Oko-Baba Agba Gets New Oba as Lagos Elevates Traditional Stool
By Emmanuel Daniji
LAGOS — A new chapter has opened in the traditional history of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State following the official installation of His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Kabiru Adesegun Bashir, as the Olu of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom.
The ceremony, held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Kosofe Local Government Secretariat, marked a significant milestone for the community as its traditional institution was formally elevated from a Baale stool to a recognised second-class Oba.
Representing Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the ceremony was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, who presented the newly installed monarch with the official Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment.
A New Chapter for Oko-Baba Agba
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Agbaje described the installation as a defining moment in the history of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom, noting that the elevation reflected the state government’s continued efforts to preserve cultural heritage while strengthening traditional institutions across Lagos.
According to him, the transition from the Baale stool to a recognised second-class Oba represents more than a change in title. It signals a new phase for the community and reinforces the role traditional institutions can play in promoting peace, stability and grassroots development.
He congratulated Oba Kabiru Adesegun Bashir and the people of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom on what he described as a historic achievement, urging the new monarch to see his elevation as both an honour and a responsibility.
‘Champion Peace, Unity and Development’
Agbaje charged the new monarch to uphold the dignity of the throne by making peace, unity and community development central to his reign.
He encouraged Oba Bashir to work closely with other traditional rulers, support initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of residents and promote peaceful resolution of communal disagreements.
The Governor’s representative also urged the monarch to align his leadership with the broader development objectives of the Lagos State Government, particularly its vision of building a modern and economically vibrant Lagos.
For Oba Bashir, the elevation therefore comes with expectations that extend beyond traditional ceremonies and cultural representation. The new monarch is expected to serve as a bridge between the community, government and other stakeholders while helping to create an environment where residents can pursue economic and social opportunities.
Residents Asked to Support the New Monarch
The Lagos State Government also appealed to residents and indigenes of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom to rally behind their new monarch.
Agbaje stressed that the success of the new traditional administration would depend not only on the monarch but also on the willingness of residents and community stakeholders to work together.
The government urged the people to support Oba Bashir in his efforts to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous kingdom.
The Moment the Baale Stool Became an Oba
The high point of the ceremony came when Agbaje, acting on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, formally presented the Instrument of Appointment and Staff of Office to Prince Kabiru Adesegun Bashir.
With the presentation, he was officially recognised as:
His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Kabiru Adesegun Bashir, Olu of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom, Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The moment carried particular significance for the community, as it formally established the elevated status of its traditional institution.
What had historically been represented by a Baale stool now has a recognised second-class Oba at its head.
A Community Celebrates Its New King
The colourful ceremony attracted traditional rulers, government representatives, community leaders, residents, family members and other stakeholders who gathered to witness the historic occasion.
Prayers and goodwill messages were offered for the new monarch, with guests wishing him a long, peaceful and impactful reign.
For the people of Oko-Baba Agba, the installation represents more than the coronation of a new traditional ruler.
It is a moment of recognition, cultural pride and institutional growth—and the beginning of a new chapter in the story of their kingdom.
As Oba Kabiru Adesegun Bashir assumes the throne as the Olu of Oko-Baba Agba Kingdom, expectations will now turn to how the new monarch uses the elevated institution to strengthen unity, preserve the community’s heritage and contribute to the development of the people he has been called to serve.
