The
story of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali,
Emugoriade I, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, did not begin in a palace.
It began in Okobaba in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where he was born on October 28,
1968, to the family of late Paa Idowu Kasali and late Alhaja Sidiqat Kasali
(née Odusanya).
Like
many children growing up in Lagos at the time, his days revolved around school,
family and the pursuit of education. Becoming a traditional ruler was not part
of the picture.
Nearly
six decades later, the same man now occupies one of the oldest traditional
stools in Ikorodu Division, and as Igbogbo Kingdom celebrates the 10th
anniversary of his ascension, the occasion has become more than a royal
milestone. It is also a moment to reflect on the path that brought a lawyer and
public servant to the throne, the changes witnessed in the community over the
past decade and the direction he hopes the kingdom will take in the years
ahead.
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The
week-long anniversary celebration that held between July 19 and July 26, 2026,
has been designed to reflect those priorities. The anniversary is not only
limited to ceremonies and festivities, the palace lined up activities centred
on education, healthcare, community service, youth engagement, culture and
religion.
The celebration itself, however, did not begin in July.
On
April 7, the palace organised a free Computer-Based Test (CBT) training for
500 Senior Secondary School students drawn from six public schools across
Igbogbo. The programme, held at HOMAT CBT Centre, formed the first major
activity marking the anniversary.
Students
from Zumratul Islamiyah Grammar School, Community Secondary School, Bayeku,
Lagos State Model College, Agunfoye, Reri Secondary School, Oreta, Oreyo
Grammar School and Civil Service Model College received practical CBT training,
examination strategies and career guidance aimed at improving their
preparedness for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Addressing
the students, Oba Kasali urged them to make full use of the opportunity before
them.
He
reminded them that examinations had become increasingly technology-driven and
that mistakes during computer-based examinations could have lasting
consequences.
“I
want to appeal to every one of you that you have this rare opportunity that is
put in place to make sure you excel. Make sure you make use of it,” he told the
students.
The
programme featured education administrators, political office holders and
community leaders.
Among
them was the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mr
Omotayo Sanni, who said the initiative aligned with Lagos State’s emphasis on
youth development through education.
The
Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan
Hamed Aroyewun, also encouraged the students not to fear failure but to remain
determined.
Following
the CBT training, the palace unveiled the official commemorative Aso-Ebi for
the anniversary in April before formally presenting the week-long programme
during a press briefing held at the Adeboruwa Palace on June 27.
Representing
the monarch at the briefing, Oloye Jelili Oduntan, the Balogun of Igbogbo,
offered the opening prayer before community leaders outlined the significance
of the celebration.
In his
opening remarks, Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo, took guests
through the journey that eventually brought Oba Kasali to the throne.
Long
before becoming the Adeboruwa in 2016, he recalled, the monarch had already
rendered important service to the community.
According
to him, Oba Kasali successfully handled a legal matter on behalf of Igbogbo in
2005, years before anyone imagined he would one day become the community’s
traditional ruler.
Looking
back, Chief Onasanya described that episode as one of the moments that
demonstrated the future monarch’s commitment to Igbogbo long before he occupied
the throne.
The
briefing also brought together prominent sons and daughters of the community,
including the Vice Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Ade Ayeni, who
represented the council chairman, Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun; Chairman
of the 10th Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee and former Lagos State
Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Olushola Ogunlewe; Vice Chairman of the
committee, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola; Mr Babatunde Afuwape; and the Permanent
Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Prince Waheed Kasali,
among others.
Addressing
journalists, Prince Ogunlewe described the anniversary as an opportunity to
celebrate not only the monarch but also the history of the Adeboruwa stool.
Tracing
the lineage of the throne, he noted that the institution predates the 20th
century and has been occupied by successive traditional rulers, including Oba
Kashimawo, Oba Oso Ojuba, Oba Banjoko, Oba Bamosu, Oba Molaja Ogunlewe, Oba
Omodeinwajaye Odugbose, Oba Fatola Johnson and now Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun
Kasali, the eighth Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom.
According
to him, each reign has contributed to preserving the customs, identity and
heritage of the ancient community, while the current monarch’s decade on the
throne has coincided with renewed attention to infrastructure, education and
community development. He pointed to the completion of a new royal palace as
one of the visible landmarks of the reign.
He
also highlighted the establishment of a Nigeria Immigration Service office in
Igbogbo, a development that has brought passport and immigration services
closer to residents while expanding the presence of federal institutions within
the community.
The
committee chairman further listed improvements in healthcare, including the
upgrade of the Primary Health Centre at Igbe-Laara and the establishment of
another Primary Health Centre supported through the Sustainable
Development Goals initiative.
He
also acknowledged the road projects undertaken through state and federal
government interventions, describing them as part of the improvements recorded
within the kingdom during the past decade.
While
the anniversary committee highlighted the projects completed during the past
decade, Oba Kasali himself is reluctant to claim personal credit for the
changes recorded in Igbogbo.
Throughout
his conversation with The media, he repeatedly returned to one point: that
whatever progress the community has witnessed has come through collaboration
among government, traditional institutions and residents.
“With
all sense of humility, I want to give all the glory to God Almighty,” he said.
“I cannot lay claim to everything that is happening in Igbogbo. It is a
manifestation of God-answered prayers at this particular period in the history
of the town.”
He
said the relationship between the palace and different groups within the
community has made it easier to pursue common goals.
