial District, we extend warmest congratulations to the good people of Ibeshe Kingdom on the celebration of the Maiden Ibeshe Day, a historic event that proudly showcases the rich cultural heritage, unity, and progressive spirit of the community. This occasion is a worthy testament to the enduring values, resilience, and collective aspirations of the Ibeshe people.

We heartily congratulate our revered royal father, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe, for his exemplary leadership, wisdom, and commitment to peace, development, and cultural preservation. Under Olubeshe, Ibeshe Kingdom has continued to witness unity of purpose and renewed focus on sustainable growth and communal harmony.

We also commend the planning committee, community leaders, youths, women, and all sons and daughters of Ibeshe, both at home and in the diaspora, whose dedication and support made this maiden celebration a reality.

As you commemorate this special day, we join you in celebrating the past, appreciating the present, and looking forward with hope and confidence to an even brighter future for Ibeshe Kingdom. May this maiden Ibeshe Day mark the beginning of many years of greater unity, cultural pride, peace, and accelerated development.