Oba Noforija at 70; Tracking a Definitive Monarch And Man Of Grace

By Babatunde Kaka and Zainab Olanrewaju

The entire Noforija kingdom will become agog on October 2nd when the drummers will roll out the drums to celebrate a legendary, quintessential and exceptional traditional ruler, the Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Ọba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja(JP)

To have chalked up seven decades In Nigeria, where, according to experts, life expectancy is barely 54, attaining the age of 70 is not an achievement to be scoffed at, neither is it a mean feat.

It reaffirms a rare survival, victory over life viscisututes and triumphs over predictable stress of city life.

It is also a manifestation of divine blessings from one whose better part of his life is dedicated to monarchical obligations and preservation of culture and heritage, and also advancing the cause of humanity.

Aside from his role as the custodian of culture and tradition, Oba Noforija has contributed significantly to socio-economic development of the community.

The Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Ọba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlajaljp) a traditional ruler with the advantage of western education which no doubts enable him to appreciate the palace cultural ethics to the
administration of his subjects.

His Royal Majesty was born close to seven decades into the family of Kalejaiye Ononlu/obayomi Ogunlaja from Oligbe Ruling House in Odo Noforija (The First Lineage of Adeshoyin now known as Aladeshonyin).

After his secondary education kabiesi embarked on self-employment which included various courses in electronics and experience to date often employs to solve practical human problems.

He has worked in different enterprises such as llupeju supermarket Ltd, ITT Nigeria Ltd among others, and later returned to the murky water of politics.

The kabiyesi ascended the throne as the monarch) Traditional Ruler of the Odo Noforija Kingdom in Eredo Local Council Development Area, in Epe Local Government, of Lagos State on the 27th January 2003 when he was presented both the staff of office and instrument of appointment respectively by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, the then Governor of Lagos State.

Having been coronated, he became automatic Member of Epe Divisional Chieftain Committee, wherein he was elected as secretary.

His leadership potentials prompted him to become a Member of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Subsequently His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ola Ogunlaja the Aladeshonyin of Odo Noforija is a First
class Oba in Lagos State and was elected two terms secretary to the council of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos State, this portraying his leadership qualities.

 

Due to his understanding qualities, Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja (ip) has been conferred with various awards and honours such as:
* Member Lagos State Justice Of Piece
*Merit Award by Lagos State College Of Primary Education Odo Noforija, Epe
Division.
*Merit Award By Federal College Of Primary Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos.
* Royal Commander by Nigeria Union Of Teachers (NUT) EPE Branch.
* Award for Excellence And Patron, College of Advanced Management Studies Centre.
* Rufus Giwa Polytechnics, Owo Ondo State. Award of Excellence by Rotary Club, ljebu Ode District
9110, Nigeria,
*Award by Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associate, Institutions (NASU) Mocped Branch Noforija branch, as well as patron to several associations social as religious institutions including Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) Eredo LCDA. Branch.

In accordance with the provision of the Obas Chiefs Laws of Lagos State, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja (p), celebrate annual coronation anniversary wherein he confers honorary chieftaincy titles on deserving Nigerians both within and the diaspora.

Personalities such as; Member of Eko International Club in United States of America and Canada who have made impressionable marks in their respective vocations were among the beneficiaries of such award.

Notable among them are Otunba Samuel Damilola Adegbuyi (p) (Commissioner of Police Rtd) The Otunba Apesin Of Odo NOforija kingdom.

Otunba Samuel Ayotunde Dipeolu Bobaseye of Odo Noforija kingdom, a medical professional and a business tycoon based in Houston Texas USA.
Yeye ( Chief) Bukola Williams Yeye Sewa of Odo Noforija kingdom, the CEO of United Health Care Company based in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Otunba Olakunle Emiola Omiyale Arijeloye of Odo NOforija kingdom, a business tycoon based in USA.

Otunba Jelili Ogunyomi Gbobaniyi of Odo
Noforija kingdom, a professional surveyor and a business tycoon in Nigeria.

Yeye (Chief) Yeside Ayannuga Yeye Mesho of Odo Noforija kingdom, also a professional nurse based in Houston, Texas USA.

Offoritshe Akperi The Yeye Gbadega of Odo
Noforija Kingdom and Bibian Balogun The Arobake of the Odo Noforija Kingdom both are Home Health owners based in Dallas, Texas U.S.A.

Chief Adebutu Kessington popularly known as Baba ljebu, also the Baba Oba of the Odo Noforija Kingdom and Chief
(MRS.) Kemi Nelson The Yeye Oba of Odo Noforija kingdom. Among notable others.

His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja (jp) also the grand patron of Eko Club Houston Texas, and presently the President General of HRM Héritage forum which is the first world largest forum of Traditional Rulers. Kabiyesi is a devoted Christian who has gone on pilgrimage to Israel on several occasions.

He is a committed family man, married with children.