By Peter Omopo – Ilara, August 17, 2025
Prominent leaders across Nigeria have paid glowing tributes to the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), as he marked his fifth coronation anniversary with a series of cultural, religious, and social events in Ilara, Epe Division of Lagos State.
The three-day celebration, which began on Friday, August 15, featured a street parade, Jumat service, a commemorative football match, and free medical outreach, alongside empowerment programmes for residents of the community.
In his goodwill message, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State hailed Oba Ogunsanwo’s reign as impactful and progressive, noting his dedication to peace, unity, and development.
“In just five years, Your Majesty’s reign has left a lasting imprint on Ilara and the wider Epe division. You have led with wisdom, dignity, and devotion to the welfare of your people, while safeguarding traditions and embracing progress,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Similarly, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State described the monarch’s reign as “unprecedented in development and prosperity,” praising his inclusive leadership style.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, along with Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, also extolled the monarch in separate congratulatory messages.
Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode recalled Oba Ogunsanwo’s service to the state, describing him as “a king to be reckoned with and respected.” He highlighted the monarch’s role as South-West Coordinator of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, reflecting his influence beyond Lagos.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Dr. Ayodele Subair, who succeeded Ogunsanwo at the tax authority, lauded his leadership and prayed for greater accomplishments ahead.
In tributes from across Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, praised the Alara for bringing peace and prosperity to Ilara, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, commended his steadfast leadership. Similarly, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, congratulated him for his “fruitful stewardship.”
Other dignitaries who celebrated the monarch included the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, former Ogun State governor Gbenga Daniel, the Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ijechukwu, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and the 61st President of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Yahaya.
As part of the anniversary programme, chieftaincy titles will be conferred on seven distinguished individuals and couples in recognition of their contributions to the development of Ilara Kingdom.
The anniversary has been widely described as a celebration not only of Oba Ogunsanwo’s leadership but also of Ilara’s growing cultural and developmental renaissance under his reign.
