Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye with Austin (Trainee)
13 long years after the transition of His Royal Majesty, Oba Fatai Adeboye Oresanya, Ladega II, and the internecine succession struggles which followed with multiple court cases, the former two -term chairman, Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), His Royal Majesty, Oba (Hon.) Saheed Hassan Adefarasin, Ajanaku II, has emerged as the new Alajede of Ijede.
Oba Adefarasin was presented with a staff of office and certificate of recognition by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert.
The instruments of office were presented at the Ijede LCDA secretariat at a ceremony which was well -attended by government functionaries, royal fathers, political chieftains and residents of Ijede and others, on Friday.
Incidentally, the late Oba Oresanya, joined his ancestors during the administration of Oba Adefarasin as the Executive Chairman, Ijede LCDA, when the process of the selection of a new Oba also started.
Presenting the instrument of office to the new Alajede, Honourable Commissioner Robert, said that the ceremony is an indication of the importance of tradition to the Ijede people and he therefore congratulated the new Oba.
“Today, it gives me great pleasure to join all the indigenous people and well-wishers of Ijede Kingdom on this revered occasion as the people of Ijede receive their new Oba.
“Today’s ceremony once again affirms that we honour and value our shared traditions as we gather to present the staff of office, an instrument of appointment, to Prince Saheed Hassan Adefarasin, who now ascends the throne as his royal majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Adefarasin, Saheed Hassan the Alajede of Ijede Kingdom.
“Let me first congratulate you, Kabiyesi, on this historic occasion and for the wide acceptance you have received from the deities and from the people.”
Commissioner Robert acknowledged the popularity and acceptance of the new monarch and thanked ruling houses and stakeholders for ensuring that the process is completed successfully.
“This acceptance is a clear testament that your emergence in the revived story of your forefathers has been divinely endorsed and warmly embraced by the kingdom. I must also sincerely appreciate every ruling house, royal fathers, kingmakers, and stakeholders whose commitment to our noble and orderly process has culminated in the successful installation we are witnessing today.
“This sense of unity has preserved the sanctity of the throne and the peace of the kingdom since the demise of the late Oba Fatai Adeboye Oresanya, who joined his ancestors 14 years ago.”
The Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters, charged Oba Adefarasin to use the royal stool to unite the community and ensure peace and development in Ijede LCDA.
“Kabiyesi, as you receive the staff of office and the instrument of appointment as the Alajede of Ijede, I urge you to fully embrace the sacred responsibility that comes with this revered legacy. Beyond the crown and the regalia lies the higher calling of leadership, one that demands wisdom, humility, and magnanimity.
“I particularly encourage you to be a bridge builder, fostering peaceful coexistence and inclusive leadership within your community, while also attracting meaningful development that will benefit the Ijede Kingdom as a whole.
“Considering the pedigree of your stool and what it symbolises, not only to Ijede but also within Lagos State at large, I wish to make a heartfelt appeal. I urge you, Kabiyesi, to consciously and deliberately extend a hand of reconciliation to all princes and warrior parties, including those who contested the throne with you and others who aspired to do so. Contest for a throne, though often intense, must never outlive the coronation,” he advised.
The Executive Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, who was represented by her Vice, Hon. Femi Kabir, described the development as historic and the acknowledgement of the divine role of the traditional ruler.
While congratulating Oba Adefarasin, she added that the emergence of Oba Adefarasin is a well – deserved one.
“Today is not just a ceremony; it is a historic affirmation of the culture, tradition, and identity of the good people of Ijede. The presentation of the Staff of Office symbolises the recognition of Your Royal Majesty’s divine mandate, the authority of the throne, and the trust reposed in you by both your people and the government.
“On behalf of the good people of Ijede LCDA I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Royal Majesty on your well-deserved ascension to the throne.”
The Ijede council boss, while stating that the reign of the new Alajede will usher in peace, unity and development in Ijede, also emphasised the need for the preservation of the traditional values and inclusiveness in his administration:
“Your Royal Majesty, your ascension marks the beginning of a new chapter —one filled with hope, unity, peace, and sustainable development for our land. We are confident that your reign will be guided by wisdom, humility, justice, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Ijede Community.
