•As BAADA Of OTTA, Awori Kingdom
The name Lawal Quadri Adewale Obawole might not immediately ring a bell in an everyday setting, but he is one of Nigerias pride in the diaspora. He is one of those hardworking individuals who are helping to put the country on the global spotlight through his commendable service to humanity. Described as a man of many parts, this young and dynamic personality is currently serving in the United States Army. He is an American citizen but unlike most Nigerians who very conveniently forget their roots once they achieve such status, High Chief Quadri Adewale Lawal Obawole is passionate about his Nigerian heritage. He is proud of his Awori roots. This is why he did not give it a second thought when his family approached him to accept the title of Baada of Otta Aworiland. His late father was also the Osi Baada of Otta Awori Kingdom before he joined his ancestors and he was impressed by the way his father conducted himself and rendered himself to the people while he was alive.
Few weeks ago, was celebration galore on the 7th of January, 2023, as High Chief Lawal Quadri Adewale Obawole celebrated a year anniversary as the Baada of Otta Awori Kingdom in Otta Ogun State. It was a very glamorous and colourful event.
ARRIVAL OF GUESTS
The guests who came from far and near had started storming the venue by 11am, all well dressed and making their unique style statements. The arrival of guests was colorful and fun to see, worthy of note was the arrival of top dignitaries such as many Chiefs of Awori and Ifako Council of Obas who were present. The celebrant stormed the venue with his powerful entourage as he rode majestically on his horse that was beautifully adorned with different beads and colorful ornaments. He was accompanied by the head of late Lamidi Obawole linage’s first son High Chief Lasisi Obawole (Asiwaju of Ifako Ijaiye land in Lagos State) and his sibling’s, chiefs and royal guards alongside his beautiful wife, Olori Silifat Lawal. He and his wife were ushered in and shown their specially designed seats where he sat with his beautiful Olori beside him. The Olu of Agege Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba and Olu of Itori Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo and a long list of other royal fathers and many top celebrities were present.
HOW THE EVENT WENT
The party was held at the popular event centre Shield Convention Centre Otta, Obafemi Awolowo Way (Ogba sanbe) Osi quarters, Otta Ogun State. Prior to the commencement of the 1st anniversary party, reputable Islamic clerics held an opening prayer session, seeking for Allah’s mercy on the celebrant’s late parents and also prayed for those left behind that God should continue to uphold them.
WHO DID WHAT
Cool songs were played by DJ Culture (Adewale Jamiu Lawal) who was on the wheels of steel. He entertained the guests before the MCs Dayo Amusan of Faji Fm, ATM and Olororo took over the microphone as they introduced the guests to the high table and also welcomed and recognized the kings, chiefs and the dignitaries that were present at the occasion. The MCs made sure the guests were carried along with their displays, jokes and series of interesting questions were asked in other to make the event a lively one.
THE GRAND ENTRY OF OBA PROFESSOR ADEYEMI ABDULKABIR OBALENLEGE, EKUN II, AROLE IGANMODE
Storming the venue of the event, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdulkabir drove in a white classy Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). His convoy was led by security aides dressed in white. The lenlege himself is an epitome of fashion. Everything about him depicts royalty and that is who he is. At the point of his arrival, drummers and the Ewi chanters came around to welcome him to the 1st anniversary party of High Chief Lawal Quadri Adewale Obawole, someone he never takes for granted. Others also joined to welcome the king to the occasion. It was indeed a grand reception for him, The Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom spoke about the importance of the occasion and how the celebrant has taken the chieftaincy position of Baada of Otta to another level and he prayed for his success.
WHEN THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE ENGR. MRS NAIMOT SALAKO OYEDELE STORMED THE PARTY
At about few minutes past 5pm, Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor State, Mrs. Naimot Salako Oyedele, stormed the venue of the party. Her arrival was greeted with excitement by all and sundry. They gave her a warm reception while she moved round the hall to exchange pleasantries with the royal fathers, celebrities and politicians seated. As she moved round, a resounding standing ovation was given her. The venue then turned to a political rally ground as many of her followers and party members began singing for her, thanking her for transforming Awori kingdom and the entire state and pledging to support His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun on his second term bid. The musician on stage Alhaji Shefiu Alao also helped amplify what the people were saying as he sang to praise her. After that, she was called to the stage as the Chairman of the occasion. She gave her welcome address and thanked and encouraged all sons and daughter of Aworiland both home and abroad to emulate the spirit of selfless service to humanity.
THE CELEBRANT’S SPEECH
The celebrant and wife were dressed in radiant cartoon color classy Aso-Oke designed by Lateef Saliu Outfits. This attaire not only suited the event, it also suited the Baada of Otta and the Olori so well. Baada of Otta thanked the deputy governor Engr. Naimot Oyedele for making time out of her tight schedule to attend the event. He also thanked the Olota of Ota for his fatherly role and the entire council of chiefs present for gracing the event and the planning committee members, sponsors both home and abroad for the success of the event.
The African fuji export Alhaji Dr. Shefiu Alao (Baba Oko) mounted the stage at 6pm and held the guests spell bound. The cheering crowd got more than enough of his sonorous voice and songs that were filled with wisdom and knowledge. He proved that he is a true born Egba son. His performance spiced up the evening as the royal fathers got up to dance to his songs.
DIASPORA STOLE
THE SHOW
At a point during the party, Baada of Otta and his Olori changed their clothes to white attaire to dance with his diaspora friends on white Agbada, Alhaji Shefiu Alao dazzled with lovely lyrics and songs, it was indeed, a big and glamorous party and later on other celebrities joined them on stage with family members as they showered them with their love and support. It was a memorable event that will be talked about by Otta Awori people for a very long time.
OTHER DIGNITARIES PRESENT &
SPONSORS WERE
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State Engr. Mrs Naimot Salako Oyedele. The royal fathers at the event were Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalenlege the Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom, the olu of Itori Oba Abdulfatai Akorede Akamo, The Olu of Agege Oba Kamila Oyedeji Isiba, Olu Yana of Iyana Oba Oluwasegun Clement, Representative from Iba Aare Gani Adams Chief Fagbayi Victor, Baale Ilu Irepo, Baale of Agagan High Chief Jelili Awelorun, Representative Onifako of Ifako (Otun of Ifako) High Chief Olufemi Fatai Osuro, High Chief Lasisi Obawole (Asiwaju of Ifako Ijaiye in Lagos State) Chief Mrs Titalayo Mama TEE (Iya Laje of Ifako Ijaiye), Vice Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Mrs Toyin Akerele Awoniyi, Honourable Member of Assembly representing Ifako Ijaiye 2 Hon. Rasheed Lanre Makinde, Hon. Councillor representing Ward B Ifako Ijaiye Local Govt Oluwole Solola (Okito), Alhaji Safejo Amama, The Chairman Branch A Lagos State Park Management Pen Cinema Mr Ahmed Tella (Aboki Agege) P. A. to the Branch Chairman, Mr Taofeek Abati, The planning Committee Chairman Chief Ibrahim Obawole Lawal Olori Odo of Ifako Ijaiye, Mr Yinka Solola, Yeyeluwa Alice Eniola (Coordinator Diaspora Committee), Mr Fatai Ikotun, Alhaji Chief Akeem Adeoye, Mr Waliu Bashir, Mr Sulaiman shonibare, Mrs Ganiyat Abiola, Mr Adelani Lasisi, Mr Anjorin Wale, Mr Lateef Salau, Mr Lukman Lasisi, Mrs Funmi Onanuga, Mr Kazeem Jimoh, Mr Jeleel Bello, Mr Ibrahim Odubanjo, Mr Bernard Onuah, Mr Adedamola Oluwa, Mr Jeleel Moshood, Mr Lateef Saliu, Prince Alagbe Yusuf,Kiki Gold, Mrs Modupe Adekunle, Iya Onala, Mr Agaga Sunday, Mr Eniola Mujeeb, Mr Azeez Oloye, Mr Bashir Waliu Adeolu, Mr Femi Adekunle, Mr Gbenga Alokun, Mr Ahmed Atolagbe, Mr Farooq Popoola, Mrs Olasumnbo Soyemi, Prince Babatunde Adekunle, Chief Saheed Olushi, Arike Alamala, Mr Lawal Lukman and so on.
Planning Committee
Ibrahim Lawal – Chairman CPC, Ganiyat Abiola – Secretary, Adelani Lasisi – Member, Wale Anjorin – Member, Lateef Salau – Member, Ademola Jamiu Lawal – Member, Lukman Lasisi – Member, Yinka Solola – Member, Yeyeluwa Alice Eniola – Coordinator Diaspora, Funmi Onanuga – Member, Kazeem Jimoh – Member.
