Glitz, Glamour As Sanwo-Olu Presents Staff Of Office To Lawal As 15th Oniru
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday presented staff of office to the new Oniru of Iru land, Oba Gbolahan Abdulwasiu Lawal with a charge on the monarch to ensure justice and fairness during his reign.
Sanwo-Olu, who described the coronation of the new king as historic, called on people of the kingdom to rally round the new monarch and join hands with him for the growth and progress of Iruland, and of Lagos State.
Speaking at the colourful coronation ceremony held at the palace of Oniru, Iru, Victoria Island, Governor Saneo-Olu expressed optimism that the kingdom would experience progress and peace, given the pedigree of the new king. He said the Iru kingdom and his environs will experience rapid development during the king’s reign.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Today is a historic day in the history of Iruland, as we gather to celebrate the installation of the 15th Oniru of Iruland. On behalf of myself, the government and people of Lagos State, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, the Oniru of Iruland on your ascension to the throne of your forefathers. Let me also rejoice with the sons and daughters of this kingdom on this auspicious occasion, which has been necessitated by the transition of the 14th Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, who joined his ancestors in September 2019, after a prosperous and glorious reign on the throne. It is my firm expectation that you will all rally round your new Oba and join hands with him for the growth and progress of Iruland, and of Lagos State. Given the pedigree of His Royal Majesty, I have no doubt that his reign will be a progressive one.”
According to the governor, traditional institutions predate all other systems of governance. He said that the traditional institution has continued to develop and will continue to be reckoned with, well into the future. “It will forever be our unshakable connection to our rich and proud heritage, and a guiding and comforting presence at all times.
‘’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,” the governor added.
Sanwo-Olu, however, pledged to support the new monarch towards realising his vision for the Kingdom, even as he commended the Kingmakers and elders of Iruland as well as the ruling houses for the peace and mutual understanding that characterized the process that led to the installation of the new monarch, within a period of less than one year after the demise of the previous Oniru.
Sanwo-Olu said: “I pledge the full support of the State Government towards the realization of your vision for Iru Kingdom. It is heart -warming to see how the Kingdom has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades, rising to become one of the economic nerve-centres 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.”
Also speaking, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, described the ascension of the new monarch as heavenly divine, saying that was why every process that led to the emergence of the king was very fast.
He urged the new Oba to ensure the kingdom experience rapid development under his reign, just as he pleaded with him to ensure unity, justice and fairness among the ruling houses.
Akiolu also charged Oba Lawal to ensure education of the people of Iru Kingdom doesn’t suffer under his reign, saying that he has a responsibility to strengthen the existing bonds of unity of the ruling houses for the overall development, peace and progress of this historic kingdom.
“Move the Oniru Family forward. Ensure the indigene and non-indigene enjoy. Be open to the people. You should leave the Oniru palace better than how you met it. Ensure you give sound education to people and rule with fear of God, there is nothing so special in the worldly things,” Oba Akiolu said.
Responding, the monarch, Oba Lawal said he would rule with justice and fairness as advised, adding that his mission was to first unite the Oniru Family for the progress of the kingdom and the success of his reign.
He said: “On behalf of all the sons and daughters of Iruland, I express profound gratitude to the kingmakers and the Government of Lagos State in ensuring that there was fairness, equity and justice in the process leading to my selection as Oniru of Iruland.
Oba Lawal said:” The conscious and deliberate adherence to the principle of fair play has ensured that my ascension to the throne of my forebears is without rancour or bitterness. Expectedly, several of my brother Princes had expressed their interest in the Royal Stool, and expectedly only one of us emerged as Oniru of Iruland. There is no victor and there is no vanquished. I hereby extend my hand of fellowship to distinguished brothers, Prince Adesegun Oniru and Prince Akeem Ajasa for giving their support to my selection as Oniru of Iruland.”
At the colourful event were traditional rulers, politicians, members of the state executive council, former deputy governors, Otunba Femi Pedro; Dr Oluranti Adebule; senior security personnel and other dignitaries.