Ijede Kingdom in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State witnessed a historic and colourful celebration on Sunday, May 24, 2026, as His Royal Majesty Oba Saheed Adefarasin was officially crowned as the Alajede of Ijede Kingdom, marking the end of a 14-year period without a substantive monarch following the demise of the previous Alajede.
The grand coronation ceremony drew an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, religious leaders, and sons and daughters of Ijede from across Nigeria and the diaspora, reflecting the significance of the occasion and the collective hopes attached to the new reign.
The atmosphere across the kingdom was one of celebration, cultural pride, and renewed expectation as residents gathered to witness what many described as the beginning of a new chapter of unity, peace, and development for the historic community.
Among dignitaries present at the event were former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; His Royal Majesty Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; His Royal Majesty Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali; His Royal Majesty Oba Bashir Shotonwa Sekumade; His Royal Majesty Oba Adeoriyomi Abdul‑Akeem Oyebo; His Royal Majesty Oba Ahmed Moruf Olalekan Ogunnaike; Executive Chairman of Iru Victoria Island LCDA, Aminat Oluwakemi Alabi; and Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Benson Ayodele Sunday, among several other distinguished guests.
Delivering her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, described the coronation as a defining moment in the history of Ijede Kingdom and a celebration of the community’s enduring cultural heritage.
She congratulated the new monarch on his ascension to the revered throne and expressed confidence that his reign would usher in greater peace, development, and social cohesion.
According to her, the emergence of Oba Adefarasin comes at a crucial period when the people seek purposeful leadership, preservation of cultural values, and stronger collaboration for sustainable development.
She further noted that the occasion represented more than the installation of a traditional ruler, describing it as a celebration of identity, heritage, and the collective aspirations of the people of Ijede.
The chairman also commended the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s support for traditional institutions and commitment to strengthening local governance across the state.
Special appreciation was equally extended to kingmakers, custodians of culture, community leaders, youth organisations, market associations, religious groups, and all indigenes of Ijede whose support contributed to the success of the historic event.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the local government administration to sustaining strong collaboration with traditional institutions to drive infrastructural growth, improved welfare, and community advancement.
In his goodwill message, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency II, Moshood Abiodun Aro, expressed profound gratitude to all dignitaries and groups that contributed to the successful hosting of the coronation ceremony.
He acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, traditional rulers across Ikorodu Division and Lagos State, as well as community organisations, youth groups, market men and women, religious bodies, and members of the APC family.
He particularly recognised the contributions of the Ajanaku Royal Family and described the coronation as a landmark event that would remain memorable in the history of Ijede Kingdom.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, conveyed the goodwill message of Governor Sanwo-Olu and the state government.
She congratulated Oba Adefarasin and urged the monarch to deploy his wisdom, education, and wealth of experience in strengthening the relationship between government and the people while promoting policies and programmes that would improve the welfare of residents.
She emphasised that traditional institutions remain vital partners in governance and expressed optimism that collaboration between the royal institution and government authorities would further promote development, peace, and stability in Ijede Kingdom and Lagos State.
The coronation climaxed with royal blessings, cultural displays, and renewed commitments from stakeholders to support the reign of Oba Saheed Adefarasin.
As the newly crowned monarch ascends the throne of his ancestors, expectations remain high that his reign will foster enduring peace, prosperity, and transformational development across Ijede Kingdom.
INN-HOUSE☆ 