After four decades without a traditional ruler, the people of Abule-Eko in Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, have ushered in a new chapter in their history with the installation of Aare Abdul Fatai Aremu Babatunde Oriyomi Lawal Odeh, popularly known as the Great Hunter, as the Baale of Abule-Eko.

The historic installation, held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, drew traditional rulers, community leaders, family members, residents, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the restoration of a revered traditional institution that had remained vacant for forty years.

The installation ceremony was performed by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, the Alajede of Ijede, who formally adorned the new Baale with the royal cap and beads, symbolising his authority and the traditional responsibilities of the office, amid colourful cultural displays, traditional rites, prayers, and celebrations that reflected the significance of the occasion.

For many residents, the ceremony represented more than the installation of a traditional ruler. It marked the return of a respected institution expected to strengthen community leadership, preserve cultural heritage, promote peace, and champion development.

The atmosphere througout Abule-Eko was one of excitement and optimism. Residents described the event as a long-awaited milestone that rekindled hope for a brighter future. Songs of celebration echoed through the community as elders, youths, women, and guests rejoiced over what many called the beginning of a new era.

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Speaking with journalists shortly after his installation, the new Baale, Aare Abdul Fatai Aremu Babatunde Oriyomi Lawal Odeh, expressed gratitude to God, his family, the people of Abule-Eko, and the entire Ijede community for the confidence reposed in him.

“First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God for making this day possible. I sincerely appreciate my family, the people of Abule-Eko, the entire Ijede community, and everyone who have supported me on this journey. I am especially grateful to His Royal Majesty, Oba Adefarasin Saheed Hassan, the Alajede of Ijede, for finding me worthy of this honour.

“I want to assure Kabiyesi and the people of Abule-Eko that I will not betray the confidence they have placed in me. I will lead with integrity, humility, and fairness, and I will work tirelessly to promote peace, unity, and development in our community.

My desire is to serve my people faithfully and leave a lasting legacy that generations to come will be proud of,” the Baale said.

Among those who congratulated the new Baale was his brother, Chief Murisiku Owolabi Lawal Odeh, the Akogun of Abule-Eko Land, who described the installation of the new Baale as a historic moment for the community.

“We are installing a new Baale of Abule-Eko after 40 years without a traditional ruler. It is a thing of joy and celebration for all of us.

“My brother is a complete gentleman, a philanthropist, a God-fearing man, and someone who cares deeply about the people. I believe this marks the beginning of a new era for our community.

“We expect to see positive changes and greater development in Abule-Eko under his leadership, “he said.

Speaking further, Chief Odeh expressed confidence that the new Baale’s reign would foster peace, unity, and sustainable development in the community.

The Baale’s son, Muhammad Lawal, also expressed optimism about the future of the community, describing the installation as a historic occasion that has filled Abule-Eko with joy and renewed hope.

“I am truly optimistic about this historic occasion because the joy and excitement in the community are overwhelming. After forty years, Abule-Eko is witnessing a new beginning, and it is heartwarming to see everyone celebrating with hope and unity.

“Our new Baale is a renowned philanthropist whose impact has been felt for many years. Long before ascending the throne, he contributed to the development of our communities by supporting the construction of schools, providing boreholes, donating relief materials to hospitals and elderly women, and investing in other social amenities that will improve the standard of living of the people.

“If he accomplished so much before becoming the Baale, I have every confidence that he will achieve even greater things now that he has the opportunity to serve in this new capacity. I trust my father’s vision, compassion, and commitment to the people, and I believe his reign will usher in lasting peace, meaningful development, and renewed hope for Abule-Eko,”Lawal said.

Congratulatory messages also poured in from community leaders, who described the installation as a defining moment in the history of Abule-Eko.

They welcomed the return of traditional leadership after forty years, saying it would strengthen community cohesion, preserve the town’s cultural heritage, and accelerate socio-economic development.

As the celebrations came to a close, one message resonated across the community: the installation of Aare Abdul Fatai Aremu Babatunde Oriyomi Lawal Ode as Baale is not merely the crowning of a traditional ruler but the restoration of hope for generations of Abule-Eko residents.

With renewed leadership now in place, expectations are high that the community will build on its rich cultural heritage while embracing new opportunities for social, economic, and infrastructural development.