Diaspora Son Honoured as Oba Kabiru Shotobi Marks 10th Coronation Anniversary in Ikorodu

Diaspora Son Honoured as Oba Kabiru Shotobi Marks 10th Coronation Anniversary in Ikorodu

Ikorodu, Lagos – The ancient kingdom of Ikorodu came alive with pomp, colour, and cultural splendour as it celebrated the 10th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

As part of the landmark celebrations, a prestigious chieftaincy title was conferred on an illustrious son of the soil from the diaspora, Chief John James Omobowale Olomo.

Chief Olomo, a descendant of the Olomo family of the Mosene lineage in Ikorodu, traced his Nigerian roots through DNA testing and genealogical research, which linked him to the Mosene royal chieftaincy family — descendants of the first Moseni, a prince from the Sinlu royal family of Imota.

In recognition of his reconnection journey and dedication to promoting African heritage, Oba Shotobi honoured him with the title Baasheto Ipadabosile of Ikorodu Kingdom — meaning “the pathfinder who leads the diaspora back to their source and origin.” The title reflects his work with Tribal Tapestry, an initiative helping African Americans trace their ancestry and reconnect with their ancestral homelands in Africa.

An emotional Chief Olomo described the moment as a historic homecoming.

> “It is an honour to trace my roots so far and find my way back to my origin, let alone discover my family. The Baasheto Ipadabosile title perfectly complements the work we do at Tribal Tapestry, where we help our brothers and sisters in the diaspora return home,” he said.

The event was attended by dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who welcomed Chief Olomo personally. She commended the Ayangburen’s role in preserving culture and fostering connections between the diaspora and their ancestral roots, promising to support similar reconnection efforts for other Nigerians abroad.

The anniversary celebrations featured traditional dances, cultural displays, and additional chieftaincy installations, highlighting Ikorodu’s rich heritage. Oba Shotobi, who ascended the throne in 2015, has been lauded for preserving the kingdom’s traditions while embracing global cultural exchange.

The conferment of a chieftaincy title on a diaspora returnee underscored the monarch’s commitment to building bridges between Africa and its descendants worldwide.