Igbogbo traditional ruler honours community contributors with chieftaincy titles
Igbogbo traditional ruler honours community contributors with chieftaincy titles
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, on Wednesday honoured distinguished community contributors with chieftaincy titles as part of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary.
The conferment ceremony, held at the traditional ruler’s palace in Igbogbo, Lagos, recognised individuals whose commitment, philanthropy and service have contributed to the growth and transformation of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Kingdom.
The Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, described the initiative as a community-based honour similar to the National Honours Award, designed to celebrate individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society.
Onasanya said the titles were created to appreciate those who had consistently supported the traditional ruler’s reign and played key roles in advancing the development of the kingdom.
Among those honoured were Mr Olusesan Daini, conferred as Otunba Tadese of Igbogbo Land; Mr Hamed Lawal, Aare Atuluse of Igbogbo Kingdom; Dr Adesegun Kashimawo, Otunba Oyero of Igbogbo Kingdom; and Mrs Anike Adekanye, Yeye Agbasaga of Igbogbo Kingdom.
Others included Alhaji Ganiyu Oduntan, Bobatolu of Igbogbo Kingdom; Mr Obafemi Kalejaiye, Bobajiro of Igbogbo Kingdom; Alhaji Lateef Akinborode, Tayese of Igbogbo Kingdom; Mr Abayomi Nosiru, Mr Bobagunwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; Mr Adedotun Adetunji, a lawyer and Mayegun of Igbogbo Kingdom; Alhaja Olayinka Adetunji, Yeye Mayegun of Igbogbo Kingdom; and Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Yeye Muwagun of Igbogbo Kingdom.
Onasanya noted that some families and individuals had distinguished themselves through unwavering support for the palace and their readiness to contribute whenever the community needed assistance.
He urged Igbogbo indigenes at home and abroad to emulate the awardees by investing in the continued growth and development of the kingdom.
According to him, the honourary titles can serve as a pathway to higher traditional responsibilities, including future elevation to the rank of chiefs and other positions within the traditional institution.
Onasanya explained that the selection process had started earlier but was delayed due to the poor state of the Igbogbo-Igbe Road.
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He said the process resumed after the completion of the road project, leading to the emergence of deserving recipients.
“The conferment of chieftaincy titles is a longstanding tradition in Igbogbo Kingdom.
“It remains an important way of recognising service, encouraging community participation and preserving our cultural heritage,” he said.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), one of the recipients, Chief Adedotun Adetunji, the newly installed Mayegun of Igbogbo Kingdom, described the honour as a motivation to do more for the community.
“I won’t be able to say precisely what I have done to deserve this title. However, Kabiyesi said that when I was nominated for the honour, I had contributed to the development of the town.
“He also referred to my office, which is located opposite the palace, and said he was pleased with my contributions,” Adetunji said.
He said community development had always been his priority, even before receiving the title.
“When I came to Igbogbo, the town was not what it is today. We have developed many facilities that are beneficial to the community, including supporting the construction of mosques and other religious buildings whenever we were invited.
“Before I became the Mayegun of Igbogbo, what was uppermost in my mind was the development of this community.
“Ten years ago, when Kabiyesi was installed, Igbogbo was not like this. We have witnessed remarkable development and transformation.
“We believe what we have achieved so far is only the tip of the iceberg compared to what we intend to accomplish in the coming years. Our aim is to place Igbogbo/Baiyeku among the leading communities in Lagos State,” he said.
Adetunji also supported the appeal by the Odofin for indigenes at home and abroad to contribute to the development of the kingdom.
“The Odofin has said something very important by urging sons and daughters of Igbogbo, both at home and abroad, to come back and contribute to the development of the town. This is our home, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure its continuous growth,” he said.
Expressing appreciation for the recognition, Adetunji said the honour would inspire him to do even more for the community.
“I feel very happy, elated and deeply honoured. This recognition has encouraged me to continue serving the people and contributing to the development of Igbogbo Kingdom,” he said.
