By Victor Gotevbe
Prince Kazeem Austin Eletu-Odibo, Chairman of Kazeem Royal Properties Limited was among the eminent personalities, who stormed the Benin Kingdom, to commemorate the first anniversary coronation of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II just a few days ago.
Only last year, Prince Eletu-Odibo began his journey to Benin with the intention to rediscover his family root. On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, this became a reality after he was invited and given a warm reception by the Oba of Benin at his palace few months into ascending the throne.
The Oba gave him his blessings and endorsement as one of the bonafide Benin Princes.
The Eletu-Odibo family is a prominent one in Lagos. It is the equivalent of the Olotu Odibo stool in Benin Kingdom. The stool of the Eletu-Odibo is in the league of First Class Obas such as Oba Oniru and Oba Elegushi. Historically, the Eletu Odibo served as the Chief Kingmaker who crowned the Oba of Lagos.
As head of the Akarigbere class of chiefs, the Eletu Odibo served as the Prime Minister of the Oba of Lagos.
History also has this to say that once upon a time, the Oba of Benin deployed a group of Benin officers along with Ashipa, his war captain to preserve Benin’s interests in Lagos affairs. The Eletu Odibo was the head of this group who accompanied Ashipa to Lagos.
Prince Kazeem speaking to Diplomatic Watch said “it was such a pleasure to be back again to my root and I am very happy that my family’s legacy is intact. This is my home and my root began here.”
Meanwhile, Prince Kazeem has been selected to receive the Prestigious Global Community Award at the United States-Nigeria Legislative and Executive Leadership Forum scheduled for November 15-18, 2017, Washington DC. USA.
He has since confirmed his attendance. He will join the Governor of Maryland, US Congress men and women, Nigeria’s Legislators, business executives and a host of others at the epoch-making event.
