28-Year Old Widow Locked Out Of Her Matrimonial Home By Father-In-Law Eight Days After Husband's Death

A 28-year-old widow identified as Tosin has become the centre of a viral case involving alleged threats, intimidation, and attempted dispossession by her late husband’s family, just eight days after his death.

The incident, shared on Tuesday by activist Harrison Gwamnishu on his X handle, has prompted a response from the Lagos State Government, which confirmed that the alleged perpetrator had been arrested.

In a video posted by the activist, a man identified as Tosin’s father-in-law is seen padlocking the gate of the property, apparently locking the widow out of the house.

 

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Sharing the footage, Gwamnishu wrote, “Standing with young widow TOSIN. This man here is Tosin’s father-in-law. See him padlocking the gate, locking Tosin outside.

“He has his own house. They are after properties and forgetting there are two children left behind. Tosin is now being threatened for going public.”

He added that while awaiting intervention from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, a petition would be submitted to the Lagos State Police Command.

“Our demand is simple: In-laws move to your house and allow Tosin to mourn her late husband,” he stated.

In an earlier post, Gwamnishu alleged that Tosin’s husband died on July 20, 2026, after which members of his family moved into the deceased’s residence at No. 8 Jumofak, Igbo Oluwo Estate, Koya Adeniran, Ikorodu.

According to him, the widow’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife allegedly ordered her to move all her personal belongings and those of her two young sons into a single room in the house.

He further claimed that some of the deceased’s belongings had already been shared among family members, while plans were underway to sell his car.

“This grieving widow is now living in fear for herself and her two children,” Gwamnishu said.

“She is appealing to the Lagos State Government, especially the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, to urgently intervene and protect her and her children from intimidation, unlawful dispossession and any further actions that may deprive her children of their late father’s inheritance.

“No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter and justice just days after losing her husband.”

Responding in a statement on Tuesday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said it became aware of the viral report and immediately contacted the widow.

According to the agency, the survivor alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault and intimidation following her husband’s death.

 “The Agency successfully established contact with the survivor, who alleged that she had been subjected to threats to her life, physical assault, and intimidation following the recent death of her husband.

“She further informed the Agency that the matter had already been reported to the Owutu Police Division.

“As part of its intervention, the Agency commenced engagement with the investigating police officers handling the case.

“Preliminary feedback from the Police confirms that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigations continue,” the statement read.

The agency said the Lagos State Government remained committed to ensuring the safety and protection of the widow and her children while working with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served in accordance with the law.

It also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of domestic and sexual violence through its official reporting channels.

  

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Don't Glorify Ignorance, Sanwo-Olu Admonishes Proponents Of Olodo Uprising Debate

The Lagos state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has admonished Nigerian youths not to glorify ignorance no matter their position on the olodo uprising debate.

Delivering the lecture of the 2026 Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony of Babcock University themed, Breaking New Grounds, Sanwo-Olu said that there is nothing wrong with building an audience but let what you offer that audience be built on substance.

“Decide today that you will always be hungry for opportunity, hungry for learning, hungry for new challenges.”

“Let me offer this piece of advice, which speaks directly to your generation. The internet has recently been abuzz with debate about a so-called “Olodo Uprising” — the worry that our society is beginning to celebrate virality over value, popularity over proficiency, and entertainment over expertise. Whatever your opinion of that debate, make up your mind today that you will never glorify ignorance or a lack of curiosity. There is nothing wrong with building an audience — but let what you offer that audience be built on substance. Decide today that you will always be hungry for opportunity, hungry for learning, hungry for new challenges.

“There are many paths ahead — find your own. Do not try to copy and paste another person’s life. Some of you will pursue the creative industries, like Davido and BNXN, who walked this Babcock path before you. Some will follow the startup life, like Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi, who met here at Babcock and went on to co-found Paystack, one of Nigeria’s most beloved technology success stories. Some of you will build careers in medicine, law, public health, accountancy, nursing, music, ministry and public service.

 

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“Never forget that your real value does not lie in your social media following — important as that may be. Start before you feel ready. Build a track record of finishing small things. Treat your first job or venture as a training ground, not a destination. Seek mentors deliberately. Guard your integrity as your only non-renewable asset. Dig your well before you are thirsty. Under-promise and over-deliver — not the other way round. And in all of it, remain purposeful and godly in service: let the fear of God, and the love of neighbor, be the compass by which you break new ground.”
Going personal, Sanwo-Olu recalled that almost forty years ago, he took stood in the same existential spot at the University of Lagos, where he completed an undergraduate degree in Surveying, in 1988.

