University don emerges Oba-elect in Ogun, promises development, others

Alhaji Mutiu Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal, the Deputy Registrar in charge of the School of Postgraduate Studies at Crescent University, Abeokuta, has been declared the Oloola of Ilara Kingdom. His selection was confirmed by the Kingmakers and Regency Council on May 28, 2024, after a rigorous and competitive process, and the installation and presentation of the staff took place on July 20, 2024, at the Market Square, Ilara.

The coronation ceremony is scheduled for September 7, 2024, at the Community High School Sports Ground in Ilara, Yewa, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Ogun State Executive Council officially appointed Alhaji Mutiu Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal as the Oloola of Ilara through a formal letter dated July 17, 2024. The letter, signed by Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, confirmed that his appointment took effect from July 16, 2024, in accordance with Section 22 (1) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2021.

Dr. Akinlesi extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the state government, wishing Oba Oyede-Lawal good health, long life, and a prosperous reign. The letter also noted that by this appointment, Oba Oyede-Lawal becomes a Part 1 Oba and a member of the Yewa Traditional Council.

The emergence of Oba Mutiu Alani Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal as the Oloola of Ilara is significant, marking the third time in six years that Crescent University has produced a traditional ruler. The previous rulers include HRM Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II), the Olota of Ota Kingdom, and HRM Oba Olusola Idris Osolo (Otenibotemole II), the Oba of Ado-Odo.

The competition for the throne was particularly intense following the passing of the late monarch, Oba Samuel Alabi Adeluyi, on March 20, 2020. Four princes from the Faningbe/Igbaka Ruling House were nominated: Alhaji Mutiu Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal, Elder Olusegun David Opeilu, Mr. Kehinde Akanni Adesina, and Chief Angel Alabi Adebiyi. After the initial voting resulted in a tie, the Chairman of the Kingmakers cast the deciding vote in favor of Alhaji Mutiu Oyede-Lawal, securing his position with a 3-2 majority.

In his first statement, Oba Mutiu pledged to dedicate himself to the betterment of his people and to foster a peaceful and harmonious relationship between Ilara and neighboring communities. He emphasized his commitment to unity, development, and the well-being of all citizens under his reign. “As Oba-elect, I am deeply committed to promoting community cohesion, advancing local development, and ensuring that the voices of our people are heard and respected. My goal is to build a prosperous Ilara where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.”

Before his selection as Oba, Mutiu Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal served as Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the School of Postgraduate Studies at Crescent University, Abeokuta. A pioneer member of staff, he holds a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Education Management from the University of Ibadan, a Bachelor of Science (B.Ed.) in Accounting from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye), and a National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Computer Science/Mathematics from the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.