In a highly anticipated rescheduled meeting today, the Igbe Elders Council convened to address pressing community matters, notably the escalating issues caused by scavengers, locally known as Babanbola. The meeting, initially postponed due to the heavy rain of last week, witnessed the participation of distinguished figures, including the esteemed Chief the Oluwo of Igbogbo Kingdom Chief Ayanilowo and representatives from various associations within Igbe. Notably, CDC Zone 10 was well represented by Chairman Comrade Faniyi, the PRO, and the Secretary.
The Elders at the meeting are
1- Chief Solomon Ayanilowo ( Laketu of Igbe/Oluwo of Igbogbo Kingdom)
2- Chief Paul Dawodu ( Baale Oladeinde)
3- Chief Alhaji Rasaq Banjoko ( Baale Laara)
4- Alhaji Ejire Kazeem ( Olotu Igboken)
5- Mr Agoro Nosiru (Rep. Alagemo)
6- Mr Ogidi Kareem (Rep. Ginti)
7- Prince Ismail Wasiu (Secretary )
Amidst a backdrop of shared experiences and growing concerns regarding the disruptive activities of the Babanbola within Igbe and neighboring communities, attendees voiced apprehensions about the potential for this group couls evolve into a significant security threat if left unchecked. Consequently, after thorough deliberations, a unanimous decision was reached: to put the Boolas in a designated open space where the scavengers could convene, facilitating direct transactions between them and residents. Additionally, it was unanimously agreed that all Community Development Associations (CDAs) would enforce strict measures to prevent the entry of scavengers into their respective communities, and to ensure the safety and tranquility of all residents.
In further developments, the elders revealed the imminent visit of Alayeluwa Oba Orimadegun Kasali to Igbe, underscoring the significance of a harmonized welcome from the entire community. To coordinate the preparations for this momentous event, the responsibility was given to the CDC PRO Mr Abiodun Lawal who was tasked with assembling a committee dedicated to overseeing the meticulous planning and execution of the royal visit in conjunction with the elders in Council.
When asked for comment The director of Crownbest Schools Mr. Felix Adeyingbo PGDed, MBA, FCA said banning of the Scavengers is a good thing we appreciate the great idea, as the visit also will create a formidable platform to mitigate the security threat and reduce the rate at which personal effects are being stolen within the communities. He said he appreciate the Baale’s immense effort to curb the ugly situation within our various communities. Other people in the community were also happy at the banning of the Babanbola but some were saying how will the order be enforce. Speaking this evening Mr Dimeji Sanusi who lives at NEPA Estate said the idea is good but also he express fear on the enforcement.
Mr Sunday Etsu the Banana Estate Chairman said the Elders should look into using the JTF for the enforcement as this could at least reduce the influx of the scavengers who already are security threat to the whole igbe in general.
Mr Saheed Dabiri the MD of Global Quality Career Center in Igbe said he would be so happy if the visit of the Alayeluwa could fall on the date his school would be graduating students of their free skill acquisition center which will be announced soon. He said royal visits are not a common thing and all should see it as a blessing. He said he still remembered the pictures his father showed him of how huge the crowd was at the visit of the queen to Lagos in 1956. He said he hope we could also hold our royal fathers as a king they are.
A resident of Igbe who said he does not wants his name mentioned said ” in Nigeria royal fathers are not given enough respect, he said if its the Governor or the President that would be visiting now, igbe would be sure of all their bad road getting good attention from the Public works”
Others asked to comment on the planned visitation of the Royal majesty Oba Orimadegun Kasali said the young and old in igbe needs to be mobilized to come out to welcome the king as its one of a kind in a generation as Kabiesi visits are not a common thing, so every hands need to be dragged to the table to take part in welcoming the August visitor Oba Orimadegun Kasali.
As Igbe eagerly anticipates the arrival of its esteemed royal visitor, it is also confronting the challenges head-on. the unwavering commitment to unity and progress under the guidance of the elders remains steadfast within the community
