His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, Lagos State, on Friday, continued the display of altruism that has defined his public life, well before and after he ascended his throne.
He turned 56 on Friday, September 29, 2023, three months after he celebrated his third year on the throne.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Before the monarch ascended the seat of his ancestors three years ago, he was the head of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) and he enjoyed wide public support even then.
When Oba Ogunsanwo was named the Alara-Elect of Ilara Kingdom in October 2019, there were wild jubilations from across the ancient town by his supporters and those who saw his selection as a blessing to the town.
These jubilations were a direct result of his strong standing in Ilara as a facilitator of progress and development.
Since he ascended the throne of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, the royal father has maintained his trajectory of impacting lives and used his office to facilitate even greater development.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
In July 2023, the Ilara kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on Bilateral Relations.
The partnership was aimed at bringing investment opportunities and developmental projects to Ilara.
The monarch secured the partnership after exercising diplomacy and conferring the honourary chieftaincy title of Aare Atunloto of Ilara Kingdom on Mr. Wendell De Landro, Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
The chieftaincy title honoured De Landro who had been instrumental to the development of Ilara community and other projects springing up in Epe.
After receiving the title, the diplomat promised greater development and partnership with not just Ilara community, but also Epe at large.
De Landro also disclosed plans to establish a Trade School for the youths of Ilara.
He noted that his development plans for Ilara Kingdom would be focused mainly on the youths and entrepreneurship.
The Trinidad & Tobago diplomat stated that the Trade School would enable youths acquire useful skills like plumbing, welding, building construction, woodwork, electrical works, among others.
HISTORIC VISIT TO ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
In August 2023, Oba Ogunsanwo made a historic visit to Antigua and Barbuda. The visit was aimed at promoting cultural and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
During the visit, the monarch met with government officials, business leaders, and cultural stakeholders. He also toured the island and explored its tourism offerings.
He expressed his interest in promoting cultural and economic cooperation between Epe and Antigua and Barbuda. He expressed eagerness to work with the government to develop new tourism products and services.
ANOTHER CONSEQUENTIAL VISIT TO UGANDA
The same month, Oba Ogunsanwo joined a delegation led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on a seven-day working visit to Uganda on the invitation of President Yoweri Museveni.
The visit was centered on deepening economic ties between Nigeria and Uganda. The African leaders spoke on the need to accelerate efforts towards providing infrastructure, creating jobs, stimulating investments and improving education and healthcare across Africa.
They concluded to explore investment opportunities in their countries and towns, including Ilara, Epe.
A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CENTERED ON GIVING
In celebrating his 56th birthday, Oba Ogunsanwo devoted his time to showing generosity to his people as he distributed cash, food items, and other gifts to various people in attendance.
The monarch, who prefers to celebrate his birthday with the most vulnerable of his kingdom, also empowered over 50 artisans with N50,000 to aid their various economic activities.
In an interview with journalists, the celebrant expressed his heartfelt appreciation to God and the entire people of his kingdom for their support and kindness towards him.
“As we all know, things are not easy these days in the country, hence my choice to give palliatives and support to the people of my area and the entire Okemagba community,” he said.
“Instead of throwing a big party and the likes, I have decided to go through this model of partying.”
Despite the distribution of palliative items, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the palace was in a celebratory mood as those present wined and dined with the royal family.
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The anniversary, which was marked in the Alara’s palace, witnessed the presence of the royal fathers in Epe division as well as prominent personalities who joined the monarch in celebrating his day.
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