The new IKODASS Chairman, Mr Rotimi Erogbogbo (left) receiving the constitution of the association of the outgone Chairman, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru after the inauguration of the new IKODASS executives at the Ikorodu town hall.
Mr. Rotimi Erogbogbo, a retired Director with the Lagos State Government and the Chief Executive Officer of RHODAS Centre has effectively taken over the Chairmanship of the socio – cultural and developmental organization, the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS).
The administrator took over the state recognized body after emerging in a free and fair election held at the Oteju hall of the Ikorodu Town hall on Saturday, May 16, 2020. The swearing – in also took place at the venue immediate certificate of office was presented to the Chairman and other elected executives.
Representatives of clubs, societies and associations that are members of IKODASS, elected the new members of the executive body of the association in an election organized by an electoral committee led by Prince Omotayo Benson.
The new executive members were presented to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, his Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi on same day at his palace by the immediate past Chairman, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, and former IKODASS Chairman, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, at the Ayangbure palace.
In his acceptance address after his election and inauguration as the new IKODASS Chairman, Erogbogbo charged members of his exco on total commitment and dedication to the development of Ikorodu.
“You are here because you are either a true son or daughter of Ikorodu or you are a genuine friend of Ikorodu. You are here because of the call. You heard the call, the call of Ikorodu, that is why you are here and that is why l am here.The call is about the development of Ikorodu”, he charged.
“That is why we are called IKODASS. Ikorodu – Oga Development Association. The reason we exist is because of Ikorodu, because if there is no Ikorodu, there would be no IKODASS.
“Yes, the reason we exist is Ikorodu. Ikorodu should, therefore, be our focus. For us as members of Ikorodu Oga Development Association , Ikorodu should be first.
“The greater interest of Ikorodu should be paramount in what we do. We must rise beyond clannish parochial sentiments. We must rise above religious, political and sectional fault lines to embrace a greater Ikorodu mindset.
“Ikorodu must be first for us because it is then and only then that our youths can find meaningful expression. It is then and only then that, like our anthem says, Ikorodu can become headquarters.
“There is no other option for us. To do otherwise is to negotiate the ideals of our association. To do otherwise is to subvert what we stand for. To do otherwise is to deny our identity, nay, our destiny”, Erogbogbo said.
“We have chosen this path; the path of developing Ikorodu. Let us walk this path because it is the path to greater Ikorodu.
“IKODASS, it is time to roll up our sleeves, redouble our efforts and walk our talk for the greater good of our land. A greater Ikorodu is possible”, he further charged.
The new chairman speaking on his plans in the next two years said that the new administration will unveiled its agenda in the next two weeks.
However, he said that IKODASS will be introducing the Ikorodu Literary Initiative, Ikorodu Through Your Lens and Food Baskets among others.
He thanked the founding fathers of IKODASS and past chairmen of IKODASS, especially his immediate predecessor, Otunba Abiru, and his team for keeping the flag flying.
Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya, the Aremo of Ikorodu Kingdom and former Chairman, IKODASS, Alhaji Fatai, the immediate past Deputy Chairman, IKODASS, Barr. SOK Shillings, former IKODASS Secretary, among other dignitaries witnessed the election and inauguration of the new executive members