“It was a very different world back then. If any of you were taken from the present and dropped into 1988, you would find it near impossible to recognize. No internet, no mobile phones, no email. The digital screens we knew were mostly television sets and simple calculators — everything else was analogue: print newspapers, wooden billboards, paper posters, analogue clocks and watches.

“Unlike you, we did not have the world at our fingertips. Access to information was limited to physical libraries. There were no virtual meetings or remote work opportunities. If you were fortunate, you had access to a fax machine; otherwise, you sent a letter that travelled slowly through the post and demanded extreme patience of you.

“But it was the world we knew and accepted, and we tried our very best to make the most of it. The same challenge now confronts you all — to accept the world as it is and to make the most of it. Do not waste your time wishing it were a different world. Embrace it, and then work to shape it into what you would like it to be.

“Like many of you, I harbored some anxiety about what lay beyond the walls of the University of Lagos. I wasn’t absolutely sure I wanted to build a career in surveying, even though I had spent years studying it. More than anything, I did not want to limit myself early on.

“Therein lies an important lesson. You do not need absolute clarity or certainty to take the next step. More important is 

faith

 — a concept you will all be familiar with, as products of a Christian university. The Bible tells us that faith is the evidence of things not seen. New ground is broken by institutions and people willing to act without full knowledge or certainty, knowing that what matters most is a capacity and willingness to press forward, put the past behind, learn fast, and adapt nimbly.

“In the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13–14: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Get used to trying and failing. Life rewards, most of all, the people who rise fastest after failing — not those who wallow in self-pity and a defeatist mindset.

“After graduating from university, I tried my hand at a string of businesses that failed. Sometimes the lesson is that you need to try again. Other times, the lesson is that this is not the line for you, and you need to try something else. The more you try and fail, the more you build the capacity to know exactly what lesson failure is teaching you, and how to use that lesson to propel yourself to the next level of your life.

“You may have heard the parable of the Chinese farmer. Once upon a time, there was a farmer in rural China whose horse ran away. It was his only horse, a prized possession, and now it was missing. Friends and fellow villagers flocked to his home to sympathize with him. “We are so sorry to hear this bad news,” they said. “It is so sad.”

  

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LAMATA Warns Commuters In Lagos To Desist From Paying Cash On Regulated Bus Services, Saying Offenders Will Be Prosecuted And Punished

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that, effective August 1, 2026, enforcement against cash fare collection on regulated bus services will be extended to commuters who pay cash for their journeys.

The agency stated that while bus drivers and ground staff found collecting cash have previously been arrested, prosecuted, and in some cases jailed, commuters who knowingly pay cash will now also face arrest and prosecution.

It stated that Cowry Card can be purchased at designated bus stops and the Blue & Red Line train stations.

LAMATA emphasised that cash collection within the regulated bus system constitutes an economic crime against the State, as it undermines the integrity of the fare collection system, deprives operators of legitimate revenue, and weakens the sustainability of public transport services.

 

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The agency explained that all regulated bus operating companies under its supervision have consistently raised concerns over the adverse effects of cash collection on their operations.

“Revenue losses have made it increasingly difficult for operators to procure spare parts, maintain buses, restore unserviceable vehicles to operation, and meet critical obligations, including the payment of staff salaries,” it said.

The agency reiterated its commitment to improving public transport services across Lagos by ensuring that more buses are returned to service and that commuters enjoy safe, reliable, and efficient transportation.

It, however, stated that such an objective can only be achieved when fare revenues are fully protected, enabling operators to recover operating costs and maintain serviceable fleets.

LAMATA therefore urged all commuters to comply with the cashless fare payment policy by paying only through approved electronic payment channels. Passengers are also encouraged to report any driver or staff member who demands cash payments.

  

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The Presence Of Lagos CP At City Boy Movement's Inauguration In Lagos Was For Security, Not For Political Endorsement - Bashir Ahmad

The City Boy Movement has addressed the attendance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, at their Lagos chapter inauguration.

Following criticism on social media, National Director, Media Monitoring & Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, Bashir Ahmad, issued a press statement on Wednesday to explain why CP Fatai attended the event.

Ahmad defended the commissioner’s attendance at their Lagos chapter inauguration, arguing it was for standard security duties rather than political endorsement.

