- The Alara of Ilara is celebrating his fifth coronation anniversary.
- The monarch has received congratulatory messages from various eminent personalities.
- The Alara was praised for his progressive leadership.
The Ilara Kingdom in Epe, Lagos State, came alive over the weekend as the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), celebrated his fifth coronation anniversary.
With the anniversary came congratulatory messages from traditional rulers, state governors, political leaders, and eminent Nigerians across the country.
EDITOR’S PICKS
The three-day celebration, which began on Friday, August 15, was a rich blend of culture, religion, and community service.
Residents thronged the streets for a colourful parade, while a Jumat service, commemorative football match, free medical outreach, and empowerment programme featured in the commemoration of the milestone.
The festivities were expected to culminate with the conferment of chieftaincy titles on seven deserving individuals and couples recognised for their contributions to the development of Ilara Kingdom.
Leaders Pay Glowing Tributes
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led dignitaries in extolling the virtues of the Alara, describing his reign as “impactful and progressive.”
“In just five years, Your Majesty’s reign has left a lasting imprint on Ilara and the wider Epe division,” Sanwo-Olu said in his goodwill message.
“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.”
His Imo State counterpart, Governor Hope Uzodinma, echoed similar sentiments, praising the monarch’s inclusive leadership. “Through your commitment, hard work and inclusive leadership, your reign has ushered in unprecedented development and prosperity of the kingdom,” Uzodinma said.
Also paying tribute was the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, who all conveyed their goodwill in separate letters.
Ambode Remembers a Trusted Ally
Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode recalled Oba Ogunsanwo’s public service years with admiration.
“Your contributions and leadership roles in your public service career before and during my administration as Governor of Lagos State stand you out as a king to be reckoned with and respected,” Ambode wrote.
The former Lagos governor also commended the monarch’s tireless efforts “in advancing grassroots development, promoting cultural heritage and fostering harmony among diverse groups in traditional institutions across Lagos and beyond.”
Royal Endorsements Across Nigeria
From Ile-Ife to Sokoto, Kano to Nupe land, traditional rulers also joined in celebrating the Alara.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the monarch’s reign for bringing peace, unity, and prosperity to Ilara.
Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, commended his “steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional service,” while the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, described the anniversary as “a reflection of the good work of Your Majesty to the people and communities you are serving.”
Other traditional rulers and leaders, including the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ijechukwu; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; and the Etsu of Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, also sent goodwill messages.
Broader Support from Eminent Nigerians
Tributes poured in from beyond the traditional institutions. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel; and ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Yahaya, were among those who lauded Oba Ogunsanwo’s leadership, cultural advocacy, and grassroots development initiatives.
Even his former colleagues at the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, where he once served as Executive Chairman, joined the celebrations.
His successor, Dr. Ayodele Subair, wrote: “Your family at the LIRS joins the good people of Ilara Kingdom and Lagos State in honouring your legacy and praying for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.”
A Reign Rooted in Progress
For many in Ilara, Oba Ogunsanwo’s five years on the throne have been defined by peace, unity, and visible community development. The anniversary celebrations offered a moment not just of festivity, but also of reflection on how a traditional ruler can blend cultural preservation with modern governance values.
FURTHER READING
As the Alara begins his sixth year on the throne, the voices of political leaders, royal fathers, technocrats, and ordinary citizens all point to a reign that has left its mark on Ilara and beyond.
Click here to watch the video of the week below:
