The Fadugba Ogunlewe Royal Family of Igbogbo marked a momentous occasion on June 28, 2024, celebrating the 76th anniversary of Prince Amos Olugbosi Ogunlewe and the 50th anniversary of HRH Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe in the Igbogbo Kingdom.
The remembrance event began with a significant foundation-laying ceremony for the Prince Amos Olugbosi and Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe Dormitories at the Lagos State Civil Service Model College in Igbogbo.
The initiative aims to honour the legacies of these eminent figures and provide better facilities for students.
The ceremony attracted notable dignitaries, including representatives from the Adeboruwa-In-Council. High Chief Ganiu Adeshola Odutan represented HRM, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.
Among the attendees were Dr. Akinola Ogunlewe, Head of the Family, Dr. Jaiye Ogunlewe, Senator Kingsley Adeseye Ogunlewe, Mr. Gbadebo Ogunlewe, Mr. Adesgun Ogunlewe, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, the Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Mrs. Bolanle Osho, Principal of Lagos State Senior Civil Service Model College, Mr. Olubajo K.O., Principal of Lagos State Junior Civil Service Model College, Alhaji F. O. Lasisi, and students of the institution.
The program commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Toyin M.D., a pastor from the United Methodist Africa Church in Igbogbo, setting a solemn and reflective tone for the day’s events.
The laying of the dormitory foundations was seen as a crucial step towards enhancing educational infrastructure and commemorating the family’s illustrious past.
The Fadugba Ogunlewe Royal Family’s celebration not only honored the memories of their forefathers but also demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the development of the Igbogbo community.
The dormitories, once completed, are expected to significantly improve the learning environment and accommodate more students, contributing to the educational advancement of the area.
The event also highlighted the enduring legacy of Prince Amos Olugbosi Ogunlewe and HRH Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe, whose contributions to the Igbogbo Kingdom remain influential.
The royal family, along with community leaders and educators, emphasized the importance of remembering and building upon the foundations laid by these venerable figures.
In his address, Senator Kingsley Ogunlewe welcomed the distinguished guests to the event. “I am glad to have you all here to witness this with us,” Senator Ogunlewe began, extending warm greetings to all attendees.
He highlighted the significance of the event and expressed his gratitude for the support and presence of the esteemed guests.
Senator Ogunlewe underscored the critical need for adequate accommodation for both students and teachers within school premises.
He emphasized that proper training and discipline are closely tied to the living conditions of educators and administrators.
“Without adequate quarters for teachers and principals, student discipline would suffer,” he noted, drawing attention to the direct impact of housing facilities on educational outcomes.
Moreover, Senator Ogunlewe elaborated on the Ogunlewe family’s commitment to education.
He explained that their involvement in the current project is not a mere formality but a continuation of a legacy deeply rooted in the family’s history.
“We are following in the footsteps of our forefathers, for whom education was paramount,” he stated, reflecting the family’s enduring dedication to advancing educational opportunities in the community.
Dr. Jaiyeola Ogunlewe expressed deep appreciation to Education District II, the principals and staff of Lagos State Civil Service Model College, and the Ogunlewe family for their instrumental roles in implementing a landmark project within the community.
The significant initiative serves to honour the legacies of two distinguished figures: Prince Amos Olugbosi and Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe, the 1st Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.
Dr. Jaiyeola articulated the purpose of the event, explaining that it was organized to celebrate and remember their forefathers and their exceptional contributions.
“We are here to honour our heroes and distinguished fathers, Prince Amos Olugbosi and Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe,” he stated, acknowledging the profound impact these individuals had on the community.
Detailing the project’s objectives, Dr. Jaiyeola revealed that the initiative aims to immortalize the achievements of these esteemed figures by erecting edifices in their names.
He emphasized the importance of preserving their legacy, ensuring that their contributions are remembered and appreciated by future generations.
“It is crucial that we inform others about their legacy, so they are rightfully remembered,” he stressed.
Dr. Jaiyeola also reflected on the significant contributions of Prince Amos Olugbosi Ogunlewe and Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe to education in Igbogbo.
Despite working outside Igbogbo, both men remained deeply committed to advancing educational opportunities within the community, leveraging their exposure to Western education.
Furthermore, Dr. Jaiyeola noted the establishment of several schools, including Lagos State Civil Service Model College, Zumurarul Islamiyyah, and Oriwu Model College, as a testament to Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe’s passion for education.
These institutions continue to benefit residents and natives of Igbogbo, reflecting the enduring impact of Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe’s educational vision.
Mrs. Anike Adekanye, Permanent Secretary of Education District II, expressed heartfelt gratitude to key figures and organizations for their support towards academics.
Among those she appreciated were His Excellency Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jamiu Ali Balogun, the Ogunlewe family, and the entire Igbogbo Kingdom.
She highlighted the collective efforts that have significantly contributed to the enhancement of educational facilities and opportunities within the community.
“We are immensely grateful for the support provided by the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jamiu Ali Balogun, the Ogunlewe Family, and the Igbogbo Kingdom,” she stated.
She emphasized the critical role that this support has played in advancing academic excellence and infrastructure in the region.
Adding to the highlights of the event, Architect Adewale Ogunlewe provided detailed insights into a newly constructed hostel facility.
He described the hostel as having a 100-bed capacity, featuring double bunks that accommodate 50 spaces.
Architect Ogunlewe proudly noted that the facility is set to become one of the finest in Ikorodu Division, signifying a major milestone in the region’s educational infrastructure.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the new facility, Architect Ogunlewe urged the school administration to ensure its proper upkeep.
“We implore the school to maintain it properly,” he remarked, indicating the need for sustained care to preserve the hostel’s quality and functionality for future students.
High Chief Ganiu Adeshola Odutan, representing His Royal Majesty Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali Adeboruwa, conveyed apologies for the King’s absence due to unforeseen circumstances.
He took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Ogunlewe family for their support towards community growth.
In his address, High Chief Odutan praised the Ogunlewe family’s consistent efforts in enhancing the community’s development. “We deeply appreciate the Ogunlewe family for their continuous support for community growth,” he stated, acknowledging their significant contributions.
He also encouraged other philanthropists and distinguished families in the community to emulate the Ogunlewe family’s example, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in fostering communal progress.
The remembrance event thoroughly reflects the Fadugba Ogunlewe Royal Family’s enduring legacy and their commitment to advancing the Igbogbo community.
The dormitory project not only honours the contributions of Prince Amos Olugbosi Ogunlewe and HRH Oba Festus Molaja Ogunlewe but also represents a significant investment in the future of education in Igbogbo.
INN-HOUSE☆ 