In a grand celebration of heritage and ancestral customs, the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, on Friday 16th January 2026, presided over the formal installation of six eminent personalities into the revered White Cap chieftaincy institution of Lagos.
The historic event, held within the ancient precincts of Lagos Island, was rich in symbolism and tradition. It attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, cultural leaders, palace chiefs and residents who came together to witness rites that have been preserved through generations and remain central to the identity of Lagos.
Among those elevated were Engr. Chief Ajibade Ismail Nosiru Ayeni, who assumed the title of Eletu Odibo of Lagos; Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, installed as Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos (Onilegbale); Chief Adebola Olalekan Dosunmu, named Olorogun Adodo of Lagos; Chief Yusuf Jinadu Bajulu, conferred with the title of Bajulu of Lagos; Chief Razak Abolaji Onimole, installed as Onimole of Lagos; and Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa, now Onisemo of Lagos.
The ceremony was dominated by the colour white, a powerful emblem of sanctity, harmony and authority within Lagos traditional belief. Women appeared in plain wrappers with bare heads, while men were clad in flowing white garments, creating an atmosphere of reverence. Traditional chants, rhythmic drumming and ceremonial processions heightened the spiritual significance of the occasion.
Upon the conclusion of the initial rites, members of the Ògbóni fraternity led the newly installed chiefs on a symbolic procession through the historic streets of Isale Eko, culminating at the palace of the Oba of Lagos. There, the chiefs formally paid homage and received royal benedictions.
Within the palace, Oba Akiolu offered prayers for the chiefs, invoking blessings of peace, sound judgment, long life and success, using sacred items such as water, kolanut and dry gin. The monarch urged them to remain steadfast in preserving Lagos traditions, to lead with humility and to safeguard the unity of the kingdom.
The ceremonial journey continued as the Ògbóni group and other White Cap Chiefs, under the leadership of the High Chief Opeluwa Onido, escorted the newly installed chiefs to their respective palaces across Isale Eko for further rites.
At the Eletu Odibo Palace, additional rituals and prayers were conducted as Chief Ajibade Ismail Nosiru Ayeni was formally welcomed, marking the official beginning of his stewardship. Elders offered prayers for wisdom, stability and spiritual strength, accompanied by traditional music and chants.
Similar concluding rites were held at the palaces of the other chiefs, bringing to an end a full day of ceremonies that underscored their responsibilities as cultural custodians, community leaders and advisers within the Lagos traditional governance system.
The occasion drew notable dignitaries, including senior government officials, council chairmen, traditional title holders and prominent indigenes of Lagos Island, among them the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, and other distinguished sons and daughters of the state.
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