The chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Development Area, Hon. Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada has sent a congratulatory message to the newly crowned Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal who was recently installed as the 15th Oniru of Iruland by Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday 7th, 2020.
In a statement made through her Facebook page, Princess Samiat Bada extended a special congratulatory message to the people of Iruland as the community is about to witness a formidable development through the newly crowned King who would bring his wealth of experience to bear.
“On behalf of myself, Cabinet members, the Management team of Ikosi Isheri LCDA and the good people of Ikosi Isheri community, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to your Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II, on your ascension to the throne of your great grandfather”.
“I am most confident that the people of IRULAND will continue to see development and abundance of Gods blessings in the years ahead under your reigns”.
Prior to his being installed as the King of Oniruland, he was one of the executive members of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cabinet as the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture
Gbolahan Lawal is a seasoned administrator with over 25 years of postgraduate experience with an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the Public Sector. He is driven, focused, steadfast and passionate. He has over the years sharpened his ability to identify, analyse and proffer strategic transformational change.
Currently enrolled for his Executive MSc in CITIES (LSE, Cities) at the London School of Economics and Political Science, he obtained an M.sc in Violence, Conflict and Development, from the School of Oriental and African Studies [SOAS], the University of London in 2008, a B.sc Hons in Botany, from the University of Port-Harcourt in 1992 and a product of St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.
In addition, he has completed several courses and programmes amongst which are the International Housing Finance Program (IHFP) and Advanced Management Programme (AMP) from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, the USA in 2015. He is also a product of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the World Bank Institute, Washington D.C. and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
Gbolahan Lawal started his career as a Scientific Officer with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in 1994. He later joined the Nigerian Police Force in service of the country and was commissioned as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent. While in the force, he held several duty posts amongst which was serving as an Aide-de-camp [ADC] to the one-time Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He retired voluntarily from the Nigerian Police in 2008 as a Superintendent of Police.
In 2009, he was appointed as a Senior Special Assistant to former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on special projects. He was the Coordinator of the Agriculture-Based Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES). Following the success of Agric-YES, Gbolahan was appointed as the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives in Lagos State in 2011.
His impeccable public service record and his ability to address urban challenges led to his appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Housing by former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in October 2015, a position he occupied till 2019.
Prince Lawal who is happily married with children, is a sports, music and arts enthusiast.
