The coronation reception and public presentation of the kingdom’s insignia of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, 15th Oniru of Iru land, was held today at the Iru palace in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was marked with a parade of royalty and culture.
The reception, which was initially suspended due to the State’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, came three months after Oba Lawal formally received traditional staff of office and instrument of appointment from Gov. Sanwo-Olu to ascend the Iru throne.
The ceremony was dignified by a roll call of VIPs, administrators and politicians, led by Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat graced the occasion. It was also attended by traditional rulers within and outside of the State, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the representatives of Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu.
At the event, Oba Lawal, a three-time member of the State Executive Council, unveiled his economic development plan for the kingdom, Let’s Develop Iruland Together condensed in acronym “LeGIt”. The blueprint, the monarch disclosed, is tailored to reflect key deliverables of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
Oba Lawal described the event as “another significant chapter” in the annals of the kingdom, thanking Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving his selection by the kingmaker and the support since his installation.
He said: “The burning desire to proffer pragmatic solutions to challenges facing Iru land has led to the initiative called LeGIT. This will be a rallying point and clarion call to all stakeholders to work with me to develop Iru into one of the most sustainable communities in Lagos. Our plans are in line with development agenda of the Governor.”
The monarch, thereafter, unveiled the traditional insignia of the kingdom, which reflects Iru culture and its dominant means of livelihood. The insignia depicts fishermen, newbouldia leaves and the iconic Iru crown in golden hues.
The event was resplendent in royal fascination, with various culture troupes and drummers entertaining guests with rendition of folk songs and poem.
