Prof John Obafunwa, Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), has been installed as the Balogun of Ilara Kingdom in Epe Division, Lagos State.
Prof John Obafunwa, Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR),
The conferment was performed on Saturday by the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, at the palace grounds in Eredo-Epe.
Obafunwa expressed gratitude to Oba Ogunsanwo and the Ilara community for the recognition, promising to contribute his wealth of experience to the progress of the kingdom.
He noted that the title of Balogun symbolises courage, leadership, and service, and pledged to use his new role to further community development and youth empowerment.
In his remarks, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo said the conferment was part of efforts to bring reputable sons and daughters of Nigeria closer to the throne to support the growth of Ilara Kingdom.
The traditional ruler commended all recipients, urging them to remain committed to the ideals of service, integrity, and unity that their new titles represent.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted dignitaries from academia, politics, business, and the traditional institution, who gathered to witness the colourful ceremony.
Other prominent personalities honoured with chieftaincy titles include Mr Jelili Olayemi, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro, Amb. Oluwatoyin Lawal, Mrs Abiodun Lawal, and Dr Olanrewaju Obasa.
Also decorated were Chief Akinyele Oladeji, Mrs Toyin Oladeji, Mr Rotimi Edu, and Mrs Olayemi Edu.
See pictures below
