Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh’s Grand Odo-Nla Homecoming Renews Calls for Coronation

The ancient and industrious community of Odo-Nla in Ikorodu, Lagos State, stood still in celebration last week as Oba-Elect, Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh (Fuwagbade IV), made a historic homecoming visit that drew an unprecedented outpouring of love, solidarity and emotion from the people.

From the bustling Odo-Nla Roundabout into the heart of the town, residents lined the streets in their hundreds, waving, singing and dancing in joyous anticipation of their King-Elect’s arrival.

Apepe traditional drummers, vibrant cultural troupes and the revered Igunnuko deity, also known as Eso, together with worshippers, filled the air with rhythm and colour, creating a spectacle that momentarily brought traffic to a halt.

The overwhelming turnout compelled the long royal convoy to slow to a stop, after which the Oba-Elect humbly stepped down to walk among his people — a symbolic gesture that further endeared him to the community.

Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, the Ikorodu North market women turned out in large numbers to accord the Oba-Elect a royal welcome.

Clad in colourful traditional attire, they rendered melodious songs of praise and solidarity, extolling his virtues and expressing unwavering support for his emergence. Their presence and spirited performances further underscored the depth of acceptance and enthusiasm that greeted his return.

The visit commenced with homage at the sculpture of the revered progenitor, Oba Odeyemi Adeesho, where prayers were offered in honour of the ancestors who laid the foundation of Odo-Nla’s proud heritage.

The Oba-Elect then proceeded through key quarters of the town, including the Ajafote Shrine, Ijinla Traditional Fraternity Quarters (Awo-Opa), Ogun Ijasi Shrine, also known as Ogun Ilu, and the Igunnuko Traditional Worshippers’ Shrine, warmly greeting residents in a spirit of unity and kinship.

He also paid homage at the Iledi Osugbo Abalaye — the revered traditional spiritual institution of the people. On his way to the Odo-Nla Community Town Hall, the palace grounds came alive as groups of Odo-Nla footballers prostrated in traditional reverence to greet the Oba-Elect, who warmly blessed them in return.

At Odo-Nla Community Primary School, pupils and teachers received him with uncontainable excitement. The joy of the children, who eagerly welcomed their King-Elect, stood out as one of the most heart-warming highlights of the day.

In a further demonstration of compassion and leadership, Prince Olowolekomoh visited the Odo-Nla Primary Health Centre, offering prayers for patients and words of encouragement to medical personnel on duty. The solemn interaction underscored his commitment to the wellbeing and welfare of his people.

The homecoming culminated in a grand reception at the Odo-Nla Town Hall, which was filled to capacity, with an even larger crowd gathered outside. The atmosphere was peaceful yet electrifying — a powerful reflection of the unity and shared aspiration of the Odo-Nla people.

During the event, community leaders and residents renewed their heartfelt call for the formal coronation of Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh, affirming that the people have spoken with one voice in choosing their monarch. They passionately appealed to the appropriate traditional authorities to honour the will of the people and complete all necessary processes for his installation as the duly recognised Oba of Odo-Nla.

Amid ongoing legal and traditional considerations surrounding the stool, the people expressed deep sympathy for the Oba-Elect, acknowledging the patience, dignity and restraint he has demonstrated throughout the process. Many described him as a unifying figure who has continued to pursue peace and respect for tradition, even in moments of challenge.

It is noteworthy that despite contestations surrounding the throne, Prince Olowolekomoh has consistently shown respect to community leaders, including Otunba Olanrewaju Afuwape, emphasising that his emergence was not self-imposed but the result of due traditional processes and overwhelming community support.

In a personally signed “Appreciation Message to the Good People of Odo-Nla,” the Oba-Elect expressed profound gratitude:

“With a heart filled with gratitude and deep reverence, I extend my profound appreciation to the entire people of Odo-Nla Community — both indigenes and non-indigenes — for the overwhelming love, honour, and hospitality shown to me and my entourage during my official courtesy visit.”

He described the reception as historic and deeply moving, noting that the unity displayed by the Omoba Meta Royal Family, community elders, youths, women and stakeholders reaffirmed his commitment to serve with humility, honesty and dedication.

“The massive turnout, peaceful coordination, and genuine goodwill displayed throughout the day truly reflected the strength, dignity and unity of Odo-Nla,” he stated, adding, “May peace, progress and prosperity continually reign in Odo-Nla.”

Across Odo-Nla, the mood remains one of hopeful anticipation. Many residents say the homecoming was more than a celebration — it was a declaration of identity, heritage and collective will.

As the community awaits the final steps toward his coronation, heartfelt prayers and expressions of solidarity continue to pour in for Oba-Elect Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh and the resilient people of Odo-Nla, whose unity and steadfast faith in their chosen monarch remain unshaken.

For Odo-Nla, the message is clear: their King has come home — and the people stand firmly with him.