The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Engr.) Abiola Okanlawon Olowu, Okl, FNSE, has joined royal fathers, chiefs and community leaders to honour the late Oba Afolabi Elemoro VIII.
Epe Insights reports that Olowu attended the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for the late monarch at the Elemoro Palace in Ibeju-Lekki on Friday.
Oba Afolabi Elemoro VIII, who was described as a respected monarch committed to peace and development, passed away eight days before the Fidau prayer.
Olowu described the death of the traditional ruler as a major loss to Elemoro Kingdom and the wider Ibeju-Lekki community.
He said the late monarch was a father figure who brought people together and promoted peace among his subjects.
According to Olowu, Oba Elemoro VIII played an important role in preserving the culture and traditions of Elemoro Kingdom.
He also described the monarch as a symbol of unity whose leadership contributed to the stability and development of the community.
Speaking during the Fidau prayer, Olowu prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the late monarch Al-Jannah Firdaus and eternal rest.
He also expressed condolences to the royal family, chiefs, kingmakers and residents of Elemoro Kingdom over the loss.
Olowu urged members of the Elemoro Royal Family and kingmakers to approach the process of selecting the next monarch with unity and understanding.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the succession process follows due process and remains peaceful.
According to him, a peaceful transition is essential to preserving the unity and development achieved during the late monarch’s reign.
He appealed to all stakeholders to place the interests of Elemoro Kingdom above individual considerations.
Olowu said the next phase of leadership should build on the late Oba’s commitment to peace, unity and community development.
He encouraged the royal family, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and residents to work together during the succession process.
The APC candidate also reaffirmed his respect for traditional institutions across Ibeju-Lekki.
He described traditional rulers as important partners in grassroots governance and community development.
Olowu said traditional institutions understand the needs and aspirations of their communities and should therefore remain actively involved in decisions affecting their people.
He pledged that, if elected to represent Ibeju-Lekki Constituency I, he would maintain strong engagement with traditional rulers across the constituency.
According to him, effective representation requires cooperation between elected representatives, traditional institutions and community stakeholders.
He promised to pursue an inclusive and people-centred approach to representation.
Olowu said traditional leaders would have a meaningful place in consultations and decision-making on issues affecting their communities.
He noted that such collaboration would help strengthen grassroots development and improve communication between government and residents.
The candidate further expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and sustainable development across Ibeju-Lekki.
He said the legacy of late Oba Afolabi Elemoro VIII should encourage stakeholders to continue working towards a united and prosperous Elemoro Kingdom.
The Fidau prayer brought together members of the royal family, traditional chiefs, community leaders and other well-wishers.
The gathering provided an opportunity for the community to remember the late monarch and pray for the repose of his soul.
It also offered an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of peaceful traditional leadership and orderly succession.
Olowu appealed to the people of Elemoro to remain united during the period of mourning.
He urged residents to support the royal family and ensure that the community remained peaceful throughout the succession process.
He further prayed for strength and fortitude for the family of the late monarch as they cope with the loss.
The APC candidate extended his condolences to the people of Elemoro Kingdom and the entire Ibeju-Lekki community.
He said the contributions of the late Oba would continue to be remembered by those who benefited from his leadership.
Olowu also prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased eternal peace and reward his good deeds.
He concluded by calling for unity among all stakeholders as the kingdom prepares for the next chapter of its traditional leadership.
The candidate maintained that preserving peace, culture and community development would be the best way to honour the memory of Oba Afolabi Elemoro VIII.
