By Isoken Oduware
The ancient town of ljede in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State came alive on Friday when Hon. Saheed Adefarasin Hassan, a former council boss who also represented Ikorodu Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly was presented with a staff of office from Governor Babajide Sanwoolu and formally crowned as Alajede of Ijede, Oba Saheed Adefarasin Hassan,
Ajanaku II.
The presentation ended 14 years of waiting by the people of Ijede for a King and finally sealed Adefarasin’s recognition as the new monarch of Ijede Kingdom.
Although the new Alajede’s emergence continue to elicit mixed reactions, the presentation ceremony which was held at the Secretariat Hall of Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Council, witnessed an impressive turnout of people with traditional rulers, titles chiefs, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, and numerous sons and daughters of Ijede Kingdom, coming out to be part of the historic event.
In her welcome address,
Speaking during the ceremony, Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Femi Kabir, said the presentation of the Staff of Office is a milestone in the history of Ijede. She added that the staff of office represents a divine mandate and the trust reposed in the new king by both the people and the government. Alogba assured the monarch of the readiness of the local government to partner with the traditional institution. She the appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to preserving and strengthening traditional institutions across Lagos State.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy in Lagos State, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, who represented Sanwo-Olu, urged the people of Ijede to embrace unity and reconciliation going forward. He also appealed to Oba Adefarasin to unite the people and work hard the growth and development of Ijede.
While accepting his new role, Oba Adefarasin Hassan was full of gratitude to God, the Lagos State Government and the good people of Ijede for the formal recognition of his reign.
According to the monarch, he accepted the throne with humility and a solemn pledge to lead with wisdom, fairness, justice, and the fear of God.
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