Alara of Ilara coronation anniversary attracts glowing tributes from leaders and monarchs as Oba Ogunsanwo marks five impactful years on the throne
Alara of Ilara coronation anniversary has drawn glowing tributes from top government officials, senior monarchs and dignitaries across Nigeria as His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), marks five remarkable years on the throne of Ilara Kingdom.
The three-day anniversary festivities began on Friday August 15, 2025, in the Epe Division of Lagos State, with a vibrant street parade, Jumat service, football match, empowerment programmes and a free medical outreach for the people of Ilara.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State praised the monarch’s wisdom and devotion to his people, stating that Oba Ogunsanwo has championed peace, unity and development in the kingdom.
Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State described his reign as impactful, bringing “unprecedented development and prosperity.”
Former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode highlighted the Alara’s service to Lagos both as a public officer and as South-West Coordinator of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; and Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, also joined in extolling his virtues.
The Chairman of Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Dr Ayodele Subair, lauded the monarch as a beacon of legacy and prayed for greater accomplishments.
From the royal fraternity, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, celebrated Kabiyesi’s reign of peace, unity and prosperity, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, described the five years as marked by steadfast commitment.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, called the occasion a moment of joy reflecting the monarch’s selfless stewardship.
Other tributes came from Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Senator Gbenga Daniel; the Dein of Agbor, Dr Benjamin Ijechukwu; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; and ICAN President, Dr Haruna Yahaya.
Today, Saturday August 16, the Palace will host a grand event featuring the conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles on seven distinguished individuals and couples.
Among those to be honoured are Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa as Balogun of Ilara, Prof Kemi Pinhero as Baamofin, and Ambassador Oluwatoyin Lawal with Mrs Abiodun Lawal as Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa of Ilara Kingdom.
The coronation anniversary will close on Sunday with a thanksgiving mass at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ilara-Epe, followed by a royal banquet.
The celebrations affirm Oba Ogunsanwo as a king whose leadership continues to inspire unity, progress and pride in Ilara Kingdom.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
