Oba Semiudeen Kasali Kicks Off 10th Anniversary with Free JAMB Prep for 500 Lagos Students

Oba Semiudeen Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, has officially launched a series of events to commemorate his 10th year on the throne, beginning with a complimentary Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) preparatory programme for 500 Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3) students. This educational initiative is a central feature of the week-long celebration, which was publicly announced on Saturday at the monarch's palace located in Igbogbo, within the Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. During the announcement, various community leaders and residents lauded Oba Kasali for his significant impact on peace, infrastructural growth, and overall community advancement throughout his ten-year reign.

Adesegun Ogunlewe, who chairs the Central Planning Committee for the anniversary, formally presented the details of the week-long festivities at a press conference. Oba Kasali, a distinguished legal professional from the Emugoriade Branch of the Ijaolu Ruling House, officially became the Adeboruwa on July 25, 2016.

During his address at the briefing, Mr. Ogunlewe, a former Head of Service for Lagos State, characterized the milestone as marking “a decade of purposeful and impactful leadership” that has brought about significant transformation within the kingdom. He further stated, “This 10th anniversary is a recognition and celebration of a decade of Kabiyesi’s achievements in ensuring that Igbogbo receives quality attention, impactful social amenities and projects that have improved the overall well-being of our people and brought peace, progress and prosperity to the Igbogbo Kingdom.”

He confirmed that the anniversary events had already started with the monarch-funded free JAMB CBT training for 500 SSS 3 students. Mr. Ogunlewe also outlined other activities planned for the commemorative period, which include traditional prayers scheduled for July 19th; a medical outreach, a rally to raise awareness against sexual and gender-based violence, and a novelty football match, all slated for July 20th. Additionally, July 21st will feature the distribution of palliatives, visits to local orphanage homes, a public lecture, and various sporting engagements.

Representing the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area, Hammed Aroyewun, the Vice Chairman, Ade Ayeni, highlighted that Oba Kasali’s leadership style, which emphasizes inclusivity, has significantly contributed to fostering peaceful coexistence and rapid development within the community.

In his commendation of the royal father, Mr. Ayeni characterized Oba Kasali as an approachable and modest monarch. He remarked, “If you look around, you will find that there are many people who are not indigenes of this town but have chosen to make it their home and are doing well here. Great communities are built on collaboration and peaceful coexistence between indigenes and settlers. A welcoming society attracts diverse ideas that translate into development. You cannot imagine how welcoming our royal father is. He listens to ideas and is always ready to support initiatives that will move Igbogbo forward. What we are celebrating today is a reflection of his humility, knowledge, spirit of service and compassion for the people.”

Ayeni further acknowledged the monarch’s role in backing initiatives aimed at combating crime and various security concerns within the community. He added, “In Igbogbo today, we are stamping out crime, land grabbing and other criminalities. The king has brought his knowledge to bear in ensuring that this town continues to be projected positively.”

High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, the Odofin of Igbogbo Kingdom, also spoke, crediting the enduring peace experienced in the kingdom over the last ten years to Oba Kasali's collaborative leadership approach. Chief Onasanya further mentioned that the monarch played a crucial role in formalizing the appointment of nine traditional chiefs into the kingdom’s chieftaincy hierarchy. He stated, “For the past 10 years, there has not been any crisis beyond control. The king listens to counsel. Whenever issues arise, we deliberate collectively and he respects our decisions. He has made tremendous impacts since ascending the throne.”

Babatunde Afowape, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, concluded the briefing by emphasizing that the anniversary celebrations would provide a platform for stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to the ongoing progress and development of the Igbogbo Kingdom.