In an extraordinary display of people-focused governance and traditional solidarity, the Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) witnessed a defining moment in its economic history today as the Executive Chairman, Akogun Wale Raji Anomo, hosted the 4th edition of the Ikosi-Ejinrin SME Grant, tagged “Okoowo Anomo” with a direct injection of over #60,000,000 into the economy of the LCDA.

Held at the Council Secretariat in Agbowa amidst a mammoth crowd, the event not only fulfilled the Chairman’s economic empowerment promise but also spotlighted his unmatched relationship with stakeholders in the LCDA including traditional institutions, Political Leaders, Labour & Trade Unions, community associations and grassroots stakeholders.

Originally scheduled to empower 1,000 petty traders with financial grants, the Chairman made a surprise announcement: the number of beneficiaries had been increased to 1,200, a decision he attributed to the influx of passionate appeals from residents in need of support. According to him, “Our mission has always been to lift as many as we can out of economic vulnerability. This is not politics—it is purpose.”

But the highlight of the day was the presentation of brand new Toyota Highlander SUVs to the six revered monarchs of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, a gesture aimed at supporting the royal fathers in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities. The Royal fathers who received the SUV’s incudes:

• HRM Oba Rafiu Ishola Babatunde Balogun (Ejalonibu II) – The Elejinrin of Ejinrin Kingdom
• HRM Oba (Bldr) Asunmo Ganiyu Aderibigbe (Jamade I) – The Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu Kingdom
• HRM Oba (Barr) Saheed Owolabi Momson (Mabudeje Aduloju III) – The Abowa of Agbowa Kingdom
• HRM Oba Mushafau Adewale Abdul Olofin-Ajaiye – The Olori-Ido of Orugbo-Iddo
• HRM Oba Nelson Obayomi Ogunlari (Ogundalu II) – The Olowu of Owu-Ikosi Kingdom
• HRM Oba Elias Omoloro Adedapo (Ijelu I) – The Olota of Otta-Ikosi Kingdom

In their joint remarks and prayers, the royal fathers referenced Anomo’s landmark achievements, inclusive governance, and humble leadership style as the reasons they personally contributed to purchase his APC nomination form. They declared that “Anomo has served diligently and selflessly,” urging other aspiring candidates—whom they described as “our sons as well”—to join hands with the incumbent to continue moving Ikosi-Ejinrin forward.

Presenting the official vehicles to the monarchs was the Special Guest of Honour, Alhaji Shakiru Akanni Seriki (BAMU), APC Apex Leader in Epe Division and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). He praised Anomo’s uncommon performance in governance and reaffirmed the party’s full endorsement of his second term bid.

In his emotionally charged keynote address, Chairman Anomo thanked the royal fathers, political leaders, market leaders, artisans, and all stakeholders who have endorsed his return. “Your love has overwhelmed me,” he said, “and I rededicate myself to your service with a renewed sense of humility and duty. I will not take this for granted, pledging to bring even more dividends of democracy to the people if re-elected. He emphasized that the “Okoowo Anomo” initiative is not politically motivated but a sincere effort to boost the local economy and uplift struggling families. “We are simply committed to reducing poverty and strengthening our local commerce.

As chants of “Anomo till 2029!” echoed through the crowd, one thing became clear—Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA is united behind a Leader whose only agenda is THE PEOPLE!