The head of the three royal families of Odo-Nla kingdom, Otunba (Asiwaju) David Afolabi Ekiyoyo (AIWM, DCOI), the Olootu Omooba Meta of Odo-Nla, marked his 89th birthday anniversary with an elaborate ceremony in his David Ekiyoyo Crescent home, Ikorodu, Lagos home recently.
Among the dignitaries that sent in congratulatory messages were the Oba-elect of Odo-Nla, HRM Prince Alhaji Olusoga Elias Olowolekomoh. While addressing the large gathering, Otunba Ekiyoyo, who praised God Almighty for a fulfilling life and His grace upon his entire family, said, “as I mark this milestone, I bless the Lord with the words of Psalm 30:1, which says: ‘I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me’.”
Over the years, Ekiyoyo has had the privilege to serve in various capacities, including: Bobajiro of Ikorodu Land, Otunba Olasubomi Yiloro of Agbowa Ikosi Land, Asiwaju of Odo-nla, Patriarch of Ekiyoyo Royale and Olootu Omo-Oba (Meta) Odeyemi Ofiran Ruling House of Odo-Nla, Ikorodu, Lagos State. He is a member, Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division, Former IKODASS Chairman (2005 – 2009), Cofounder, Ikorodu Division Community Bank, Former President, Prestige Social Circle Ikorodu, Member, The Exclusives Board of Trustees among other elite positions.
However, in all of this, Ekiyoyo, at 89, still believes he is not done yet. He said: “I am fulfilled, well, not yet, because nobody wants to give up, that is why as God continues to give me life and strength, I will continue to offer myself to the service of God, my family, Odo-Nla people and Nigerians in general.”
He, however, has one wish he longs for to be fulfilled. “I want the king of Odo-Nla, the Oba-elect Prince Olusoga Elias Olowolekomoh to be crowned king in my lifetime and that will happen soon as all the hurdles are being removed one after the other. To anybody still standing against the general wishes of Odo-Nla people to have Olowolekomoh as their king, all I say to them is let us all work together in harmony to make Odo-Nla kingdom great again.”
To Odo-Nla people and Nigerians, Ekiyoyo has one message for them: “Let us all work and live together in peace and harmony for the progress of the society.”
In his birthday message, Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh, said, “it’s an awesome opportunity to send my compliments, warm wishes and felicitations to our dear Olootu Omo’ba Meta Royal Household, Otunba Afolabi Ekiyoyo as he celebrates the turning of another year today. Happy Birthday and many prosperous returns as God almighty perfect all that concerns you and your family at large.”
Olowolekomoh wishes Ekiyoyo “more divine grace and mercy with strength and longevity to have abundant life with unquantifiable blessings and favours over your dreams as you move to greater heights with peace, fullness of joy and happiness that surpass all understanding to the glory of God almighty. Enjoy your special day Sir. Igba odun, odun kan ni.”
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion was Otunba Dr. Fatai Olajide Olukoga, former SA to Lagos State Governor on Education under Gov. Fashola’s regime.
Olukoga is also a Trustee in the Committee on Odo-Nla Development Affairs currently representing the Oba-Elect as well liaise with the Omo’ba Meta Royal family respectively.
The registered NGO foundation is a brainchild and pet project of the Odo-Nla Oba-Elect, Kabiesi Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh to fast-track critical development strides in the kingdom in synergies and cooperation with all eminent community stakeholders including the local and state government authorities accordingly.