 

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“The attention of the City Boy Movement has been drawn to comments, reports and public commentary seeking to attach political significance to the attendance of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, at the inauguration of the City Boy Movement’s Lagos State Chapter,” he wrote in a post on his official X account.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the mere presence of the Commissioner of Police at a public event should not, without more, be interpreted as political endorsement, partisan participation or institutional alignment with the organisers of that event.”

Ahmad stressed that public officers, particularly those charged with maintaining law and order, regularly attend or deploy personnel to public gatherings in the discharge of their official responsibilities.

According to him, such responsibilities extend to political, civic, religious, professional, educational and community events where security considerations require their presence or supervision.

He pointed out that their attendance at such events, standing alone, does not constitute support for, affiliation with or endorsement of any organisation or cause.

“The constitutional and statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force include the preservation of public peace, the protection of lives and property, the prevention and detection of crime, and the maintenance of law and order during lawful public assemblies,” Ahmad stated.

“These responsibilities are owed equally to all persons and organisations without discrimination and should not be misconstrued as evidence of institutional bias or political preference.

“Accordingly, it is neither fair nor accurate to infer, solely from the Commissioner’s attendance, that the Nigeria Police Force has taken a partisan position or abandoned its obligation of professional neutrality. Public institutions should be assessed on the basis of objective facts rather than conjecture or speculation.”

Ahmad said the City Boy Movement respects the constitutional role and institutional independence of all security agencies, therefore, they neither seek nor expect preferential treatment from any agency of government.

Like every law-abiding organisation, he said he expects only that the lawful activities of the movement will continue to enjoy the protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other applicable laws.

“We equally acknowledge and appreciate the professional security arrangements that ensured the peaceful, orderly and incident-free conduct of the inauguration. Professional policing contributes significantly to public confidence in democratic institutions and facilitates the exercise of citizens’ constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly,” Ahmad said.

“We therefore urge members of the public, stakeholders and commentators to exercise restraint, promote factual discourse and refrain from attributing partisan motives where no credible evidence exists. Responsible public commentary strengthens democratic institutions, whereas speculation and misinformation unnecessarily undermine public confidence in institutions established to serve all Nigerians.

“The City Boy Movement remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, responsible political participation, respect for the rule of law, and constructive nation-building in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The statement addresses backlash from viral videos and opposition criticism by stressing police neutrality obligations and urging factual discourse over speculation about institutional bias.

City Boy Movement is a youth-led pro-Tinubu group founded by the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, focused on grassroots mobilization, youth empowerment, and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

  

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Why We Are Introducing Specialized Vehicle Number Plates For Persons With Disabilities In Lagos - Government

The Lagos state government has clarified why it is introducing specialized vehicle number plates for persons with disabilities in the state, saying the system will improve identification, accessibility and support for members of the disability community. The State Government announced that it has commenced plans to introduce specialized vehicle number plates for Persons with Disabilities as part of efforts to enhance inclusion in the state.

The proposal formed the focus of discussions during a courtesy visit by the management of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs to the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, where both agencies explored collaboration on the development and implementation of the disability-friendly vehicle identification system.

 

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Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the MVAA, Abdulrasheed Muri-Okunola, described the initiative as a major step towards achieving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of building “A Greater Lagos That Leaves No One Behind.”

“The specialised number plates will improve recognition, accessibility and ease of movement for persons with disabilities throughout the state, The initiative also aligns with the principles of inclusive governance,” Muri-Okunola said.

He disclosed that the agency had already commenced discussions with the Federal Road Safety Corps on the proposed number plates and would begin the necessary administrative processes while working closely with LASODA to ensure successful implementation.

Earlier, the General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, said the visit was aimed at initiating strategic discussions on introducing specialised number plates tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities in Lagos State.

“This initiative should cover all categories of persons with disabilities, as well as parents of children with disabilities and their caregivers.

“The system will improve identification, accessibility and support for members of the disability community,” Oyetunde-Lawal said.

She added that the proposed number plates would reinforce the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities are recognised, respected and able to participate fully in all aspects of life.

“The proposed number plates underscore the government’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“We call on all stakeholders to embrace inclusion as a shared responsibility and support policies that advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the initiative, which aligns with the provisions of the Lagos State Special People’s Law that established LASODA to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities across all sectors.

The meeting was attended by directors and senior management staff of LASODA and the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency.

