…Elesugbon, Oba Hassan, Charges Royal Titleholders to Sustain Commitment to Community Development
By Tessy Otene
IJEBU-IMUSHIN, OGUN STATE — Tradition, royalty and elegance took centre stage on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as Comrade (High Chief) Akeem Olatunji Ambali FCPA and his wife, Chief Mrs. Abolanle Ambali, were installed as the Aare Onakakanfo and Yeye Kakanfo of Esugbon Land, respectively.
The colourful installation ceremony, held at the Obaruwa Court, Esugbon, Ijebu-Imushin, was performed by His Royal Majesty, Oba Professor Amusat Titilayo Hassan, Obaruwa I, the Elesugbon of Esugbon Land.
The occasion attracted an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, cultural custodians, labour leaders, community stakeholders, family members, friends and well-wishers, who added glamour and grandeur to the historic celebration.
Oba Hassan Highlights Ambali’s Contributions
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Hassan disclosed that the title had initially been conferred on Ambali in 2014 by the late monarch, who was his brother.
However, he explained that Ambali had appealed to the traditional ruler to defer his formal installation until after his retirement from public service, noting that the prestigious title required adequate time and commitment.
The monarch commended the newly installed Aare Onakakanfo for his dedication to workers’ welfare and community development, describing his sacrifices and contributions as deserving of the honour.
He urged Ambali to sustain his record of service and continue making meaningful contributions to society.
Oba Hassan also offered prayers for divine grace, strength and wisdom for Ambali and his wife as they assumed their new traditional responsibilities.
Ambali Describes Title as Rare and Prestigious
In his response, the newly installed Aare Onakakanfo described the title as a distinguished traditional honour reserved for a select few.
Explaining its significance, Ambali said Aare Onakakanfo means a generalissimo of war, a title historically associated with military leadership, courage and authority in Yorubaland.
He cited distinguished historical and public figures, including the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and the renowned Yoruba warrior Afonja Kurunmi, Yoruba cultural activities, Iba Gani Adams, among notable personalities associated with the prestigious title.
Ambali expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him the grace to witness the occasion and thanked Oba Hassan for finding him and his wife worthy of the traditional honours.
“I want to thank Almighty God, who gave me the grace, and the Elesugbon of Esugbon Land, Oba Professor Amusat Titilayo Hassan, for finding us worthy of these prestigious titles,” he said.
Ambali Appreciates Traditional Rulers, Labour Leaders, Others
The new Aare Onakakanfo expressed profound appreciation to the 45 traditional rulers from Ijebu and Remo land who attended the ceremony, alongside members of the council of chiefs, baales and other dignitaries.
He particularly acknowledged the presence and support of Mr Solomon and Mrs Theresa Otene; the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), led by its National President, Comrade Aliyu Haruna Kankara; the National Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and representatives of the Ogun State NLC.
Others recognised included the Ogun State chapter of NULGE; the Oyo State chapter, led by Comrade Ayobami Adeogun; NULGE Delta State; members of NULGE across the country; WOPU; Ijebu Club; and members of the labour movement.
Ambali also acknowledged his maternal family, led by Oba Anthony Kayode Alakija, the Ambali family, friends and well-wishers for their financial, moral, spiritual and physical support, which contributed to the success of the ceremony.
He concluded by wishing all guests safe journeys back to their respective destinations.
A Distinguished Career in Labour Administration
Comrade (High Chief) Akeem Olatunji Ambali is the immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and a former National Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), among other notable positions.
His installation, alongside his wife, as Aare Onakakanfo and Yeye Kakanfo of Esugbon Land marks a significant milestone in their relationship with the traditional institution and the wider Esugbon community.
The ceremony also underscored the enduring relationship between traditional institutions, community development and public service, with the newly installed titleholders expected to bring their experience, influence and commitment to bear on the development of Esugbon Land.
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