NIGERIA: Oba Of Lagos Installs Seven New White Cap Chiefs

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has installed seven new White Cap Chiefs, reinforcing the traditional governance structure of Isale Eko.

The installation ceremony took place on Saturday at the Oba’s palace in Lagos. White Cap chieftaincy remains one of the most influential pillars of indigenous authority in Lagos, with holders serving as senior advisers to the throne and custodians of customs and traditions.

Those installed include Architect Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, who was conferred with the title of Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos; Chief Ajibade Ismail Nosiru Ayeni, installed as the Eletu Odibo of Lagos; and Chief Adebola Olalekan Dosunmu, who assumed the title of Olorogun Adodo of Lagos.

Other newly installed chiefs are Chief Yusuf Jinadu Bajulu as the Bajulu of Lagos, Chief Razak Onimole as the Onimole of Lagos, Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa as the Onisemo of Lagos, and Chief Tajudeen Adisa Abisogun, who was installed as the Ojon of Lagos.

White Cap Chiefs occupy a central role in Lagos’ traditional administration, extending beyond ceremonial duties to include palace administration, community leadership, and the preservation of indigenous customs.

Architect Gbolahan Oki, the new Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos, is a seasoned architect and public servant with extensive experience in urban development and public administration. He currently serves as a permanent secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Urban Development.

Chief Ajibade Ismail Nosiru Ayeni, now Eletu Odibo of Lagos, assumes one of the most influential White Cap positions. An engineer by training, he has worked across both public and private sectors and is actively involved in community affairs on Lagos Island.

Chief Adebola Olalekan Dosunmu, installed as Olorogun Adodo of Lagos, is widely recognised for his contributions to cultural preservation and his involvement in traditional festivals and community structures.

The installation of the remaining chiefs further strengthens the traditional council, enhancing its advisory role to the Oba and its relevance within the evolving social and economic landscape of Lagos.

The palace is also expected to confer honorary chieftaincy titles on selected individuals as part of ongoing tradi

tional activities.