It was Sam J. Ervin Jnr who stated that “A person who is worthy of being a leader wants power not for himself, but in order to be of service.” This vintage quote from that famous American politician best summarized the intentions and activities of Lagos charismatic monarch, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi Kusenla 111, the Elegushi of Ikateland. Back in 2010 when the kingmakers and council of chiefs of the Ikate-Elegushi kingdom beckoned on the then 34-year old well-educated Prince to come and step into the legendary shoes of his late father, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi Kusenla 11, unbeknownst that they were only fulfilling a divine assignment. Now 14 years like 14 days as the paramount ruler of Ikate Kingdom, those kingmakers have made a right choice crowning not just a prince that is steeped in the rich pedigree of his forebears, but also a benevolent and visionary leader who would rewrite the story of the coastal community. Under Oba Elegushi’s leadership, the Ikate-Elegushi kingdom has experienced unprecedented progress, prosperity, and development across various sectors. Indeed, the impact and exploits of this noble monarch goes far beyond the borders of his kingdom. As the 21st Elegushi, he has since been a sort of role model for several other monarchs in the southwest.
As he marked his 14th year on the throne last Saturday 27 April —he also had his 48th birthday penultimate week, 10 April— Oba Elegushi didn’t roll out the drums to celebrate the two events. Aside from a small feat and sit-out with close family members and friends at the Ikate Palace last Saturday, Oba Elegushi has his eyes focused on the completion of the monumental endowment project he instituted at the Lagos State University: the establishment of the Centre of Lagos Study. Oba Elegushi is committing billions of naira to the building of the centre that will provide a well-equipped institute for scholars and researchers from all over the world who are desirous to study on the history of Lagos and the many kingdoms and towns in the Nigerian mega city.
Spotlight gathered that the monarch and his royal team are working day and night to ensure that the physical structure and manpower at the centre are delivered next year to commemorate his 15th anniversary of visionary power and people-centered monarchy in Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.