Oba Rilwanu Akiolu of Lagos yesterday capped renowned industrialist, Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, as the new Asoju Oba of Lagos.
Adebutu, financier of the popular Premier Lotto and chairman of the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), replaced the late Asoju Oba of Lagos, Molade Okoya-Thomas, who died in February.
The installation ceremony which was part of the 80th birthday celebration of Adebutu who is popularly referred to as ‘Baba Ijebu’, the sobriquet of his lotto (lottery) business and the 10th anniversary of KAAF, was a fun-filled affair as it was graced by the mighty and the rich as well as the family, friends and associates of the philanthropist who thronged the palace of the Oba of Lagos at Iga Idunganran on Lagos Island, venue of the installation.
The Iperu-Remo, Ogun State-born Adebutu informed the gathering that he bagged his first ever chieftaincy title as Babalaje of Lagos in the same palace 43 years ago. He said though people may be calling him Baba-Ijebu, he is a Lagosian, having lived in the state for 63 years. Crowning the new Asoju Oba, Oba Akiolu said Adebutu deserved the title because of the impact he had made in people’s lives.
“You have impacted on people and someone like you should be celebrated and recognised to encourage other people to emulate philanthropy”, he said.
The head of Lagos traditional white-cap chiefs, Chief Teslim Idowu Junaid-Eko, led the traditional proceedings. Prayers for the new Asoju Oba were led by the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona who also chaired the occasion.
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo and other traditional chiefs said the traditional prayers.
The ceremony was graced by other notable dignitaries including former governors of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Chief Olusegun Osoba as well some politicians and celebrities.
-Daily Trust
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