HRM Oba Saheed Adefarasin Hassan, Ajanaku II on Friday, January 9, 2026, received the Staff of Office from Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu as the Alajede of Ijede, formally sealing his recognition as the paramount traditional ruler of Ijede Kingdom.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Council Secretariat Hall attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, and sons and daughters of Ijede Kingdom, who came to witness the reaffirmation of the community’s cultural heritage and traditional authority.

In her welcome address, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba, Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA, was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Femi Kabir described the presentation of the Staff of Office as a momentous milestone in the administration of the monarch and warmly welcomed dignitaries to the ceremony.

According to the chairman, the Staff of Office symbolises the authority of the throne, the divine mandate of kingship, and the trust reposed in the monarch by both the people and the government.

She congratulated Oba Saheed Adefarasin Hassan on his ascension, noting that his reign signalled the beginning of a new chapter characterised by hope, unity, peace, and sustainable development for Ijede Kingdom.

Hon. Gbadebo-Alogba reaffirmed the readiness of the local government to continue partnering with the traditional institution in promoting peace, grassroots development, youth empowerment, security, and social cohesion. She also commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to preserving and strengthening traditional institutions across Lagos State, noting that the presentation of the Staff of Office ended a 13-year wait by the people of Ijede.

Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In his address, he urged indigenes and well-wishers of Ijede Kingdom to embrace unity and reconciliation.

He reminded the new monarch that leadership is ultimately defined by the ability to unite the people and foster peace after ascension to the throne.

Hon. Robert called on the Alajede to bring together supporters, opponents, and neutrals, stressing the need to heal old wounds, resolve differences through dialogue, and harness the collective strength of all sons and daughters of Ijede for the progress and development of the kingdom.

In his acceptance speech, HRM Oba Adefarasin Hassan Saheed, Ajanaku II, the Alajede of Ijede expressed profound gratitude to God and appreciation to the Lagos State Government for the formal recognition of his reign.

He described the Staff of Office as a sacred symbol of authority, responsibility, and service, which he accepted with humility and a solemn pledge to lead with wisdom, fairness, justice, and the fear of God.

The monarch assured that his reign would be anchored on peace, unity, inclusiveness, and development, pledging to be a father to all, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, age, or social status.

He also pledged the loyalty of the people of Ijede Kingdom to the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and expressed support for the vision of a Greater Lagos.

The ceremony featured prayers, goodwill messages, and cultural performances, and concluded with royal blessings for Ijede Kingdom, Lagos State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.