Get Guardian on GoogleThe Ogun State Government has formally recognised Oba Olumide Atanda Osunsina as the Olu of Ifo land following the presentation of his staff of office on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Osunsina, who bears the royal title Òsómékùn I, succeeds the late Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipo Ayerowunwi.
The presentation marks an important stage in the traditional leadership transition in Ifo, formally acknowledging the new monarch’s position following the customary selection process.
Before his emergence as traditional ruler, Osunsina was known for his activities in Nigeria’s real estate sector and his involvement in community development initiatives.
He is the founder of Megamound Investment Limited, a property development company established in 1992, and the Olumide Osunsina Foundation, which supports educational, vocational and healthcare programmes.
The presentation of a staff of office is an important part of the formal recognition of traditional rulers in Nigeria. It represents the state government’s acknowledgement of a monarch’s position within the recognised traditional institution.
In many communities, the process follows the selection of a candidate through established customary procedures and the completion of relevant administrative requirements.
For Ifo, Friday’s ceremony marked the formal recognition of Osunsina as successor to the late Oba Ayerowunwi.
The development also places the new monarch at the centre of traditional leadership responsibilities in a community that forms part of Ogun State’s growing urban and commercial environment.
Traditional rulers in the state play roles in community representation, cultural preservation and engagement with government institutions.
Although their responsibilities differ from those of elected political officeholders, monarchs frequently serve as intermediaries between residents, community organisations and public authorities.
They also participate in efforts to maintain cultural institutions and encourage community development.
Osunsina’s recognition therefore represents both a traditional succession and the beginning of a new phase of leadership for the Ifo community.
Reacting to the presentation, the monarch described the staff of office as an important recognition that carries responsibilities to the people of Ifo.
“A staff of office is not given lightly, and I do not receive it lightly,” he said. “It is the government’s confirmation of what the kingmakers already know; that I built Megamound from nothing, and I will hold this throne, and everyone around it, to the same standard I have always held myself to. From now on, it’s Ifo first.”
His remarks suggested that he intends to draw on his business experience in approaching the responsibilities associated with traditional leadership.
The monarch also indicated that the interests of Ifo would remain central to his reign.
His emergence comes at a time when traditional institutions continue to face expectations to contribute to local development while preserving the customs and cultural practices associated with their communities.
Before his ascension, Osunsina established a business career in property development.
He founded Megamound Investment Limited in 1992, building the company around residential property development and related real estate activities.
Projects associated with the company include Carlton Gate, Lekki County Homes, King’s Court and Greater Lagos County Apartments.
These developments form part of the company’s portfolio in Nigeria’s property market.
The real estate sector has experienced considerable changes over the past three decades, particularly in Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State, where population growth and urban expansion have increased demand for housing and supporting infrastructure.
Property developers operating in these markets have had to navigate challenges involving land acquisition, infrastructure provision, financing and changing housing requirements.
Osunsina’s business background provides a different dimension to his emergence as a traditional ruler, combining experience in private enterprise with responsibilities within a customary institution.
Before becoming Olu of Ifo, Osunsina held the traditional titles of Asiwaju Bobagunwa and Otunba, owing to his involvement in community affairs and service to Egbaland.
Beyond his business activities, Osunsina founded the Olumide Osunsina Foundation, a philanthropic organisation involved in community development initiatives. The foundation has supported scholarships, technology hubs, vocational training and medical outreach programmes in Ifo land.
The foundation’s activities are expected to receive greater public attention during Osunsina’s reign.
Osunsina’s recognition also comes with expectations surrounding community leadership, cultural preservation and engagement with development initiatives.
Ifo’s proximity to Lagos places the area within a region experiencing significant population movement, commercial activity and demand for infrastructure.
These changes create opportunities for economic activity while also presenting challenges for local communities.
Traditional institutions can contribute to discussions involving community interests, cultural heritage and cooperation among residents and public authorities.
For the new Olu of Ifo, the immediate task will involve consolidating his position within the traditional institution and establishing priorities for his reign.
His business and philanthropic activities form part of his background, but the direction of his traditional leadership will become clearer through the initiatives and engagements undertaken after his installation.
With the presentation of his staff of office, Osunsina has entered a new phase of public responsibility as Òsómékùn I, the Olu of Ifo land.
