The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Abiola Dosumu, as a shining example of the best of Lagos.
Speaking on Sunday at the 50th coronation anniversary of Erelu, Sanwo-Olu said Dosumu had preserved the culture of Lagos and had become a model to many.
Erelu Dosumu was born on July 29, 1947 and named Erelu of Lagos in 1974.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said, “It speaks volumes about who she is to be bestowed with this honour. She reflects the best that Lagos has to offer our country, serving as a shining light.
“This was an appropriate choice that has preserved the history of Lagos for 50 years. We thank her for transforming this position. You see her everywhere, embodying cultural essence and staying true to it. She has shown us what it means to be cultural; she is one of the best in Lagos.
“She has been able to tell our individual stories and demonstrated who you could become in 50 or 40 years. Reflect on yourself, and maintain faith in historical relevance. On behalf of Lagos, I thank her. She has shown us class, relevance, and dignity, and she has created a space for our females.”
Also speaking, Babangida, who was represented by Chief Sema Anthony, commended Dosumu for her unwavering grit in leading the historical and cultural sphere.
“It is gratifying to know that you have attained the age of 50 on the throne as the esteemed Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos. You have elevated this position to an admirable height over the years, and it is enthralling for me to celebrate your achievements.
“You have brought honour, candour, grandeur, and elegance to this unique title. I wish to convey what has made you a model to many. I congratulate you; your dedication to this title is an eloquent testament to your uncommon grit and grace.”
Also speaking, the wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs Olufolake AbdulRazaq, described Erelu Dosumu as “A woman who has over the years shown an impeccable disposition towards our culture and traditions and has fervently worked for their preservation, showcasing them as a driving force for social cohesion in our dear country.
“Today’s coronation anniversary is indeed a milestone and a testament to the roles Erelu has played in promoting our values and traditions, as well as the remarkable impact she has made as a worthy custodian of our cultural heritage.
“Your progress has contributed to overcoming the impediments to women attaining leadership positions. However, much still needs to be done in both traditional and non-traditional settings.”
Other dignitaries at the event were the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who represented the Wife of the President, Mrs Remi Tinubu; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the wife of the former Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi; Labour Party Lagos State governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Chief Bisi Olatilo, among others.