…As Obafunwa, Pinhero, Edu, Obasa, Get Chieftaincy Titles
Top government functionaries, senior monarchs and dignitaries from all walks of life have extolled the virtues of His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), as they felicitate with him on his five years anniversary on the throne.
The three-day activities to celebrate Oba Ogunsanwo’s fifth coronation anniversary started yesterday, 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 commemmorative football match, empowerment and free medical outreach for people of Ilara.
As the coronation activities continue today, several dignitaries have extolled the virtues of the finance and tax-savvy monarch.
In his goodwill message to Oba Ogunsanwo, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu spoke highly of the King. 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, hardwork and inclusive leadership, your reign has ushered in unprecedented development and prosperity of the kingdom.”
Former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, FCA, was lavish in his tribute to Oba Ogunsanwo, while recalling the King’s contributions to the development of Lahos 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.
The former governor said he commends Kabiyesi Alara’s tireless efforts “in advancing grassroots development, promoting cultural heritage and fostering harmony among diverse groups in traditional institutions across Lagos and beyond.”
Similarly, the Chief of Staff to Presidebt Tinubu, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat and the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon 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: “I pen this tribute as the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula with deep honour and reverence to commemorate your fifth coronation anniversary.
“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.”
Similarly, 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.”
In his own tribute, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Sarkin Kano, said: “We congratulate Your Majesty, indeed ut is a moment of joy and a reflection of the good work of Your Majesty to the people and communities you are serving within the period of your stewardship.”
Others who extolled Alara’s virtues in their tributes include 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, PhD, the 61st President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
One of the main coronation anniversary days is slated for today Saturday August 16th at the Palace in Ilara.
Key highlight of the day will be the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on seven deserving individuals and couples whose contributions to the development of Ilara Kingdom is immeasurable and who are therefore being installed in commemoration of Alara of Ilara’s fifth anniversary.
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 Barrister 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 fifth coronation anniversary will be rounded off tomorriw Sunday 17th with a thanksgiving service scheduled for the Immaculate Cinception Catholic Church in Ilara Epe, which will then be followed by a royal banquet to celebrate a king whose steps are quite pleasing to all and sundry within his domain.
