Good governance, unity and community development took centre stage on Saturday as indigenes, traditional rulers, friends, associates and well-wishers converged in Epe to celebrate the 2nd year anniversary of Engr. (Chief) Adeshina Sheriffdeen Agbayo as the Baale of Alasia Lagbandu Community, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The colourful ceremony, held in Epe, was a testament to the widespread acceptance and appreciation of Baale Agbayo’s exemplary, purposeful and people-centred leadership, which has continued to attract development and promote unity in Alasia Lagbandu over the past two years.
Speaking while assessing the celebrant’s stewardship, Baale Olamodi, Chief Mondu Hassan, commended Chief Agbayo’s impact, noting that his presence and achievements were the major reasons for the large turnout.
> “His leadership is very good, and that is why we are all here today celebrating his laudable efforts. In the last two years, he has attracted the needed development to Alasia Lagbandu Community. He is doing what the people want, and I pray that God continues to uphold him,” he said.
Adding a personal touch, Mrs. Folakemi Kolade, a childhood friend and member of the Ogunmodede College, Epe ‘88 Set, described the Baale as a man destined for leadership.
> “We attended the same primary and secondary schools. Even then, he dressed like a king without knowing he would one day become a Baale. I congratulate him on his 2nd year anniversary and pray that Almighty Allah empowers him to be crowned king of Alasia Lagbandu Community soon. I also encourage him to remain steadfast in prayer and continue his good works,” she stated.
In his remarks, Mr. Seun Olofin described Baale Agbayo as a man of integrity.
> “He is truthful, accommodating and very supportive. I urge him to keep up his good deeds,” he said.
Also lending his voice, Chief Ologunlado Wasiu, the Baale of Oguntajowa, praised the celebrant’s character and humility.
> “Baale Adeshina Agbayo is a man well created by God and well refined by good character. He is humble, reliable and responsible. I thank God for granting him the grace to celebrate two years on the stool and pray that he celebrates many more years in good health and fulfilment,” he prayed.
Calling for further recognition, Chief Adeniyi Adesanya, the Ore Oba of Ladaba Kingdom, emphasized the Baale’s youth-friendly and unifying leadership.
> “Baale Agbayo has united his community in the last two years and has been very supportive of the youths. I appeal to the Lagos State Government to elevate him by crowning him as king, as he truly deserves it due to his commendable developmental efforts,” he said.
The celebrant’s wife, Mrs. Arike Agbayo, expressed deep gratitude and joy throughout the event.
> “My husband is a good husband, a responsible father and a caring, passionate community leader. I appreciate the people of Alasia Lagbandu for their continuous support and urge them to keep working with him to take the community to greater heights,” she said.
Similarly, the Baale’s brother, Mr. Yusuf Agbayo Opeyemi, described him as a man of courage and loyalty.
> “He is confident, generous, accommodating and loyal to higher authorities. He believes nothing is impossible. I advise all indigenes and residents to continue giving him maximum support until he becomes king and transforms Alasia Lagbandu completely,” he asserted.
In his address, the celebrant, Engr. (Chief) Adeshina Sheriffdeen Agbayo, expressed profound gratitude to God and to revered traditional rulers, including the Oloja of Epe Land, HRM Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun (Arolugbade), and the Onilada of Ladaba Kingdom, HRM Oba Nureni Ebudola Alugbin, for their unwavering support.
Reflecting on his journey, Baale Agbayo acknowledged challenges encountered during his reign, including a legal battle initiated by some non-indigenes.
> “Though the journey was rough, the truth prevailed. The court declared me the bonafide son of the soil and rightful Baale of Alasia Lagbandu Community,” he stated.
He also thanked guests who travelled from far and near, including friends from Sweden and members of the Reformed Ogboni Confraternity, for honouring the celebration.
Calling for unity and reconciliation, the Baale urged residents to move forward together.
> “Let us forget the ugly past and be united. My reign has already witnessed development, including better roads and increased investor interest. In the next five years, I envision Alasia Lagbandu being confidently compared to Victoria Island. Our unity, love and togetherness are what will make this dream a reality,” he concluded.
The event ended on a high note, reinforcing the community’s collective confidence in Baale Agbayo’s leadership and their shared hope for a more prosperous and united Alasia Lagbandu Community.
