His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, has leveraged the auspicious occasion of his 56th birthday to further polish his life portrait of altruism which transcends time.
With a lifetime legacy of service, Oba Ogunsanwo’s story began long before his ascension to the throne. Three years ago, he took the mantle of leadership in Ilara Kingdom, but his dedication to his people dates back to his tenure as the head of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) where he first captured the hearts of the public with his visionary leadership.
On Friday, 29th September, 2023, Kabiesi marked his 56th orbit around the sun, a mere three months after he celebrated his third year on the throne.
The crowning of Oba Ogunsanwo was as the Alara of Ilara Kingdom three years ago blew a wind of celebration which swept through the ancient town like a wildfire, igniting the hearts of his ardent supporters and those who saw his enthronement as divinity’s blissful smile on Ilara Kingdom. It was a jubilation that echoed his strong standing in Ilara as a facilitator of progress and development.
This royal patriarch has not dashed the hope of the people as he steadily sails the ship of the vibrant kingdom of Ilara on calm waters, using his good office as a compass guiding the ship of progress towards even loftier horizons.
This article highlights a fragment of his achievements on the throne:
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
In July 2023, the Ilara Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on Bilateral Relations. This alliance bears the promise of prosperity and transformative developmental projects for Ilara Kingdom.
The mastermind of this profitable partnership was none other than the monarch, a true wizard of diplomacy who conferred the honorary title of Aare Atunloto of Ilara Kingdom on Mr. Wendell De Landro, the Trinidad & Tobago High Commissioner to Nigeria, in recognition of the instrumental role of Mr. De Landro to the development of Ilara community and other projects springing up in Epe.
With the weight of the chieftaincy title upon his shoulders, Mr. De Landro pledged an unswerving commitment to kindle the flames of development and nurture a partnership that would transcend Ilara to benefit Epe Kingdom in its entirety.
Amidst his grand vision, he disclosed the 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 involving 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 of these African sages was to drive a dialogue on the urgency of the need to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Uganda. The conversation centered on accelerating efforts towards providing infrastructure, creating jobs, stimulating investments and improving education and healthcare across Africa.
The visit provided fresh insights about harnessing investment opportunities in concerned countries and towns, including Ilara, Epe.
A BIRTHDAY CLOKED IN GENEROSITY
On this occasion of his 56th birthday celebration, Oba Ogunsanwo donned the cape of benevolence, as he lavishly rained down cash, foodstuffs, and assortment of gifts upon the jubilant crowd.
This monarch, who has chosen to celebrate his birthday by extending a hand of care to the disadvantaged populace in his kingdom also empowered his people by gifting over 50 artisans with N50,000 each, to fuel their economic aspirations.
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.”
Eko Hot Blog gathered that this sharing of palliatives was also complemented with celebrations, wining and dining with the royal family at the palace.
Within the hallowed halls of the Alara’s palace the celebration was graced by the high and mighty, nobility and royalty who came to add colour to Kabiyesi’s big day. Yet the palace gates were not shut against the people of minimal and modest means.
In this celebration, we witnessed not just the passage of another year but the enduring legacy of a monarch who leads with his heart, guided by the light of altruism, and forever dedicated to the well-being of his people.
Oba Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, illuminating the path of service and benevolence for generations to come.
We wish Kabiesi many more calendars to trash!
Long Live Oba Ogunsanwo!
Long Live Ilara Kingdom!
Long Live Nigeria!
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