Lagos, Nigeria – The Palace of the Oba of Lagos has officially announced the ascension of Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa as the new Onisemo of Lagos, marking a historic moment for the cultural and traditional life of Isale Eko and Lagos Island.
The confirmation, published in an official Lagos State Government gazette, was issued under the authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos.
Chief Oluwa’s elevation to the revered White Cap Chiefs marks what many describe as a symbolic return to the ancestral throne, entrusting him with the duty of preserving the cherished traditions of Lagos, strengthening communal bonds, and serving as a bridge between generations.
In a heartfelt congratulatory message, Ayoola R. Lawal Odunewu (O’LRA), former National Chairman of APC Scandinavia and former Secretary of the Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen, described the development as “timely, historic, and well deserved.”
“Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa’s ascension is more than a personal honour, it is a blessing to our entire family, to the people of Isale Eko, to Lagos Island, and indeed to Lagos State as a whole,” Lawal-Odunewu said. “His reign will strengthen our cultural heritage, deepen community bonds, and inspire generations to come.” He urged all branches of the Onisemo family, traditional leaders, elders, and members of the Lagos Island community to rally behind Chief Oluwa, ensuring his reign is marked by peace, unity, and progress.
Lawal-Odunewu, a respected APC diaspora chieftain, also pledged his continued support for the new Onisemo in safeguarding the dignity of the office and contributing to social harmony and development across Lagos.
Observers say Chief Oluwa’s ascension highlights the enduring importance of Lagos’s traditional institutions, which continue to complement modern governance by protecting identity, heritage, and unity. Cultural historians have similarly hailed the occasion as a testament to the city’s rich and evolving traditions, reminding Lagosians at home and abroad of their shared legacy as custodians of a unique cosmopolitan heritage. With his confirmation, Chief Oluwa joins the distinguished circle of Lagos’s traditional rulers whose roles go beyond ceremony, anchoring the cultural pride and resilience of one of Africa’s most vibrant cities.
Lawal-Odunewu, a respected APC diaspora chieftain, former National Chairman of APC Scandinavia and former Secretary of the Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen currently based in sweden
