1st September, 2023
The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has paid a visit to Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Aremu Akiolu 1, seeking his support for the union’s programmes on education, urban regeneration, culture and health.
IDU, established as far back as 1939 to secure a better future for sons and daughters of Isale-Eko origin, observed infrastructure deficit in the indigenous community, thereby calling upon the State government to address the infrastructure deficit in the area.
The Chairman of IDU, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (SAN) made the observation recently when the newly inaugurated members of IDU’s executive committee paid courtesy visit to Akiolu in Iga Idunganran, the traditional residence of the Lagos monarch.
Other members of IDU’s executive committee on the visit include its Vice Chairman, Mr. Aderemi Bashua SAN; General Secretary, Prince Adewale Ojora; Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Dale Ajayi-Bembe; Welfare Secretary, Mr. Yomi Suenu and Chairman-designate of the IDU Culture Committee, Mr. Akinwale Irokosu.
Alongside the monarch, who is also the patron of the union, several white cap chiefs led by the Olori Oloye and Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Ajose, equally attended the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Kazeem acknowledged His Royal Majesty for his leadership and sought his support for the union’s programmes on education, urban regeneration, culture and health.
Kazeem, also former Attorney-General of Lagos State, observed that Isale Eko was in dire need of attention as its roads were collapsing due to poor drainage, flooding and poor sanitation.
Welcoming IDU’s new executives to his palace, Akiolu advised them to work closely with the state and local governments as well as other stakeholders to address the poor sanitary conditions in the Isale Eko community.
Akiolu, also Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, emphasised the significance of improving the environment while stating his fear of an epidemic of the level experienced in 1918, if the issue of the environment is not addressed.
The monarch, who will turn 80 on October 29, directed that IDU should be the coordinating and umbrella body for all the various Indigenous groups in the community so they can speak with one strong voice.
He paid glowing tribute to the exemplary work of former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and President of the International Court of Justice, late Prof. Teslim Olawale Elias, GCON, who pioneered the Union’s scholarship Fund in 1972.
He explained how the late jurist set up the Fund, then as Isale-Eko Descendants Scholarship Fund Committee, to support the indigenous people of Lagos and guarantee a befitting status for them socially, intellectually and politically.
He urged IDU’s newly inaugurated executives to follow the footsteps of the late jurist, admonishing them to use their position for the promotion of its goals and objectives only and not extraneous issues.
The monarch prayed for the new executives, urging them to discharge their duties in fear of God and work actively for the betterment of the community.