Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal
Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 24, 1970 |
| Occupation(s) | Traditional ruler, former Lagos State Commissioner |
| Known for | 15th Oniru of Iruland |
His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II (born 24 July 1970) serves as the 15th Oniru of Iruland. He is a descendant of the late Chief Taoreed Lawal Akapo, who held the title Ojora of Lagos from 1977 to 1993, and Olori Muinat Olabisi Abeni Ajasa. His lineage connects him to the Ojora, Aromire, Shokun, and Abisogun branches within the Oniru royal dynasties of Lagos State. Oba Lawal was installed as the 15th Oniru on 7 June 2020, following the passing of Oba Idowu Oniru (Akiogun II) in September 2019. On the day of his appointment, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu formally presented him with the staff of office. Prior to his ascension to the throne, he held the position of Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture.
Early life and education
Oba Wasiu Gbolahan was born on 24 July 1970 to Chief Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, Ojora of Lagos (1977–1993), and Alhaja Muinat Olabisi Abeni Ajasa Lawal-Akapo. His early education took place at Holy Trinity Primary School Ebute-Ero from 1976 to 1982, followed by secondary studies at St. Gregory College Ikoyi between 1982 and 1987, where he earned his Ordinary Level Certificate under the West African Examinations Council. He pursued higher education at the University of Port Harcourt, obtaining a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Botany from 1988 to 1992.
Furthering his academic credentials, he acquired a Master’s degree in Violence, Conflict and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies. In 2020, he completed an Executive MSc in Cities at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His executive training includes a World Bank course on Labor Market Policy (2010), participation in Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives program (2006), and coursework on Public-Private Partnership strategies at ECAPS, Cambridge (2011). Additionally, he attended specialized programs at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania focused on Housing Finance (2015) and an Advanced Management Programme (2018).
Career
Between October 1992 and September 1993, he fulfilled his National Youth Service Corps obligation at the Federal Capital Development Authority in Abuja. From July 1994 until July 1996, he was employed by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council under Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. In August 1996, he entered the Nigeria Police Force as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and eventually retired as a Superintendent in October 2008.
In June 1999, he took on the role of Aide-de-camp/Escort Commander to Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, serving until 2007. Subsequently, from December 2008 through July 2011, he acted as Senior Special Assistant (Special Projects) to Governor Babatunde Fashola. Following this tenure, he was appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives in July 2011. Under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration starting in 2015, he transitioned to serve as Commissioner for Housing. Most recently, from August 2019 until June 2020, he resumed duties as Commissioner for Agriculture under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Selection and coronation
The demise of the 14th Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru (Akiogun II), in September 2019 initiated the traditional process for choosing his successor. According to custom, this selection begins forty-one days after the monarch’s death. Candidates from royal lineages were evaluated; ultimately, Prince Gbolahan Abdulwasiu Lawal was appointed as the new Oniru. Other aspirants included Prince Hakeem Ajasa—a police officer serving as Chief Security Officer to the Speaker of the House of Representatives—and Aremo Adesegun Oniru, who formerly held office as Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure in Lagos State. Notably, Hakeem Ajasa belongs to the Abisogun family line while Adesegun Oniru is recognized as the eldest son of the late monarch.
On 5 June 2020, Abdulwasiu Omogbbolahan Lawal was officially confirmed as King. His investiture occurred on 7 June when Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented him with his staff of office, solidifying his status as Iruland’s 15th Oniru. Subsequently, Oba Lawal underwent a customary three-month period of seclusion prior to formal coronation.
The coronation ceremony was held on 6 September 2020 at Iru Palace located in Victoria Island, Lagos. Distinguished guests included Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), Ooni of Ife; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III); APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; along with Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat representing Governor Sanwo-Olu. The occasion underscored themes of harmony and solidarity within Iruland under their new sovereign’s leadership.