Prince Erewa, who’s the Chairman of Egbe Omo Ilaje Day celebration, gave the charge weekend while addressing the Ilaje people at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State.
The industrialist further charged them to be more united and sustain their peaceful nature, which the Ilajes are known for.
Prince Erewa noted that the Ilajes, “were among the first three ethnic groups to settle in Lagos and the first to settle in the coastline, and have contributed greatly to the social-economic development of Lagos State, averring that the ethnic nationality should be given what is due to them as a people.
The industrialist tasked the Lagos State government to positively engage Ilajes in the task of building an all-inclusive state, adding that Ilajes are very peaceful people.
The APC national leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Dr Tayo Omawumi, noted the important role the Ilajes played in the stabilization of Lagos State.
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He added that the contributions of the Ilaje nation to the development of Lagos cannot be overemphasised.
“The Ilajes are highly rated in Lagos and that is why I have come to identify with them on this maiden Ilaje Day celebration in Lagos,” Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the National President of Egbe Omo Ilaje, the umbrella body of Ilajes worldwide, Prince Iwamitigha Irowainu, in his remarks, said that Ilaje are not visitors in Lagos and therefore, they should not be marginalized.
He appealed to the state government to give to the Ilaje people what is due to them.
The guest speaker, Mr. Olusola Ebiseni in his keynote address, stated also that the Ilaje, Awori and the Ijebus were the aboriginal tribes of Lagos and not the Binis who were erroneously claimed to be the founder of Lagos.
He charged the Ilajes to take an active part in the politics of Lagos State, adding that the Binis only forays into Lagos territory in the 1550-1578 century through the military expedition.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Ochichiomo Afolabi Oladimeji, Akokoniko, Ladrada 1, Olu Igbokoda, in his goodwill message, reiterated the need for Ilajes to be peaceful and united in order to attract government’s interest.
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