Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan Installed as Alajede of Ijede, Ending 14-Year Vacancy
By Emmanuel Daniji
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has formally installed Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan as the Alajede of Ijede Kingdom, bringing to a close a 14-year hiatus on the revered traditional stool.
The historic installation ceremony, held on Friday, January 9, 2026, drew a large gathering of royal fathers, government officials, community leaders, indigenes of Ijede, and invited guests, underscoring the significance of the occasion in the kingdom’s history.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the new monarch and the people of Ijede on the successful conclusion of the succession process following the passing of the former Alajede, Oba Fatai Odesanya.
Describing the installation as a restoration of traditional authority and stability, the Governor urged Oba Adefarasin to uphold the dignity of the throne through exemplary leadership. He emphasized that kingship extends beyond ceremonial privileges, carrying a moral responsibility to lead with wisdom, humility, fairness, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further charged the monarch to promote unity and harmony within the kingdom, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance. He also encouraged Oba Adefarasin to collaborate with all stakeholders to attract sustainable development that would enhance the socio-economic well-being of the community.
Highlighting the need for reconciliation, the Governor advised the Oba to reach out to all parties involved in the succession process, including other princes and contenders for the throne, noting that enduring monarchs are remembered for their ability to unite their people after ascension.
In his response, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for facilitating the installation of a substantive monarch for Ijede Kingdom. He pledged that his reign would focus on peace, unity, and reconciliation, while preserving the cultural heritage and prestige of the Alajede stool. The monarch assured residents of his commitment to fostering development and strengthening communal harmony across the kingdom.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including Hon. Moshood Aro, lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly; Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development; Hon. Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman of Ijede LCDA, representing the Executive Chairman, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba; as well as royal fathers from across Ikorodu Division, led by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi.
Other notable attendees included HRM Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom; HRM Oba Olukayode David Raji, the Eweye of Isiwu Kingdom; former members of the Lagos State Executive Council; and other prominent personalities.
With the installation of Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, Ijede Kingdom now begins a new chapter of traditional leadership, marked by stability, unity, and renewed community engagement.