“We believe that under your leadership, our cherished traditions will be preserved while embracing development, harmony, and inclusive governance.”
She assured Oba Adefarasin of her administration’s support in cooperation with the palace in promoting unity and development in Ijede.
“As a local government, we reaffirm our unwavering support and readiness to partner with the traditional institution in promoting peace, grassroots development, youth empowerment, security, and social cohesion.
“The traditional institution remains a critical pillar in governance, and we recognise its invaluable role in bringing government closer to the people.”
Hon. Gbadebo – Alogba appreciated the Lagos State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and the entire people of Ijede for the support and cooperation.
“Distinguished guests, this occasion marks the end of a long and historic journey. For thirteen years, the people of Ijede waited patiently. Today, history is made as we finally present the Staff of Office to our Oba after thirteen years of perseverance, resilience, and hope,” Ijede Chairman declared.
While accepting the instrument of office to reign as a First Class Oba, HRM Oba (Hon.) Saheed Hassan Adefarasin, Ajanaku II, the Alajede of Ijede, thanked the government of Lagos State and the entire people of Ijede for their support.
He assured that his reign will be peaceful, and will unite the people and be inclusive.
“Your Excellency, I stand before you today with a heart filled with profound gratitude and deep humility as I receive the Staff of Office —the sacred symbol of authority, responsibility, and service — on behalf of the great people of Ìjẹdẹ Kingdom.
“On behalf of the royal families, kingmakers, chiefs, elders, youths, women, and the entire people of Ijẹdẹ Kingdom, I sincerely thank Your Excellency for your unwavering commitment to justice, due process, peace, and respect for our cherished traditions. Your approval and formal recognition of my ascension to the throne affirm your belief in the sanctity of our culture and the stability of our communities.
“I accept this Staff of Office with a solemn promise to reign with wisdom, fairness, humility, and the fear of God. My reign shall be of peace, unity, inclusiveness, and development. I shall be a father to all, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, age, or social status.”
While pledging the continued support of Ijede people to the administration of Governor Sanwo -Olu, Oba Adefarasin urged the people of Ijede to sheath their swords and embrace peace and harmony in the interest of all.
“To my beloved people of Ìjẹdẹ Kingdom, this throne belongs to all of us. Let us bury all divisions, embrace peace and walk together in unity. As our elders say “Ajọṣe ni í jẹ́ kí ìlú dára” – Unity is the strength of a community. May my reign bring progress, security, and prosperity to our land. May our youths be empowered, our women uplifted, our elders honoured and our children prepared for a greater future.”
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi, in an interview after the presentation of the instrument of office to Oba Adefarasin, expressed his happiness at the increase in number of traditional rulers from Ikorodu Division.
“I am glad because Ikorodu Division has been short-changed in Obaship, and today, we have added another one feather.
“We want to thank the governor for doing this. We want to appreciate him, and again thank him that the struggles have finally come to rest in Ijede with this new Oba,” the royal father said.
Ayangbure Shotobi also urged Ijede people to cooperate and rally round the new Alajede to bring unity, peace and development to the Kingdom.
At the ceremony were HRM, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, HRM Oba Bashir Sotonwa, the Sekumade of Ipakodo, HRM Oba Ahmed Moroof Olakunle Ogunnaike Ogunderu, Alagura of Agura, Oba Adesegun Bolaji Alowonle, Elemuren of Emuren Kingdom, HRM Oba David Raji, the Eweye of Isiu, HRM Oba (Dr.) AbdulHakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom represented by his chiefs, High Chief Musediq Alliu, the Olisa of Ijede and members of the Alajede -in – Council and the Olubeshe -in -Council.
Also, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, Asiwaju of Ibeshe, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun, representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Prince Lanre Balogun, former Commissioner for Rural Development, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Matters, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, former Head of Service, Hon. Fathiu Salisu, former Chairman, Ijede LCDA and Otunba Lanre Kuye, Director, Public Relations & Information LASUSTECH, Alhaji Badru Enifeni, APC chieftain, Hon. Jumoke Ademehin, former Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA and Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun among many others were present.
