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Sanwo-Olu presents Staff-of-Office to Oniru, charges him to sustain the peace
BY NICHOLAS ABE
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday presented staff of office to the 15th Oniru of Iru kingdom, HRM Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal.
Sanwo-Olu charged him to sustain the peace and harmonious relationship that had existed in the land.
He described the event as historic and called for support from citizens for the new king to ensure the progress of Iruland, and Lagos in general.
“As an accomplished man with an extensive public service record, I have no doubt that his reign will be a progressive one. The ascension of HRM, Oba Lawal to the throne, marks the start of the next phase of the journey of Iruland into growth, progress and greater development.
“I commend the kingmakers and elders of Iruland as well as the ruling houses for the peace and mutual understanding that have characterised the process that led to the installation of the new monarch. This is a remarkable feat, worthy of commendation and emulation,” Sanwo-Olu said on his Twitter handle.
Lawal received the staff of office barely three days after the kingmakers and elders of Iruland selected him among the list of princes vying for the throne that became vacant last year September after the 14th Oniru, Oba Idowu Oniru, joined his ancestors.
READ: Oniru Palace burgled as new Oba, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, is elected
At the ceremony held within the kingdom on Sunday, the governor, who described the traditional institution as the first system of governance, stated that it would forever remain a strong link to Nigeria’s heritage at all times.
He pledged that the state government will support the Oniru to achieve his vision for the Iru Kingdom.
“Your Royal Highness, I pledge the full support of the State Government towards the realisation of your vision for Iru Kingdom. It is heart-warming to see how the Kingdom has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades, rising to become one of the economic nerve-centres of Lagos State.
“There is no doubt that the future of Iru Kingdom continues to be bright and promising, and that the ascension today of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, marks the start of the next phase of the journey into that future”, the governor said.
He added: “Our traditional rulers are playing very strategic roles in contemporary society, not only as symbols and custodians of our traditions and cultures, but also as rallying points for all of society; agents of stability and development.”