HRM Oba ABDULWASIU OMOGBOLAHAN LAWAL
Over the last few weeks, the 15th Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Andulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (CON) has been in a celebratory mood. He is celebrating his 5th Coronation Anniversary. Its been on for weeks and it culminated in a big and massive celebration on 14th June 2025.
At the event, he gave his 5th Coronation Anniversary Speech. It is very inspiring.
“Five years ago, by the will of Olodumare and the enduring grace of our ancestors, I ascended the sacred throne of my forebears as the 15th Oniru of Iru Land. Today marks a sacred milestone-five years of royal engagements and collaborations, legacy-building, and purposeful transformation.
Today, I speak as the custodian of Culture, Customs, traditions, our heritage, and a product of destiny.
As I reflect upon this journey, I am overwhelmed with profound gratitude, not only for the honor bestowed upon me but for the grace, wisdom, and resilience that have sustained us through seasons of triumph and some tribulation.
Shakespeare, in his immortal words, said: “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” Truly, the weight of the crown is not light, but it bears the hopes and heritage of our people. And yet, I wear it with honor and humility, for it is not mine alone-it belongs to all of Iru Kingdom.
My first and eternal thanks go to Almighty God, the source of life, light, and leadership. It is His divine will that has guided every step have taken, and it is to Him that I return my gratitude and prayers.
To my beloved father, the late Chief Taoreed A. Lawal-Akapo, the past Ojora of Lagos: your teachings, integrity, and unwavering dedication to culture are the very bedrock upon which I stand. Your voice still echoes in the halls of my spirit.
To my gracious mother of blessed memory, late Olori Muinat Lawal-Akapo Omo Abisogun Oniru, Omo Ajibike- you were a living embodiment of dignity and strength. Your prayers remain the wind beneath my wings.
To my queen and confidant, Olori Mariam Lawal-your grace, your counsel, and your quiet yet mighty presence have made all the difference. A monarch may lead, but it is the queen who anchors the heart.
To my children, siblings, and extended family, thank you for your unshakeable loyalty and strength. You are my first community, my eternal tribe.
To the entire Abisogun, Ogunyemi, Akiogun, Lawal-Akapo, Ajasa ruling families and Ajarat Adelakun dynasty-thank you for your trust. I will continue to rule with equity and honor your confidence in me.
To the Oniru-in-Council – Our Distinguished Chiefs and Baales, l appreciate your support and candid counsel through all seasons.
To His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, CFR, the revered Oba of Lagos, your fatherly wisdom and enduring counsel continue to be a lighthouse to this throne.
To Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, your partnership and visionary leadership have amplified the reach of our dreams for Iru Kingdom. I am proud to work alongside a fellow servant-leader.
To my revered mentor, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR – The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I remain eternally grateful for your national vision, people-centric policies, and unwavering support. You continue to inspire generations.
To the Lagos State Council of Traditional Rulers and my Brother Kings, thank you for preserving the sacred rhythm of our culture.
May Olodumare continue to strengthen our bond, people, and Kingdoms.
And to the sons and daughters of Iru Land, residents, stakeholders corporate partners, and friends of the Kingdom, your unwavering faith in our shared vision keeps the fire of progress burning. Iru is not just a place; it is a people.
From the very beginning, we conceived a bold vision-to transform Iru Kingdom into a sustainable, inclusive, secure, and prosperous city of the future. Thus, was born the #LeGIT Vision – *LeGlT connoting “Let’s Grow Iru Land Together” – A fusion of Leadership, Growth, Innovation, and Tradition.
Over the last five years, the #LeGIT initiative has evolved from a dream to a dynamic movement. It remains a clarion call to all indigenes, residents, corporate bodies, governments and institutions; to be active participants in the renaissance of Iru.
Our engagements have spanned visitations from over 1500 individuals and corporate bodies as well as visitations to over 50 entities. We have delivered keynote and goodwill messages across over 150 events and constantly inspired the world with our token of inspiration and direction via our digital platforms.
Highlights of our collective achievements:
CULTURE AND TOURISM
We revitalized traditional festivals and institutions, restoring pride to our heritage and drawing global attention to our rich cultural
Five years go by the will of Olodumare and the enduring grace of our ancestors, I ascended the sacred throne of my forebears as the e 15th Oniru of Iru Land.
Today marks a sacred milestone-five years of royal engagements and collaborations legacy-building and purposeful transformation.
Capital. Monumental edifices like the rebuilt palace and walls of the Oniru Palace, the Oniru Mosque, our Agbo Elegba and the newly built Muínat Abení House, have been redesigned to preserve the modern standards and more importantly, to preserve the cultural heritage and essence of their existence.
EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT
Through the Iru Empowerment Hub, the vocational hub, and partnerships with the state Government, organizational and corporate bodies, we have trained and empowered hundreds of women and youth with sustainable skills and opportunities.
SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Collaborating with government and private sector actors, we have enhanced security and revived proper accreditation and access control, upgraded drainage networks, and provided street lighting and road rehabilitation across communities.
WELFARE & HEALTH
We have initiated palliative drives, mobile health outreach programs, and inclusive welfare initiatives, ensuring that no one is left behind.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
My reign has remained open, participatory, and consultative, with town halls, digital platforms, and direct access to the palace.
Through the HRM Abisogun III Foundation for Peace and Development (HAIIF), we have consolidated our efforts by partnering with national and global institutions to drive strategic development, youth initiatives, and peace building.
Let it be said across the land: Iru Kingdom is rising. The skyline tells its story. The heartbeat of our people tells its truth.
As we mark five transformative years, I renew my sacred vow to rule with justice, equity, compassion, and purpose.
The journey is far from over. Our eyes are fixed on the future, and it is one that must be shaped by all of us, together.
We envision:
A smarter, greener Iru, aligned with global sustainability goals.
A Kingdom where our rich customs, traditions, and heritage are preserved, echoing through generations, embracing innovation.
A resilient community of wealth creators, not just wealth in heritors.
A future where the throne remains not just a seat of power, but also a platform of service to God and humanity.
To all who have supported this journey-politically, spiritually, financially, emotionally-I say “Ese gan ni, modupe pupo.” I am only one man, but together, we are Almighty Kingdom.
I ask that you continue to lift me up in your prayers. Ask that Olodumare grants me greater wisdom, deeper empathy, and unshakable strength to continue this noble service. May my reign be one of peace, purpose, and posterity.
And as you have come to celebrate this milestone with me, may celebrations never cease in our lives and homes.
Let us walk together, with courage and unity, toward a tomorrow filled with possibilities.
Ajose wa ko ni baje o!
May our land continue to prosper. May our people continue to rise.
And may this throne remain a beacon of hope and harmony for generations to come.
A dele ba ire, agoya ibi…(PRAYERS BY KABIYESI).
With my love and royal courtesies,
HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal CON
[Abisogun lI)
The Oniru of Iru Land
June 14, 2025
