On Thursday, July 18, 2024, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially presented the staff of office to Prince AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo, elevating him from the position of Baale to Oba of Elepe Kingdom in the Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The significant ceremony took place at the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Secretariat, drawing notable figures and a large crowd of residents and dignitaries.
Representing the Governor at the event was Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Mr. Robert presented the staff of office and the certificate of office to the new traditional leader, who is now officially recognized as His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo, Fidimolu of Elepe Kingdom (Olutemowo I).
The ceremony was marked by traditional pomp and ceremony, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ikorodu Division.
The royal event was graced by a plethora of traditional rulers from across the waterbed region.
Among those in attendance were HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom; HRM Oba Moruf Olalekan Ogunnaike, Alagura of Agura; HRM Oba Mudashiru Ajibade-Agoro, Ranodu of Imota; HRM Oba Olukayode David Raji, Eweye of Isiu; HRM Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe; and HRM Oba Akeem Adeorioyimi Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom.
The gathering of these esteemed traditional leaders demonstrated the importance of the event and the respect held for the new Oba.
With the elevation of Baale AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo to Oba, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA now proudly boasts three Obas.
Alongside His Royal Majesties Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, and Oba Richard Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo joins the ranks of the region’s traditional leaders, further strengthening the traditional leadership structure within the LCDA.
In his address, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert expressed his pleasure in being part of the celebration, emphasizing the significance of the installation.
He noted that the event marked a new phase of socio-economic growth, communal peace, and development in the Ewu-Elepe Kingdom of Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA.
Mr. Robert detailed the seamless selection process and the widespread acceptance of Oba AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo’s emergence as a reflection of the Kingdom’s unity and commitment to progress.
The Commissioner extended heartfelt thanks to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to true democracy and due process, which ensured fairness and equity in the selection of the new Oba.
He praised the Governor’s approval of the installation and his efforts to prevent undue bureaucracy from hindering the process.
Mr. Robert also commended the Ijaolu Ruling House for maintaining a united front and ensuring due diligence in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs Law, Cap 02, Laws of Lagos State Nigeria, 2015, leading to the seamless emergence of the new Oba.
Bldr. Olusesan Daini, the Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, congratulated the new Oba and expressed profound gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his support and dedication to the development of the region.
Bldr. Daini emphasized the importance of the ceremony in preserving the heritage of Elepe town and fostering unity among its people.
He expressed optimism that Oba AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo’s reign would usher in a new era of prosperity, peace, and progress for the Kingdom.
Subsequently expressing appreciation, HRM Oba AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner, and the council chairman for their pivotal roles in his installation.
He pledged to bring development to Ewu-Elepe Kingdom and assured that his reign would be marked by progressive initiatives and positive news for the region.
Oba Omotayo also promised to uphold the dignity of the throne, maintain communal peace, and foster social cohesion within his domain.
The new traditional ruler, Oba AbdulGaniyu Adeboyejo Omotayo, hails from the Olutemowo branch of the Ijaolu Ruling House of Igbogbo and is now known as Olutemowo I, Fidimolu of Elepe Kingdom.
With his installation, the total number of Obas in Ikorodu Division has risen to ten, reflecting the growing prominence and traditional richness of the region.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; former Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro, representing Ikorodu Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly; and Chief (Mrs.) Nosimot Adebimpe Akinsola.
Other notable attendees included Bldr. Adeola Adebisi Banjo, Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA; Prince Wasiu Kunle-Agoro, Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA; legislative members of the council; and various distinguished guests who came to witness and celebrate this historic occasion.
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