The historic town of Ijaye in Egbaland witnessed a grand celebration as Chief Lai Labode was officially installed as the Balogun of Ijaye land on Sunday.
The colourful ceremony drew dignitaries from across Ogun State and beyond, reflecting the significance of the title and the high esteem in which the new Balogun is held.
Representing the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi congratulated the newly installed Balogun.
Fagbayi praised Labode’s commitment to community development and cultural advancement.
“Today’s event is to felicitate with our brother, the new Balogun of Ijaye.
“His installation is a testament to his capability to move Ijaye, Egbaland, and Ogun State forward.
“He has been a strong partner with our ministry, especially in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. We pray that he continues to wax stronger in sound health, riches, and prosperity.”
Speaking with journalists, the newly installed Balogun of Ijaye, High Chief Lai Labode, expressed deep gratitude and outlined a visionary agenda for the future of Ijaye, Egbaland, and Africa.
“We are inspired by Kabiyesi, the Alake of Egbaland, who has continually urged all sons and daughters of Egba to return home and chart a new course for our land.
“Ijaye has always taken the lead in creating new firsts for Egbaland. When we do so, we also create firsts for Ogun State, for Nigeria, and indeed for Africa.”
Labode revealed ambitious plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy to spotlight Egbaland on the continental and global stage.
His words “The federal government is already enhancing the cultural heritage of Yoruba land, it’s is partnership that the federal government is doing with all state of the federation and we’re going to be working with the federal ministry of art and culture and creative economy to set the pace for a new time for Africa where Africa deserves to have at least the 500billion dollar fashion economy.
“Come 2026 Egbaliganza , in Egbaland, we would sign new chapter for Africa. There would be confederation of African fashion sign in Egbaland .The Nigerian fashion federation would be signed and we would establish the first fashion Olympics in the world so that quite a bit coming out from Ijaye, coming out from Egbaland and of course all of this is for Africa .
“For those who are conscious of how history would remember them, they’re more likely to behave better and give more when it comes to service of the community and that’s what Ijaye stands for and that’s what Egbaland stands for .”
In his goodwill address, the Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described Chief Labode as a man of industry and vision.
“I am proud to join others in celebrating my brother. His ascension as Balogun gives us renewed hope for the future of Egbaland. He believes strongly in our values, our culture, and the richness of the Egba identity.”
Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola, the Tayese of Egbaland, also congratulated Chief Labode and the entire Ijaye community.
“The reward for good is better than the reward for bad, encouraging parents to remain steadfast in good deeds for the sake of their children’s future.
“I congratulate the Balogun of Ijaye and assure you of my support in all ramifications.”