  

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Groom Sues For Divorce Two Days After Wedding As Bride And Mother-Inlaw Exchange Slaps At Reception Over Food

A viral video recounting how an alleged altercation between a bride and her mother-in-law over food reportedly led to the collapse of a marriage has ignited heated reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over who was at fault.

The video, which gained traction on Friday, originated from a July 20 broadcast by Independent Television and Radio, Edo State.

According to the broadcaster, the incident occurred during a wedding reception after food had run out. A couple from the groom’s family reportedly arrived late, leaving only the portion of food the bride had reserved for her parents.

 

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The report alleged that the groom’s mother quietly asked the bride if she could give some of the remaining food to the visitors, who had travelled from a long distance. However, the bride reportedly declined.

It further claimed that when the mother-in-law attempted to serve the food herself, the bride collected it and poured it back into the cooler, prompting the older woman to slap her. The bride allegedly retaliated by slapping her mother-in-law.

According to the broadcast, the groom remained calm until the wedding reception ended but reportedly sought to dissolve the marriage two days later.

However, a lawyer, Franka Osie, clarified in the same broadcast that Nigerian law does not permit a statutory divorce after only two days of marriage.

Also speaking on the matter, another legal practitioner confirmed that under Nigeria’s Matrimonial Causes Act, “couples in a statutory marriage generally cannot file for divorce until they have been married for at least two years. However, a court may allow an earlier divorce in exceptional cases involving hardship or depravity. In some situations, an annulment may also be an option.”

The report has since triggered widespread debate on X, with users offering differing perspectives on the actions of the bride, the mother-in-law and the groom.

Reacting, #IdorenyinEtuk5 argued that neither woman handled the situation appropriately, while also faulting the groom.

“In my opinion, neither the mother-in-law nor the bride were right in their actions or reactions. The man himself had not shown that he has boundaries. If he did, neither woman would dare act in such manner.”

For #Georgec7ye, the issue highlighted a common problem at Nigerian weddings.

“This food sharing thing is a big issue. In some families, they even drag who should pick money from the floor. Couples need to make proper arrangements for both families so as to avoid being in such a situation.”

#omotoyosiwrites questioned whether the alleged incident alone could have ended the marriage.

“What could have led to the end of the marriage between two days? Maybe both parties are too aggressive and lack the maturity needed to resolve these issues.”

Some users defended the bride, insisting she reacted after being assaulted.

#MTamatey wrote:

“No one is condemning the mother-in-law for slapping her son’s wife first? The bride shouldn’t have defended herself? She was going to join an abusive family. I am glad it ended there.”

Similarly, #K3HDARX said:

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, but why did the mother-in-law slap the bride in the first place?”

Others, however, blamed the bride’s conduct.

#Spiritualsman wrote: “Home training is something this generation is lacking. No matter what, how will you struggle for food with your husband’s mother to the extent of slapping her?”

Suggesting the altercation may have exposed deeper issues, #CEDOkugbo said, “There are most likely underlying issues. I think the man must have ignored red flags… This is why it is essential to have a period of courtship.”

Also weighing in, #macbendaniels noted that disputes involving in-laws are common at weddings, “Wedding planning should include how to manage in-laws in the areas of food, drinks and souvenirs… Even after years of being married, the story doesn’t just end.”

Echoing the need for a longer courtship, #NeYo_2022 wrote:

“This is why it’s good to spend time getting to know someone before getting married… Taking time to know each other can help both partners make a more informed decision before marriage.”

The story continues to fuel conversations online, with many debating family boundaries, wedding etiquette, anger management and whether the alleged incident alone could justify the breakdown of a marriage.

  

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A Decade Of Service And Visionary Leadership: Celebrating Ten Glorious Years Of Oba Kasali’s Legacy In Igbogbo Kingdom

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 

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Lagos Monarch Woos Indian Business Community

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, has urged members of the Indian business community to partner with the Iru Kingdom to promote investment, enterprise

and economic development.

A statement from the palace on Friday disclosed that the monarch made the appeal while hosting a delegation of the Indian business community under the

auspices of the NRI Social and Cultural Association Nigeria Business Forum at his palace in Lagos.

 

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As part of efforts to deepen collaboration, the traditional ruler announced the establishment of the Iru Business Network, urging members of the business

community to explore opportunities to expand their businesses, establish new ventures, share expertise and develop partnerships with the Iru Kingdom.

  

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