By Ghazali Ibrahim
Alhaji Fatai Kolawole Ogunfodunrin, popularly known as “De Groom,” was officially inaugurated on Sunday as the new Chairman of the Ikorodu Oga Development Association (IKODASS) for three years which starts from 2025–2027.
Previously served as the Deputy Chairman under Otunba Ganiu Olusegun Abiru from 2017 to 2021,Ogunfodunrin has distinguished himself as a worthy successor.
Delivering his inaugural speech before a crowd of dignitaries including Otunba Elesho, Vice Chairman IKODASS BOT, representing the BOT led by Aremo Kamorudeen Ogunsanya, founding fathers, past chairmen, and stakeholders, Ogunfodunrin pledged to deliver on his A-R-I-S-E agenda.
It’s a blueprint centered on Accountability, Repositioning, Innovative Programmes, Socio-cultural Renaissance, and Education/Economic Empowerment.
“Our administration is ready to roll up its sleeves and begin work immediately. We will implement all the programmes built around the A-R-I-S-E agenda without delay,” Ogunfodunrin declared.
In a move to engage the youth and rebrand IKODASS, the new chairman announced the launch of “Ikorodu Got Talent”, a music, comedy, and creative discovery competition slated to begin within his first 100 days in office.
The event aims to showcase the talents of young Ikorodu residents and reposition the association as a youth-friendly platform.
To further boost community engagement and economic empowerment, Ogunfodunrin also announced a grand raffle draw in celebration of Oba Shotobi’s 10th Coronation Anniversary in August.
The star prize will be a Toyota Camry 2005 model, with other prizes including electronics, phones, and household items, an initiative that would benefit over 50 residents economically.
On education and cultural preservation, the chairman revealed plans to introduce inter-school debates and quizzes in local dialects among secondary schools in the region to help preserve indigenous languages.
“Our goal is not just local, but global,” Ogunfodunrin stated.
He also unveils plans to establish IKODASS chapters in the UK, US, Paris, and other countries to unite Ikorodu indigenes in the diaspora under one cultural umbrella.
He called for collaboration from government at all levels and corporate organizations operating within Ikorodu, emphasizing IKODASS’ readiness to partner in developing the community’s cultural and tourism potential.
Promising transparency and inclusive leadership, Ogunfodunrin concluded: “Ti ise o ba p’eni, a kii p’ese meaning You’ve given us this job, and we will make you proud.”
