Titled chiefs elect new leaders

The Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs, a non-political association of honorary chiefs and prominent members of the Lagos community, has elected the Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Dr Kesington Adebutu, as its President and Chief Dr Opral Mason as the Vice President.

A statement on Thursday signed by the association’s General Secretary and Aare Onimo Ero of Lagos, Chief Olawumi Gasper, noted that Adebutu and the VP were unanimously elected at the association’s last regular meeting.

“This elevation was sequel to the peaceful transition of our most cherished immediate past President, Chief Dr Mrs Iyabode Muheenat Foresythe, Iya Abiye of Lagos which inevitable event occurred in February 2024,” it said.

The association appreciated the efforts of the founding fathers and past presidents of the association for using the association as a vehicle for promoting the development of the Lagos economy through its involvement in transforming the Lagos public and private sectors.

It identified notable past presidents of the association as: Chief Sir Dr Kofo Abayomi – Babasale of Lagos; Chief Abiola Akerele – Lisa of Lagos; Chief G B A Coker; Chief Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi – Mayegun of Lagos; Chief Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Asoju Oba, President (2012-2015); and Chief Dr Mrs Iyabode Foresythe – Iya Abiye, President (2015-2024).

The new president, Adebutu, thanked God for the privilege of being alive and available to serve at the leadership of notable men and women of Lagos.

“He accepted the elevation with pride and promised to give his best efforts to make members proud to have selected him. He further reaffirmed to hold dear this great position of trust and responsibility unanimously reposed in him by all the titled chiefs of Lagos. Adebutu specially recognised and acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for the support to the association and for his personal interest in the development of Lagos communities,” the statement added.

Last year, the association expressed concern over the increase in cases of attacks by traffic robbers in some parts of Lagos and especially at the traffic light junctions on the Island.

In a statement by Chief Gasper, the chiefs in September, 2023, also commended the launching of a Special Operation codenamed: “Operation Flush” by the state police command, targeted at curbing the high incidence of traffic robberies in Lagos metropolis.