MICHAEL AKINOLA
The atmosphere at the Community Primary school in Isheri Olofin, Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, changed to excitement following the grand entry of Prince Idris Balogun, popularly known as Olu’omo Kafayat, during the coronation of Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello as the new Oba of Isheri Olofin Kingdom.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the guests and indigenes were excited when the master of the ceremony sighted Oluomo and his entourage and then announced it as he moved majestically with the traditional talking drums dancing to greet some of the Obas and guests present at the event.
The shouts of Oluomo Kafayat rented the air and some were heard shouting “The incoming” possibly linked to his intention to contest for the Egbe/Idimu LCDA Chairmanship, which is on course.
The crowd that accompanied Oluomo to the event was massive to the extent that another arrangement was made for more chairs to accommodate them as some said they accompanied Oluomo to the event because of the love they have for him.
The coronation of Oba Lawal-Bello on Sunday, 20th April, 2025, attracted many dignitaries from across the State. Some of the dignataries included Lagos State Government top officials, representatives of the Ministry from the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Party leaders and Chieftains of the APC accross the State, Chairman of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, indigenes, friends and well wishers including other ethnic groups.
HRM Oba Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello, is a prominent figure in Egbe-Idimu LCDA in Alimosho LGA. Born on 13th June, 1987, in Isheri-Olofin, he hails from the Bello Compound Ilumore Royal Family of the Olanwa Ruling House.
He attended Gateway Nursery & Primary School Isheri-Olofin, LTB Nursery & Primary School Aboru, Iyana-Ipaja Lagos, before later proceeding to Foldemi Private College Abaranje Road in Ikotun and finally completed his secondary school education at St Francis Catholic Secondary School, Isheri-Olofin. He furthered his education and studied Chemical & Petroleum Engineering at the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka.
Oba Lawal-Bello is a sports lover, particularly football, which led him to become a certified FIFA Licensed Football Intermediary. He is also the chairman of Bucknor Football Club, Alimosho, Lagos State, which has achieved significant success, including becoming the current champion of Ikeja Divisional Football Association Super League.
Aside from his sports endeavours, Oba Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello is an industrious personality, who owns Bucknor Logistics Company and Ola Bucknor Nigeria Enterprises. His humanitarian and selfless services to the community have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Alimosho “Sports Ambassador of the year 2021” and the Alimosho Hero of the Year Accolades Award 2022 and other awards.
His ascension to the throne of Isheri Olofin Kingdom was not an easy ride for him because it was marred by controversy and heated debates among concerned stakeholders, questioning his eligibility and character. At the end, the matter was resolved, thus his coronation.
Despite the initial challenges, Oba Lawal-Bello is committed to his new role and has expressed his determination to work towards the betterment of the kingdom and its people. He has also pledged to work tirelessly to promote peace, prosperity, tradition and development in Isheri Olofin Kingdom.
There were beautiful display of traditional dances and music led by top musician, popularly known as Ayinde.