By Bisiriyu Rafiu Olalekan
The ancient Agboyi Kingdom, located in Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Lagos, witnessed a historic celebration as His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, Akinmasa I, the Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, marked his 5th Coronation Anniversary in an atmosphere of pomp, glamour, and cultural splendor.
The colorful ceremony, held at the Agboyi Town Hall, brought together eminent traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and well-wishers to celebrate the monarch’s five years of transformational leadership.
Installation of New Chiefs
As part of the anniversary, three distinguished personalities were formally installed with traditional titles:
- Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara (MHR) — Yeye Asoludero of Agboyi Kingdom
- Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Kende — Aare Tadese of Agboyi Kingdom
- Mr. Benson Davwe Agbro — Otunba Fiwagboye of Agboyi Kingdom
Oba Monsuru Oladega praised the new chiefs for their selfless contributions. He highlighted Hon. Kafilat Ogbara’s facilitation of the first secondary school, the first bridge, and access roads in Agboyi, while commending Mr. Kende and Mr. Agbro, senior members of the Red Cross, for their humanitarian interventions, particularly during flooding and disasters in the Kingdom.
Merit Awards
Five notable individuals were honored for their visible impact on the Kingdom’s development:
- Prince Ibrahim Ladega — Best Active Politician in Agboyi Kingdom
- Mr. Promise Chukwudi — Most Supportive Resident
- Three other outstanding awardees, recognized for philanthropy, leadership, and service to humanity.
The monarch stressed that all awards were strictly based on merit and verifiable contributions.
Voices from the Event
- Hon. Kafilat Adetola Ogbara (Yeye Asoludero): thanked the monarch and pledged to “do more,” highlighting her ongoing empowerment of women with ₦200,000 trading grants.
- Mr. Abubakar Ahmed Kende (Aare Tadese): vowed to sustain his contributions, describing the Olu as a king with “a good heart and vision.”
- Mr. Benson Davwe Agbro (Otunba Fiwagboye): thanked the monarch and described his installation as the beginning of greater service.
- Karsten Voigt, Otunba Soludero, Country Representative of the British Red Cross: hailed Oba Oladega as a blessing, noting that Agboyi has enjoyed rapid growth since his enthronement.
- Prince Ibrahim Ladega: recalled his projects in the community, including rebuilding a collapsed school, before congratulating the monarch.
- Mr. Promise Chukwudi: expressed gratitude for his recognition and vowed to continue supporting the community.
- Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, former Lagos Commissioner for Public Service: testified to the transformation of Agboyi, recalling that five years ago he could only access the Kingdom by canoe, but today he drove in by road.
- Prince Muiz Dosumu, Vice Chairman of Surulere Local Government, represented Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, who chaired the occasion and sent goodwill messages, assuring Agboyi people of his continued support.
Royal Fathers & Dignitaries Present
The event was graced by prominent royal fathers, dignitaries, and traditional institutions, including:
- HRM Oba Adekunle Saheed Bamigbade, Olofin of Isheri
- HRM Oba Barr. AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo
- Oba of Shangisha
- Oba of Oworo
- Opemoluwa of Lagos
- White Cap Chiefs of Lagos
Also present were:
- Hon. Adetola Abubakar, Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA
- Baales, chiefs, and other community leaders who came to pay homage to the Olu of Agboyi.
Cultural Splendor
The day was rich in culture, with traditional drummers, dance groups, and masquerades entertaining guests. The colorful display of Yoruba heritage added glamour to the royal celebration.
Conclusion
The 5th Coronation Anniversary of HRM Oba (Engr.) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, Akinmasa I, at the Agboyi Town Hall, was not only a celebration of his reign but also a showcase of unity, progress, and cultural pride.
With new chiefs installed, five merit awards presented, and notable royal fathers and dignitaries in attendance, the event firmly established Oba Oladega’s reign as one of growth, development, and honor for the entire Agboyi Kingdom.
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