The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, on Sunday, August 16, marked six years on the throne of his forefathers, describing the milestone as a journey of God’s grace, guidance and faithfulness.
In a statement to mark the occasion, the monarch expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, the Alara-in-Council, and the people of Ilara Kingdom for their support through the years.
EDITOR’S PICKS
“Today marks my 6th Coronation Anniversary, and I cannot thank the Almighty God enough for His grace, guidance, protection and faithfulness throughout this remarkable journey,” the Oba said. “I am immensely thankful to everyone who has surrounded me with love, support and cooperation, making this journey seamless and fulfilling.”
He singled out his wife, his children, his chiefs, and the entire Ilara community for what he called their “unwavering support and commitment,” adding that the kingdom had enjoyed six years of “progress, peace and unity.”
“Together, we celebrate six years of progress, peace and unity, and we look forward with great optimism to continuous growth, greater achievements and unprecedented opportunities for ourselves and Ilara Kingdom,” he said.
From Tax Office to the Throne
Oba Ogunsanwo’s journey to the throne began after the death of his predecessor, Oba Akeem Okunola Adesanya II, in October 2018. The late monarch had spent 58 years on the throne, making him the longest-reigning traditional ruler in Lagos State at the time.
In November 2019, kingmakers announced it was the turn of the Telade Ruling House to produce the next Alara. Eight contestants from the ruling house stepped forward, and Ogunsanwo, who had built a career in the public service and risen to become Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), emerged as the kingmakers’ choice.
He was crowned the 55th Alara of Ilara Kingdom on August 6, 2020.
Ten days later, on August 16, 2020, then newly re-affirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented him with the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment at his palace in Ilara, Epe Division, a date the kingdom now marks as his coronation anniversary.
Six Years of Development
Since ascending the throne, Oba Ogunsanwo has repeatedly tied his reign to the development of his domain.
By his second anniversary in 2022, he was already crediting the Lagos State government with major road works in his area, including the near-complete Epe-Eleko Road, the rehabilitated Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road, and the supply of solar power and transformers to Ilara. He also pointed to the Lagos Aquaculture Centre for Excellence, sited in the area to boost the fishing value chain and create jobs.
The monarch has continued to press for more. At 2026 budget consultations with the Lagos State government, he called for a general hospital, more primary schools, industries to create jobs for youths, and traffic lights and road signs for Eredo LCDA, citing the area’s fast-growing population.
He has also positioned the palace as a partner to community groups, commending organisations such as the Epe Division Professional Women Association for their work in education, healthcare and empowerment across Epe Division.
Chancellor of LASU
The most significant recognition of Oba Ogunsanwo’s reign came this year, when Governor Sanwo-Olu appointed him the sixth Chancellor of Lagos State University, effective February 13, 2026. He succeeded Professor Gbolahan Elias, SAN, and was formally installed at a ceremony at the State House, Alausa, in April.
The appointment made him the first traditional ruler to hold the chancellorship in LASU’s history. Sanwo-Olu described the appointment as “deliberate and historic,” saying it reflected “a convergence of tradition and modernity” for the university.
Oba Ogunsanwo also holds an honorary doctorate of Arts, conferred on him around the time of his coronation by the European-American University of the Commonwealth of Dominica, and a fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPRMP). He is a First Class Oba and a permanent vice chairman of the Lagos Council of Obas and Traditional Rulers.
Last year’s fifth anniversary celebration drew a wide array of dignitaries to Ilara, including the Emir of Kano, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, all of whom praised the Alara’s leadership.
FURTHER READING
As he begins his seventh year on the throne, Oba Ogunsanwo says the focus remains on building on the peace, unity, and development his reign has fostered in Ilara Kingdom.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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