The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr. Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, has called for calm and unity among the people of Ilara, especially the youths, following the recent protests and social media allegations targeted at his leadership.
At a well-attended Town Hall meeting that brought together government officials, traditional chiefs, youth leaders, women, and other stakeholders including Babalaje of Ijebu Land, Chief Bakare Oluwalogbon and Eredo LCDA Chairman, Hon Ismail Akinloye, Oba Ogunsanwo struck a reconciliatory tone, describing the aggrieved youths as his children whose actions, though regrettable, reflect a vibrant and conscious community.
“Their agitations are signs of good leadership,” the monarch said, assuring the gathering that he holds no grudge against anyone. “I’ve forgiven all of them, they’re my children,” he added, pledging to strengthen internal mechanisms to address grievances and forestall future misunderstandings.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, Oba Ogunsanwo reaffirmed the sacredness of the Alara stool, deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition. He noted that in the past five years, his reign has been defined by visible transformation efforts aimed at bridging development gaps and fostering unity across the kingdom.
“The throne of Alara is a sacred and historic one deeply etched in Yoruba culture and traditions, and I will never take the opportunity to serve for granted,” he said. “The issues we face are not alien to any community on the path of growth. What matters is our ability to resolve them amicably.”
On allegations that he had been absent from the community, the monarch dismissed such claims as baseless, pointing out that his fifth coronation anniversary was celebrated in Ilara with the attendance of prominent national traditional rulers, top government officials, and captains of industry, an event he described as “a thing of pride to our town.”
Regarding claims of unauthorized land sales, Oba Ogunsanwo clarified that no land was handed over to him by the Ilara community. “Most of the lands have been acquired by the government for agricultural, industrial, and other developmental purposes,” he explained. “However, we yielded to the request of the Nigerian Navy by allocating ten acres of land to them free of charge. The Nigerian Navy got the land at no cost,” he stated, emphasizing that the decision was jointly made with the Alara-in-Council.
Responding to rumours about consulting external oracles and abdicating his traditional duties, the monarch maintained that all traditional rites are performed by the community’s chief priests. “Before I ascended the throne, all our sacred grooves and monuments were dilapidated. I ensured they were upgraded through collaboration with the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission,” he said, citing the renovation of Ile Aje as a notable example.
Oba Ogunsanwo also addressed health-related concerns, particularly reports of maternal mortality in the community. While sympathizing with affected families, he clarified that only two cases were officially reported to him and the incident sadly occurred at the hospital. He appealed to the Lagos State Government to establish a General Hospital in Eredo LCDA, noting his earlier advocacy for this at a state economic planning forum. “We need a General Hospital in Eredo where our people will get access to health at low cost,” he urged.
Beyond crisis management, the Alara in an interview highlighted landmark achievements under his reign. “I’ve been responsible for the scholarship of seven students abroad who are now back as graduates,” he disclosed. “I’ve also given scholarships to six indigenous students at Augustine University, Ilara. Over ₦200 million was disbursed to our people during the 5th anniversary. We’re working with the Nigerian Immigration Service to establish a Passport Office here.”
He further mentioned the donation of an acre of land for the construction of the Ilara Model Primary School donated by Rotary International, adding that an 18-seater bus and subvention for the school was fully funded by him. He praised Rep. Wale Raji for facilitating the conversion of the town’s vocational centre into the Federal College of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, describing it as “equivalent to a polytechnic.”
Through partnerships with Senator Tokunbo Abiru, he secured two blocks of classrooms for UPE Primary School, Ilara, while ensuring the Eredo LCDA fenced the premises for students’ safety. He also revealed that a new Mother and Child Center is under construction through the efforts of the Senior Adviser to the President on SDGs.
On the international stage, Oba Ogunsanwo has embarked on ambassadorial missions to France, Brazil, Kenya, Uganda, Antigua, and Trinidad & Tobago to promote Ilara’s cultural and socio-economic ties.
In his parting shot, the Alara appealed once more for peace and dialogue. “We can’t allow external bodies with ulterior motives to divide us,” he cautioned. “We’ve put in place internal measures to resolve issues and prevent future occurrences. What binds us together as Ilara sons and daughters is far stronger than what divides us.”