Among
those he acknowledged were members of the Adeboruwa-in-Council, the Igbogbo
Development Association (IDEA), political leaders, youth groups and residents
who have continued to work together on issues affecting the community.
According
to him, that cooperation has contributed to improvements in education,
healthcare and road infrastructure across Igbogbo.
He also acknowledged the support of elected representatives whose interventions
have brought projects to the community.
Among
them are Senator Tokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District;
Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the
House of Representatives; and Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, representing Ikorodu
Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
He
also recognised the contributions of former Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local
Council Development Area, Bldr. Olusesan Mayokun Daini, and the current
Chairman, Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun, for projects carried out during
their administrations.
During
the briefing announcing the anniversary activities, Prince Adesegun Olushola
Ogunlewe, similarly acknowledged the roles played by the elected
representatives and council chairmen in bringing infrastructure and social
amenities to the community.
He
also recognised the support of political leaders, including Chief Olorunfunmi
Basorun and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, as well as the Igbogbo Development
Association, religious organisations and community groups that have continued
to work with the palace.
According
to Oba Kasali, one of the most visible achievements of the last decade is the
completion of a new royal palace.
Sitting
at the heart of Igbogbo, the palace has become one of the landmarks of the
community.
He
said the project was initiated during the administration of former LCDA
Chairman, Bldr. Olusesan Mayokun Daini, while the present administration under
Hon. Omo’ba Olalekan Hamed Aroyewun has continued work on improving facilities
around the palace and supporting community development.
Road
construction has equally changed parts of the community. When asked what
concerned him most after ascending the throne in 2016, Oba Kasali did not
hesitate.
“The
major concern then was the road,” he said.
He
expressed appreciation to government at different levels for responding to that
need through road projects that have improved access within the community.
Although
physical infrastructure forms part of the story of the last ten years, the
monarch said development should not be measured by roads and buildings alone.
He
believes investment in people is equally important. That thinking informed the
decision to make education one of the first activities marking the anniversary.
According
Oba Kasali, the CBT programme is only one part of a broader plan.
He disclosed that the palace is establishing a foundation that will continue
supporting education while extending assistance to market women, artisans and
persons living with disabilities.
He
explained that the foundation is intended to complement efforts already being
made by government, private organisations and individuals.
“As
part of the commemorative activities for this 10th anniversary, we are planning
something as a give-back,” he said.
As Oba
Kasali reflected on the past 10 years, one theme ran through much of the
conversation. Whenever the discussion turned to development, he was quick to
mention the people and institutions he believes have helped move Igbogbo
forward.
Among
those he singled out was Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN), the Odofin of Ikorodu,
whose contributions, he said, extend beyond Igbogbo to the wider Ikorodu
Division.
Speaking
on security, healthcare and education, the monarch described Chief Ogunsanya as
someone whose interventions have made a difference across communities in the
division.
“At
this point, I must mention the effort of an individual who has taken it upon
himself to see the development of the entire division,” Oba Kasali said. “His
effort is second to none in terms of security, education and healthcare.”
He
also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers within Ikorodu
Division, saying the relationship among the royal fathers has strengthened
efforts to address issues affecting their communities.
Among
those he mentioned were His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi,
the Ayangburen of Ikorodu; His Royal Majesty, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade
Bakare-Agoro, Olufoworesete I, the Ranodu of Imota; His Royal Majesty, Oba
(Dr.) Adeoriyomi Oluwasesan Abdul-Akeem Oyebo (Ademoyebo III), the Obateru of
Egbin Kingdom; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Bashir Aremu Sotonwa, the Sekumade of
Ipakodo, among other monarchs within the division.
He
said interaction among traditional rulers has provided opportunities to
exchange ideas and jointly address matters affecting their respective
communities.
Beyond
the division, he recalled paying courtesy visits to senior monarchs shortly
after ascending the throne.
One of
the visits that remains memorable to him was his meeting with the late Awujale
of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.
According
to him, the Awujale shared words of advice that have remained with him
throughout his reign.
He
also spoke of his interactions with the late Alaafin of Oyo and other
experienced traditional rulers in Lagos State, describing those encounters as
opportunities to learn from monarchs who had spent decades on their respective
thrones.
For
Oba Kasali, leadership is not something that ends with occupying a royal stool.
He said every opportunity to meet older monarchs became another lesson in how
to manage people, preserve tradition and uphold the dignity of the institution.
Those
lessons, he said, reinforced his belief that traditional rulers must earn the
respect accorded to their offices.
He
argued that the conduct of monarchs plays an important role in determining how
traditional institutions are perceived.
“I
always recommend two things: contentment and comportment,” he said. “I believe
that if you comport yourself as a royal father, you will get due regard for
that position. When you are contented with whatever you have, you will not get
yourself involved in something that will tarnish the image of that stool.”
That
philosophy, he said, has guided his approach throughout the past decade.
Alongside
the efforts of government and elected representatives, the monarch said
community development has also depended on cooperation between the palace,
community associations and residents.
The
monarch also pointed to the construction of the Igbogbo Stadium by the Lagos
State Government, describing it as another project that has added to the
community’s infrastructure and created opportunities for sports and youth
activities.
For
the monarch, however, these projects represent only part of the work that
remains.
Looking
ahead, he said he hopes to see greater development in Igbogbo’s coastal
communities, including improvements in waterways that can support
transportation and economic activities.
He
believes those communities hold significant potential for the future growth of
the kingdom, provided investment continues in infrastructure and public
services.
Culled from The
Guardian
