Onikate To Honour Lagos Businessman Rilwan Bamgbala With Okanlomo Title

The Onikate of Ikate Surulere, Oba Lateef Atanda Adams, has announced the conferment of a traditional chieftaincy title on businessman and hospitality operator Rilwan Bamgbala. His wife, Mrs. Oluwadamilola Bamgbala, will also be honoured as Yeye Okanlomo Ikate Surulere.

The announcement was made to commemorate the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.

The installation ceremony is scheduled to hold at the Ikate Surulere palace on July 22, 2026. Other deserving individuals will also be conferred with titles during the event.

Oba Adams disclosed that Bamgbala was nominated for the title of Okanlomo in recognition of his contributions to the development of Surulere and his role in creating employment opportunities for residents.

The monarch noted that Bamgbala operates hospitality businesses within the community.

The Oba, who was a prominent fashion entrepreneur before ascending the throne as founder and chairman of Latris Fashion, said the council approved the conferment because Bamgbala is a worthy ambassador of Surulere and an example of youth enterprise.

The Okanlomo title translates to “the beloved child of the community” or “one who brings joy to the community.”

Bamgbala is known for hospitality businesses in Surulere, including Blueroom Lounge, as well as Rilskip Investment Ltd and Reality Inn Ltd.

According to the palace, the businesses provide entertainment and employment for youths in the area.

Bamgbala was recently appointed as Director for Special Duties in the Lagos State chapter of the CityBoy Movement. He also runs the Rilwan Bamgbala Foundation, which supports community initiatives and assistance to those in need.

As part of activities marking his 10th coronation anniversary on July 23, Oba Adams said he remains committed to community development.

During the anniversary period, the palace organised empowerment programmes that included the distribution of work tools such as industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, modern hairdryers and deep freezers to residents to support small businesses.

The monarch stated that the conferment of chieftaincy titles is part of his broader vision to recognise individuals who contribute to the growth of Ikate Surulere.

The July 22 installation is expected to bring together traditional rulers, business leaders, political figures and community members for a celebration of community leadership and royal tradition.

Bamgbala and his wife will be installed alongside other honourees in what the palace described as a celebration of service to the community.

The recognition highlights the role of young entrepreneurs in driving local economic growth and job creation in Lagos.