Goodwill messages pour in on coronation of Oba Gbolahan Lawal as Oniru

BY IDRIS OLOYEDE

Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, was officially crowned as the 15th Oniru of Iru Kingdom, after taking the throne following the passing of Oba Idowu Oniru in September 2019. The newly constituted monarch had a double celebration as he also turned 50 about the time of his installation, and his ascension has been met with delightful optimism for the advancement of Iru kingdom.

Evidently touching the hearts of many, a tidal wave of support for the new monarch flooded many platforms, with much of the kingdom and state seemingly re-energised to pull together and build a powerful kingdom. Oba Lawal’s ascension has been hailed enthusiastically with many referring to him as the “Oba Iru Kingdom can be proud of.”

Born to the late Chief T.A. Lawal-Akapo, the Ojora of Lagos (1977-1993) and Oloro M.A. Lawal-Akapo of the Ojora, Aromire, Shogun, and Abisogun branch of the Oniru royal families, Oba Lawal, has also been described as the right monarch for these modern times.

Former Society Editor at ThisDay and Owner of Old English superstores, Mr Lanre Alfred, expressed his delight over the choice of Oniru as he said, “Iru is a great kingdom in a great state; we should have confidence in it. Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal can inspire the confidence required to position his kingdom to lead and foster economic opportunities for his people and the entire state of Lagos. As someone with vast experience as a journalist, I am led by the facts of his history both professionally and personally, to say that Iru kingdom has made a choice of Oba that they can be proud of.”

The new Oniru, Oba Lawal, has lived a considerably quiet life while holding significant positions within the state all the while. His pedigree for putting forth remarkable service while in office and maintain considerable humility and discipline, are some of his most highlighted and reputed attributes. “He is certainly going to be a great Oba, one of the best Iru kingdom has ever seen,” adds Mr Lanre Alfred.

Resigning his latest position as Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos state just before his coronation, Oba Lawal had served the state in various capacities for a period spanning almost two decades. The impact of his leadership and service over the years is part of what inspires the outpouring of praises he has continued to receive since his ascension.

“Oba Abdul-Wasiu Lawal has dedicated a major part of his life to public service, excelling in various roles and ministries over three administrations of state government. There is much promise that comes with his assumption of the throne as Oba of Oniru. There is no doubt the kingdom will see much progress and significant development during his reign,” said an optimistic Dr Tunji Olowolafe, Lagos-based physician, industrialist and businessman.

The Iru Kingdom is significant in Lagos state as it encompasses a key commercial part of the state, Victoria Island and Oniru, hence, the heightened expectation placed on the shoulders on the Oniru of Iru kingdom to support and enable the advancement of economic growth facilitated by the situation of business activities within the kingdom. Regardless, there is impressive confidence that Oba Lawal’s reign will not disappoint.

“Oba Gbolahan Lawal during his years in public office achieved what not many public servants have achieved. Having served in three consecutive administrations of the state, his journey is one of consistency and diligence, attributes that inspire faith in his leadership and reign as Oniru of Iru kingdom. I am indeed glad for the people of Iru kingdom as they have made what is surely an impressive choice of Oba, “said Mr Tokunbo Wahab, a lawyer and special adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education.
If his antecedents and pedigree as a public officer – first with the police force up to his consecutive roles as Commissioner over three administrations in Lagos state – is anything to go by, all the profound optimism expressed are rightly placed and well deserved. In the short period since his ascension, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal has moved to consolidate the authority of his throne and unite the distinguished royal houses in the kingdom.

He is proving his choice as Oba to be an exceptionally good one. He continues to reiterate and show that peaceful coexistence between all and sundry within the kingdom is his number one priority, as well as redeveloping and rebranding the kingdom for the benefit of the indigenes, residents, and businesses within the kingdom.