No Dull Moment With Oyalode Alaba Lawson, She was a very blunt Disciplinarian – Aare Iyalode Ejide Socopau
By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
The Iyaloja General of Oshodi in Lagos state, Chief Mrs. Sikiratu Ejide Adeyanju Socopau, is a descendant of Kurumni Ajadi Igun of Ijaiye in Abeokuta, Ogun state. A virtuous woman of substance, a business tycoon, and a fabrics merchandise whose courageous acts, good conduct, humanitarian, and benevolent endeavors earned her traditional and honorary titles such as Aare Iyalode of Egba land, Erelu of Ipokia Kingdom, Iya Oba of Ibogun Land, The Apesin Ola of Iwaya in Yaba LCDA, and so forth.
As an Egba Chief under the Kingship of HRM Oba Aremu Gbadebo, ‘The Alake of Egba Land,’ INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS Editor Oluwatoyin Mathnuel paid a condolence visit for a brief chat regarding the demise of Iyalode Alaba Lawson, who was also an Egba chief and leader of all Iyalodes in Egba, Ogun state, as well as Yoruba land, to be precise. ( Sit back and enjoy the emotional brief chat)
INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS: Good afternoon Aare Iyalode ma, accept my condolences regarding the demise of Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson!
AARE IYALODE SOCOPAU: Good afternoon, my dear! The passing of our mother Chief Mrs. Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson, the Iyalode of Egba and the Yoruba land, was very pathetic. It came as a ride shock but to Allah be all the honor, for He knows the best.
INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS: Who was Iyalode Alaba Lawson?
AARE IYALODE SOCOPAU: Hmmm! (Sigh) Iyalode Alaba Lawson was a good person, a leader who was ready to put her fellows at right. No dull moment with Iyalode of Egbaland, for whenever she arrived at the Iyalodes’ meetings, the atmosphere changed, fun all over. She was a disciplinarian, that scold any of the Iyalodes that needed to be scolded in love. Late Iyalode of Egbaland was a no-nonsense, very blunt person.
INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS: Do share with me what you will live to remember the late Iyalode of Egbaland for?
AARE IYALODE SOCOPAU: What? (Exclaimed) Lots! Numerous to be counted. Was it her input, efforts in making me a perfect Aare Iyalode of Egba land before and after my installation sometimes in 2019 as well as others like Otun Iyalode Alhaja Taofikat and the rest through vigorous tutor on how our king Oba Aremu Gbadebo, ‘The Alake of Egbaland,’ should be greeted? Or how Kabiesi’s oriki is to be recited and other outright teachings? No! Her memory lingers in me for as long as I live, for she was a leader that wishes us the best as an Egba chief.
INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS: When last did you see her before the inevitable occurred?
AARE IYALODE SOCOPAU: For Mama Alaba Lawson, out of sight is not out of mind. We frequently communicate on the phone, and I saw her last on Egba annual ‘LISABI DAY.’ She was very radiant and ever-smiling, looking beautiful in our uniform of white lace material and blue headgear, with no sign of ailment at all. My condolences to my king, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, ‘The Alake of Egba Land,’ Egba chiefs, my fellow Iyalodes, families of Mama Lawson, and the entire Yoruba nation. May the gentle soul of Iyalode Alaba Lawson rest in perfect peace!
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INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS: Thank you for your time Aare Iyalode of Egbaland Ma!
