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Elejinrin Of Ejinrin At 80: Celebrating Oba Rafiu Balogun, A Peace Engineer
Not many people are more influential than Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun, the Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Epe Division, Lagos State, in the history of Ejinrin.
The monarch’s wisdom and tact have been instrumental in helping to turn a warzone into a zone of developmental and transformative projects.
EDITOR’S PICKS
As Oba Balogun turns 80 today, May 5, 2024, he deserves to be celebrated for engineering the peaceful coexistence currently enjoyed in Ejinrin.
When Oba Balogun ascended the throne of his forefathers in 2005, Ejinrin was reeling from a intra-community conflict that had left the town without a functioning head since 1975.
Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun at 80
The ancient town of Ejinrin, which is home to the first post office in Nigeria (built in 1857) and second oldest sea port in Nigeria, was a beehive of big companies. But a 30-year conflict soured the community’s progress.
After the war subsided, Ejinrin needed capable hands to restore its pride and return peace to the land.
Enter Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun. Ejinrin turned to the wisdom and intelligence of Oba Balogun who became the community’s first functioning head in 30 years.
After ascending the throne, the monarch had a clear mission: Engineer peace. Nearly two decades later, he has been largely successful in this core mission.
Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun at 80
‘PEACE BREEDS DEVELOPMENT’
As the saying goes, “Peace breeds development.” Oba Balogun’s peace efforts have led to various developmental projects being sited in the community.
Notable among them is the Lagos Film City Project which is expected to cost around $100 million.
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The sprawling 100-hectare waterfront film city is envisioned to embody a fusion of artistry and functionality, serving as a vibrant hub for residence, education, and creativity.
The Elejinrin of Ejinrin joined Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to break ground for the project in October 2023.
Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun at 80
Characteristically, Oba Balogun promised his “fullest support” to ensure the success of this project.
As he often does, as the chief marketer of his community, the monarch lobbied the state governor for “vital infrastructural enhancements.”
“A comprehensive road network, especially extending the dualized Ketu-Epe road to Ejinrin and linking it to the Lekki-Epe International Airport, will add substantial value to this magnificent film city project. Furthermore, a segment of our waterways can be transformed into a compelling tourist attraction,” he told Governor Sanwo-Olu.
This conduct shows a king who prioritises the welfare and development of his community at all times. This attitude has been a huge positive for Ejinrin on its journey towards economic recovery.
Thankfully, Oba Balogun’s efforts have not gone unnoticed in various quarters.
The monarch won the Royal Personality of the Year award at the Epe Division Community Annual Awards (EDCAA) 2023.
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The award signalled Oba Balogun’s standing as a respected royal figure in Epe Division.
FURTHER READING
For being a honourable, charitable, wise, and visionary leader, the management of Eko Hot Blog celebrates his majesty on this milestone. We wish Kabiyesi increased wisdom and long life in good health to be able to better steer Ejinrin towards enduring peace and progress.
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