The Palace of the Oba of Lagos has confirmed Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa as the new Onisemo of Lagos. Three other White Cap Chiefs were also confirmed. This marks a major cultural milestone that strengthens Lagos’s heritage and traditions.
The confirmation came under the authority of His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I. It was officially published in the Lagos State Government gazette.
Symbolic Return to Ancestral Throne
Chief Oluwa’s elevation is seen as a symbolic return to the ancestral throne. It places him among the respected custodians of Lagos culture. As Onisemo, he must preserve traditions, foster community unity, and serve as a cultural bridge for Isale Eko and Lagos Island.
In a congratulatory statement, Ayoola R. Lawal Odunewu (O´LRA), former APC Scandinavia National Chairman and ex-Secretary of the APC Diaspora Committee, described the ascension as historic and well-deserved.
“Chief Oluwa’s ascension is both a personal honour and a blessing to our family, Isale Eko, and Lagos. His reign will safeguard heritage, unite the community, and inspire future generations,” Lawal-Odunewu said.
He urged the Onisemo family, traditional leaders, elders, and the Lagos Island community to rally behind the new chief. He stressed that the reign should symbolise peace, unity, and progress.
Lawal-Odunewu also pledged to support Chief Oluwa in upholding the dignity of the office. He said he would contribute to harmony and development across Lagos.
Lagos Traditions and Modern Identity
Observers note that the new Onisemo’s ascension reinforces the relevance of Lagos’s traditional institutions. These structures continue to complement modern governance by safeguarding identity and unity.
Cultural historians also hailed the development. They described it as a reminder of Lagos’s deep-rooted traditions. These traditions still shape its identity as a cosmopolitan hub that blends ancestral values with modern growth.
With this recognition, Chief Oluwa joins the distinguished ranks of Lagos’s traditional rulers. Their roles go beyond ceremony. They embody cultural pride and resilience for Lagosians worldwide.
Official Gazette Confirmation
The confirmation appeared in the Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 25, Vol. 58, dated September 3, 2025. It was formally released on September 13 with the royal endorsement of Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I.
The gazette confirmed Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa as the Onisemo of Lagos. It also recognised other White Cap Chiefs: the Opeluwa-Onido of Lagos, Ogboni Iduntafa of Lagos, Eletu-Odibo of Lagos, and Olorogun Adodo of Lagos.
The gazette read:
“Notification of the official release of the Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 25, Vol. 58, dated 3rd September 2025, which recognises and confirms your respective chieftaincy.”
