By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The spirit of unity and shared commitment to community growth took center stage on Thursday, November 20, 2025, as the Ojo Local Government Chieftaincy Committee hosted a grand Royal Reception for the three elected Chairmen of the local government and local council development areas that made up Ojo Federal Constituency.
The historic event, held at Fams Embassy Suites in Ibereko, Lagos State, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, and community heads to strategize for the constituency’s future development.
HRM (OBA) Dr. Sulaimon Adeshina Raji Ashade I, Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom and Chairman of the Ojo Local Government Chieftaincy Committee, welcomed the Chairmen and emphasized the significance of the convergence.
“Our convergence here reaffirms our unwavering commitment and dedication to the growth and well-being of our communities and kingdom,” Oba Ashade stated in his address.
He implored the newly elected Chairmen: Hon. Yisa Abiola Jubril Abila, Iba LCDA; Hon. Kareem Abiodun Azeez, Oto Awori LCDA; and Hon. (Princess) Muhibat Titilola Rufai, Ojo Local Government; to champion beneficial programs that will positively impact every resident.
Oba Ashade pledged the Chieftaincy Committees support and urged the council leaders to be closer to the Royal Fathers and Communities Heads, describing them as the closest to the grassroots for continuous engagement and suggestions.
The traditional rulers appealed to the Chairmen to prioritize Infrastructure Development, Economic Advancement, Security of life and properties, and Social Welfare to propel overall growth and ensure future electoral success.
The Vice Chairman of the Ojo Local Government Chieftaincy Committee and Chairman of the Planning Committee, HRM (OBA) Elder Dr. Josiah Olarenwaju Ilemobade Aina, Ikuyamiku I, Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom, also welcomed the guests, underscoring the importance of cultural heritage and focusing on economic and social welfare.
The event, described as a “first of its kind” by participants, was acknowledged for its unifying effect.
Hon. Olusegun Adebisi Ege, Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ojo Constituency I, noted that the reception had gone viral on social media. “All we need to achieve is for our traditional rulers to come together and agree on a common goal; the people in government will also learn from their examples,” he said.
Hon. Sule Tolani Akibu, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Institution, declared the day a “thanksgiving day” for the constituency, recognizing unprecedented political advancements.
“In the political history, we haven’t had it so good like this in Ojo Federal Constituency,” Commissioner Akibu stated. He highlighted that the Senator representing Lagos West, the largest senatorial district in Nigeria, hails from Ojo Federal Constituency. Furthermore, he noted, for the first time, the area boasts two full-fledged commissioners and its three council chairmen are all from the community.
However, the Commissioner also addressed the challenge posed by the high population of people from other tribes, primarily due to the presence of two major markets—Alaba International Market and the Trade Fair International Market—which, while beneficial, pose a “threat to our domination, our existence in our Area.”
The formal speeches were interspersed with a vibrant cultural display by a group of traditional drummers called ‘Alagasha,’ who, dressed in uniform Ankara, stormed the occasion with singing and passionate dancing, overwhelming the traditional rulers with their performance.
The reception was a well-attended affair, graced by a long list of distinguished traditional rulers, Baales, and Chiefs. Notable Royal Fathers in attendance included: HRM Oba Abideen Adekanbi Durosinmi, Osolu of Irewe Kingdom; HRM Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa (MFR, FNMC, JP), Onijanikin of Ijanikin kingdom; HRM Oba Galib Adeniyi Rufai, Olojo of Ojo kingdom; HRM Oba Nofiu Dauda Oduowoiya, Elete of Ete kingdom; HRM Nojeemdeen Abidemi Aberejo Ogunjobi, Alakesan of Akesan kingdom, who is also the Secretary General of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs; HRM Abraham Olatunji Ogabi JP, Oyikilu I, Ajagun of Imeke Kingdom; HRM DR Oyekan Adekanmi Ajose, Alapa of Apa Kingdom; and HRM AbdulAzeez Oluwatoyin Akinade, Oloja Ekun of Igbesa land.
Other dignitaries included: Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development; Hon. Tijani Surajudeen Olatunji Emir, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ojo Constituency II; Hon. Babatunde Adande Hunpe, Chairman Badagry Local Government.
The successful event, anchored by Comr. Raji Idris Olawale, Chieftaincy Officer, Iba LCDA, concluded with a collective reaffirmation of unity, peace, and the shared commitment to building a brighter future for the beloved Local Government.
