By Judith Ukoh
Eko Hot Blog reports the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and Ilara kingdom in Epe, Lagos State, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral relations.
This development came after His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Epe, Lagos state, conferred the honourary chieftaincy title of Aare Atunloto of Ilara Kingdom on Mr. Wendell De Landro.
De Landro is the High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to Nigeria.
The conferment ceremony took place on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Royal Palace of the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Ilara-Epe, Lagos. It was studded with royal fathers, high priests, chiefs and consulate officials from the Trinidad & Tobago High Commission.
The arrival of guests, traditional rulers and the entrance of the king, Oba Ogunsanwo and the High commissioner, Honourable Wendell Vincent De Landro marked the beginning of the ceremony.
The opening prayer was offered in the Islamic way, after which came the welcome address delivered by the Odofin of Ilara Kingdom, High chief Keshinro Rotimi.
The Odofin explained that the title “Aare Atunluto” means president of developers. He said the title befits De Landro as the High Commissioner has been instrumental to the development of Ilara community and other projects springing up in Epe.
He noted that the title is in recognition and appreciation for the good works he has done in Epe, and an encouragement to do more.
Honorary consulate Designate, Mr Rotimi Von, gave a brief history about Trinidad & Tobago and also read the citation of High Commissioner De Landro.
The traditional rites of conferment were performed by the Oluawo of Ilara Kingdom leading up to the installation of the diplomat as the Aare Atunloto of Ilara Kingdom.
Thereafter, the Aare Atunluto thanked the king and the people of Ilara for believing in him, and conferring him with the title.
He assured them he won’t disappoint them, and that Nigerians would have access to Trinidad & Tobago’s Visa. He promised more developments and partnership with not just Ilara community, but also Epe at large.
On his part, the king, Oba Ogunsanwo thanked the chiefs and his subjects for supporting and giving their consent for the installation of De Landro as the Aare Atunluto.
The king urged them to embrace the development the installation would bring to the whole region of Epe.
The signing of the MoU concluded the conferment ceremony.
This is the first time a person would be given such an honourary title in Ilara kingdom.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that De Landro was recognised for his love of Ilara culture.
Since he arrived in Nigeria in 2018, the diplomat has often spoken about his admiration for the Nigerian culture.
The chieftaincy title conferment is also consistent with sustained efforts by Oba Ogunsanwo to boost investment opportunities in Ilara kingdom.
The signing of the MoU on bilateral relations is expected to further the monarch’s goals.
See more photos from the chieftaincy title conferment ceremony below:
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