7th June, 2020
Michael Adeshina
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu officially presented the Staff of Office and other instruments of appointment to Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal – making him the official 15th Oniru of Iruland.
Lawal is on the throne after 85 years the kingship left his Abisogun clan.
He received the staff of office barely three days after the Kingmakers and elders of Iru land selected him among the lists of prince vying for the throne.
The throne became vacant last year after the 14th Oniru, Oba Idowu Oniru, joined his ancestors.
However, at the ceremony held within the kingdom on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu charged Lawal to sustain the peace and harmonious relationship that had existed in the land.
The governor described the traditional institution as the first system of governance.
Sanwo-Olu stated that it would forever remain a strong link to Nigeria’s heritage at all times.
He said: “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”, Sanwo-Olu 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.
“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.”
See photos from the ceremony below:
