Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II
His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II (born 24 July 1970), is the 15th Oniru of Iruland. He is from the Ojora, Aromire, Shokun and Abisogun branch of the Oniru royal families of Lagos State.
He ascended the throne on 7 June 2020, following the death of Oba Idowu Oniru (Akiogun II) in September 2019. Prior to his enthronement, he was the Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State.
Early Life and Education
Oba Lawal was born on 24 July 1970 to Chief Taoreed Lawal Akapo (Ojora of Lagos, 1977–1993) and Olori Muinat Olabisi Abeni Ajasa.
- Primary Education: Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebute-Ero (1976–1982)
- Secondary Education: St. Gregory College, Ikoyi (1982–1987)
- Tertiary Education:
- B.Sc. in Botany, University of Port Harcourt (1988–1992)
- M.Sc. in Violence, Conflict and Development, SOAS, University of London
- Executive M.Sc. in Cities, London School of Economics (2020)
He has taken several executive and professional development programs: - World Bank Institute: Labor Market Policy (2010) - Harvard Kennedy School: National & International Security (2006) - ECAPS, Cambridge: Public-Private Partnerships (2011) - Wharton School, UPenn: - Housing Finance (2015) - Advanced Management Programme (2018)
Career
- 1992–1993: National Youth Service at Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja
- 1994–1996: Raw Materials Research and Development Council
- 1996–2008: Nigeria Police Force, retired as Superintendent of Police
Public Service: - 1999–2007: Aide-de-Camp/Escort Commander to Governor Bola Tinubu - 2008–2011: Senior Special Assistant (Special Projects) to Governor Babatunde Fashola - 2011–2015: Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lagos State - 2015–2019: Commissioner for Housing, Lagos State (under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode) - 2019–2020: Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State (under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu)
Selection and Coronation as Oniru
After the passing of Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru (Akiogun II) in September 2019, the selection process for a new Oniru began.
Other contenders:
- Prince Hakeem Ajasa (CSO to Femi Gbajabiamila, from Abisogun house)
- Aremo Adesegun Oniru (first son of the late Oba, former Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure)
Selection Date: 5 June 2020
- Official Presentation: 7 June 2020, by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
- Traditional rites: 3-month immersion in Iruland customs
- Coronation: 6 September 2020, Iru Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos
Dignitaries Present:
- Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ooni of Ife)
- Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III)
- Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Sanwo-Olu