“What we ever hope to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.”
For those who do not know him, they may think that he rose to occupy the prestigious throne of the Oniru of Iruland with folded arms and crossed legs. But for those who know Oba Gbolahan Lawal, would have an insight about how he diligently served through the years before being crowned as the 15th Oniru of Iruland, Eti-Osa Local Government area of Lagos state on Sunday, June 7, 2020.
However, the controversial situation surrounding his emergence and coronation may be because the new Oba is king of diligence as he has worked his way through the civil service to the heart of kingmakers.
Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal was born in 1970 to late Chief T. A. Lawal- Akapo, the Ojora of Lagos (1977-1993) and Olori M. A. Lawal-Akapo. The new King is a seasoned security & development practitioner and socio-entrepreneur who holds several academic qualifications from renowned institutions around the world. He is sometimes referred to as one who lives a la vida loca lifestyle and possesses deep pocket and skills.
Amid pomp and circumstance, the 15th Oniru of Iruland, Eti-Osa Local Government area was crowned and presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. During the Governor’s speech, he said, “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.”
As a core devotee of the APC administration, he was once Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to Governor Bola Tinubu during his tenure in Lagos before retiring in 2008. He was later appointed the State Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperatives during Babatunde Fashola administration in 2011 and then rose to becoming the Commissioner of Housing Ministry in 2015, during Akinwunmi Ambode tenure. There is no gainsaying that he has paid his dues when it comes to serving diligently and he had returned to the position of the Commissioner for Agriculture in the current administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu before his resignation to ascend the throne of his fathers.
In his acceptance speech, the Oba expressed his profound gratitude God, his mother, family and members of his community. He said; “I give all thanks to the Almighty God for making all of us see this day. In the journey of my life, I have received several divine favours and benevolence from the Almighty God, but then, distinguished guests, I affirm that none of the preceding benevolence of God has the same effect on me as my selection and installation as the 15th Oniru of Iruland.
He also vowed to make Iruland habitable for the people. “Together we shall overcome all challenges and make Iruland a better place for all. Iruland will continue to align with the vision of our forebears for a cosmopolitan, thriving, and prosperous Lagos. Our vision is that Iruland will in no distant future rival the likes of Greater New York City, in the United States of America.” He added.
From all of us at News Wings NG, we wish the King long life and prosperity to enjoy the throne of his forebearer.
