Oba Ogunsanwo Official Enthroned As Gov. Sanwo-Olu Presents Staff Of Office To Him

9th Of August will remain not only a memorable day but a turning point in the history of Eredo in Epe as Oba Ogunsanwo Folarin finally sealed his kingship of Ilara with a ceremony that involved the presentation of staff of office to the monarch by governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The ceremony was a colourful one that was graced by prominent sons and daughters of Ilara and other dignitaries from all walks of life. These examplary characters, who exuded a palpable note of optimism for a better future which the enthronement of ọba Ogunsanwo will occassion, did not fail to express, with infectious glee, their delight at the ascension of the monarch to the throne of his forebears.

The past days in Ilara town, Eredo, Epe has witnessed an historic and epoch-making event. Tradtional Chiefs saddled with the responsibility of performing the streinous traditional rites to pave way for the King’s ascension to the throne returned from “Odo” along Igbo-Nla road very early in the morning to the shrine called “Ule-Aduren”. It is believed that “Ule-Aduren” shrine is the place where the new Alara got the crown of his ancestors.

With the usual crowd of well-wishers since the past days, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo in company of Traditonal Chiefs, family and friends from far and near danced in excitement to the massive edifice of Alara. In the Palace, Eredo LCDA Chairman, Hon. Soliu Adeniyi, Alhaji W. Taiwo, Hon. Oluwaseun Ogunkelu, several government officials, notable personalities,Traditional societies, royal families, market groups, community associations, local security outfits, youth organizations and others took turn to pay homage to the second in comand to the gods.

Hon. Oluwaseun Ogunkelu, Member Representing Epe Costituency II in The Lagos state House of Assembly, while speaking to our reporter noted the importance of the Alara stool in Epe Division and Lagos state as a whole. He expressed his elation about the fact that the new Alara is a vibrant and learned youth and also state his hopes for members of Ilara community members on the coronation of the king.

Also Read: Eredo LCDA Traditional Rulers Visit New Alara Of Ilara, Oba Ogunsanwo

“I am so happy to see my brother, Oba Ogunsanwo Folarin emerge as the King of Alara, the number one Paramount Ruler in Epe Division and the Permanent Vice-Chairman, Lagos state Council of Obas and Chiefs. He was the former Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service and I think as a young chap at the age of 52, I believe he is going to move this community forward. We are going to enjoy him because as a youth ,which starts from the early age of 20, 40, 50, we believe we youths are happy to see him on the throne”, he said.

He therefore implored the people of Eredo and Epe Division to all rally round Oba Folarin to make sure he rules successfully, to make sure they cooperate with him as they did to the Late Adesanya. As regard the selection process, the astute Lawmaker believes it is normal for someone to emerge in a competition.
“It is a normal thing, we are all going to fight for something and someone else will win eventually. Let us see ourselves as brothers. If you are from Epe, Ibonwon, Ilara, we are all from the same family. I believe Alara as well has been contemplating even before now that everybody is one”, he said.

Ekohotblog reported that Chief Adebola Olalekan Dosunmu, the Akinsiku Olori Eyo of Lagos was present to grace the occasion. Today is a memorable day for the people of Ilara, Epe town in Lagos. As the new Oba that emerged, His Royal Majesty, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara ascend the throne today as the Oba elect. He is a wonderful brother to me. I came here today to rejoice with him and the people of Ilara town. I wish him a long reign on the throne with good health and abundant blessings”.

He also noted the significance of the traditional rites and the important roles of traditional rulers by imploring the people to embrace their traditional culture and heritage.

“We have to embrace our culture. That is our heritage, no two ways about that, we just have to protect it”, he said.

Our reporter also spoke with one the contestants from the Telade Ruling House, former Lagos State Government Official and Managing Director Procare Hotels and Suites, Prince Segun Osifeko. He came in company of other Princes who also contested for the throne from the Telade Ruling House. They include Prince Wale Ogegbo, Prince Gbolahan Ashalejo, Prince Kazeem Ahmed Olawale and Prince Ismail Wasiu.

Speaking on their behalf, Prince Osifeko expressed great joy at the emergence of his brother, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo as the new Alara of Ilara. He also hinted at the unpresented development that will be experienced in Ilara town based on the level of experience, education, connection and exposure of the new King.

In his words, “I am here to felicitate with my very good brother. We came from the same Telade Ruling House and it is a great privilege to be among those selected to fill the vacant stool. I believe strongly in his ability to deliver compared to what was obtainable in the past in Ilara town. Our expectations are high and we know that the leadership of Oba Folarin will expose this community to a lot of progress and development in all ramifications”.

“We are one family and we agreed that whoever emerges would get our support. We have not lost because the palace belongs to all of us. We are all Princes and the crown is for the Telade Ruling House.

I would have agreed that we lost out if the crown had eluded Telade. Whether we like it or not, the crown has been contested and won by somebody from the Telade Ruling House. So we are very very happy, it is victory for all of us.Victory victory all the way” he said.

As the homage proceeded with photographic sessions with the newly crowned Alara, our reporter caught up with Engineer Dele Onabokun, a former Lagos State COmmissioner for Works and Housing and Lagos APC stalwart. He took time to express delight at being part of history and noted his expectations from the new Alara and also left a message for the people of Ilara.

“I feel on top of the world today because this is the first time i’m witnessing the coronation of an Alara King, the last one was done in 1960, then, i was in the primary school. You can imagine how i feel now.
As regard my expectations, we put everything in the hands nof almighty God. With him all things are possible. Ilara and Epe Division at large will witness tremendous and rapid development during his time by God’s grace”.

“The reason why I am saying this is not far fetched, looking at his background, he is highly educated, and we are in the computer age. So, you can imagine what will happen. Everybody will rally round him to support him and God being our strongest supporter. It is not the sky, it is the moon that is the limit”, he said.

He however admonished the people of Ilara and Epe at large to cooperate with Oba Folarin. He harped on the virtues of cooperation which is capable of taking Ilara to the moon. On his part as an elder statesman, he pledged to establish a synergetic relationship with Oba Folarin so as to move Ilara and Epe Division forward , he hinted that everything should be left unto God and that he doesn’t want to let the cat out of the bag.

Oba Folarin led by Traditional society members, later left the palace to further solidify his ascension by visiting other culturally notable places.