The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented staff of office to the 15th Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Gbolahan Lawal and charged him to sustain the peace and harmonious relationship that had existed in the land.
At exactly 1:05pm on Sunday, Prince Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal received the traditional staff and officially ascended the throne of Iru Kingdom as the 15th Oniru.
At a simple but colourful ceremony held at the Oniru Palace on Victoria Island, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, installed the new traditional ruler, saying the event heralded a new dawn and era of prosperity in the kingdom.
The Oniru installation came two days after the State’s Executive Council approved the selection of Lawal, the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture, who was nominated for the traditional stool by the Abisogun clan of the larger Oniru dynasty.
The tussle for the Iru traditional stool was fierce and had two other contestants, who include the son of the immediate past Oniru, Prince Segun Oniru from Akiogun ruling house, and Prince Hakeem Ajasa, also from Abisogun ruling house.
Presenting the monarch to the Governor for formal installation, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, notes that the process of selecting the new Oniru was fair and open to all contestants. He said the choice of Lawal was well received by kingmakers and citizens of the kingdom.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu, who described the monarch as a seasoned technocrat and distinguished administrator of international repute, said Lawal’s ascension on the throne marked the next phase of Irú journey to the future.
The Governor admonished citizens and residents of the kingdom rally behind the new king in order to move the city forward. He urged Lawal’s opponents and aggrieved individuals to put the event of Oniru’s selection behind them and join hand with the new king for progress.
“Our traditional rulers are playing very strategic roles in contemporary society, not only as symbols and custodians of our traditions and cultures, but also as rallying points for all of society; agents of stability and development”, he added.
“Your Royal Highness, I pledge the full support of the State Government towards the realization of your vision for Iru Kingdom. It is heartwarming to see how the Kingdom has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades, rising to become one of the economic nerve-centers of Lagos State.
“Our administration will continue to accord this part of the State, like all others, the attention you deserve, in terms of infrastructure, economic empowerment, human capital development, and security.
“There is no doubt that the future of Iru Kingdom continues to be bright and promising, and that the ascension today of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, marks the start of the next phase of the journey into that future”, the governor said.
