Lagos, Nigeria – The Palace of the Oba of Lagos has officially confirmed the ascension of Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa as the new Onisemo of Lagos, alongside three other White Cap Chiefs. The announcement marks a significant cultural milestone that reinforces the city’s enduring traditions and heritage.
The confirmation, issued under the authority of His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, was published in a Lagos State Government gazette.
Chief Oluwa’s elevation has been described as a symbolic return to the ancestral throne, placing him among the revered custodians of Lagos culture. As Onisemo, he carries the honour and responsibility of preserving traditions, strengthening community ties, and serving as a cultural bridge for the people of Isale Eko and Lagos Island.
In a congratulatory message, Ayoola R. Lawal Odunewu (O´LRA), former National Chairman of APC Scandinavia and ex-Secretary of the Committee of APC Diaspora Chairmen, hailed the development as historic and well-deserved.
“Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa’s ascension is not only a personal honour but also a blessing to our family, the people of Isale Eko, and Lagos as a whole. His reign will strengthen our cultural heritage, unite the community, and inspire future generations,” Lawal-Odunewu said.
He further urged all branches of the Onisemo family, traditional leaders, elders, and the wider Lagos Island community to rally behind the new chief, stressing that his reign should symbolise peace, unity, and progress.
Lawal-Odunewu, a prominent APC diaspora chieftain, also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Chief Oluwa in upholding the dignity of the office while contributing to social harmony and development across Lagos.
Observers note that the new Onisemo’s ascension underscores the enduring relevance of Lagos’s traditional institutions, which continue to complement modern governance by safeguarding identity, heritage, and unity.
Cultural historians have likewise praised the development as a reminder of Lagos’s deep-rooted traditions, which remain central to its identity as a cosmopolitan hub blending ancestral values with modern growth.
With his ascension, Chief Oluwa joins the distinguished ranks of Lagos’s traditional rulers, whose roles transcend ceremony to embody cultural pride and resilience for Lagosians at home and abroad.
Official Confirmation
The confirmation was contained in the Lagos State of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 25, Vol. 58, dated September 3, 2025, and formally released on September 13. The gazette carried the royal endorsement of His Royal Majesty, Oba Riliwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I.
According to the document, Chief Lookman Bolaji Oluwa was officially recognised as the Onisemo of Lagos, alongside other White Cap Chiefs.
The gazette stated: “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.”
