As Obafunwa, Pinhero, Edu, Obasa, get chieftaincy titles

Top government functionaries, monarchs and dignitaries in the country have extolled the virtues of His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), as they felicitate him on his five years anniversary on the throne.

The three-day activities to celebrate Oba Ogunsanwo’s fifth coronation anniversary started on Friday August 15, 2025, in his domain, Ilara Kingdom, in the Epe Division of Lagos State.

Friday’s activities included a street parade, jumat service, a commemorative football match, empowerment and free medical outreach for people of Ilara.

As the coronation activities continue today, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, in his goodwill message to Oba Ogunsanwo, spoke highly of him. He said: “In just five years, Your Majesty’s reign has left a lasting imprint on Ilara and the wider Epe division. You have led with wisdom, dignity, and a genuine devotion to the welfare of your people; championing peace, fostering unity and safeguarding the proud traditions of Ilara, even as you embrace the opportunities of progress and development.”

In his own letter to Kabiyesi Alara, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, described Oba Ogunsanwo’s reign as impactful. “Through your commitment, hard work and inclusive leadership, your reign has ushered in unprecedented development and prosperity of the kingdom.”

Former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, was lavish in his tribute to Oba Ogunsanwo, recalling the King’s contributions to the development of Lagos State in general as a public officer.

“Your contributions and leadership roles in your public service career before and during my administration as the Governor of Lagos State stands you out as a king to be reckoned with and respected.

“Your esteemed role as the South-West Coordinator of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria reflects your influence and the respect you command, not only within Lagos State but across the nation,” Ambode said.

Similarly, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat and the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, all extolled the virtues of Oba Ogunsanwo in separate letters.

Also, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Dr. Ayodele Subair, who is Ogunsanwo’s successor at the tax office said: “Your family at the LIRS joins the good people of Ilara Kingdom and Lagos State in honouring your legacy and pray for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.”

In his own tribute, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwisi, the Ooni of Ife, wrote: “Over the years, Kabiyesi’s reign has brought peace, unity and prosperity to the ancient Ilara Kingdom. As we reflect on these five fruitful years, may this occasion inspire us and future generations to appreciate the depth of our traditions and the greatness that lies in selfless leadership.”

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, said: “These past five years have witnessed your steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional service and guiding your people with the dignity and wisdom that traditional leadership embodies.”

Others who paid tribute to Oba Ogunsanwo include, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; former governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel; His Majesty, Dr. Benjamin Ijechukwu, the king (Dein) of Agbor; HRM Oba Babatubde Ajayi, Akarigbo of Remoland; HRH, Alhaji Yahaya Abubajar, Etsu Nupe and Mallam Haruna Yahaya, all who praised his leadership qualities.

As part of the anniversary activities, Oba Ogunsanwo will today (Saturday) confer honorary chieftaincy titles on seven deserving individuals and couples for their contributions to the development of Ilara Kingdom.

Those to be honoured today are: Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, who will be decorated as the Balogun of Ilara Kingdom; Surveyor Jelili Kolawole Olayemi, who will be installed as Olotu of Ilara Kingdom and Prof. Kemi Pinhero, who will be honoured as the Baamofin of Ilara Kingdom.

Others include Ambassador Oluwatoyin Lawal and Mrs. Abiodun Lawal, who will be installed as Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa of Ilara Kingdom as well as Dr. Olanrewaju Obasa as Otunba Bobaseye of Ilara Kingdom.

The rest are Chief Akinyele Oladeji and Mrs. Toyin Oladeji, who will be installed as Ashipa and Yeye Ashipa of Ilara Kingdom; while Mr. Rotimi Edu and Mrs. Olayemi Edu will both be honoured with the chieftaincy titles of Otunba Jokotade and Yeye Otunba Jokotade of Ilara Kingdom.

The anniversary will be rounded off on Sunday, August 17 with a thanksgiving service scheduled for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ilara Epe, which will be followed by a royal banquet to celebrate a king whose steps are quite pleasing to all and sundry within his domain.