It was fun and encomiums galore at the prestigious LagosTimes Excellence Award 2018 as flamboyant Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III was honoured for his contributions to culture and tradition in the state.

The chairman of the awards committee, Mr. Victor Ganzallo disclosed that the monarch who reigns over the scenic kingdom of Ikate in Eti-Osa Local Government was the unanimous choice of the awards committee due to his meritorious efforts to uphold local culture and revive dying traditions of the people.

While presenting the award to Oba Elegushi, Ganzallo remarked that the traditional ruler’s unparalleled commitment to Yoruba culture and tradition was made more incredible due to the extra burden placed on him as a young man occupying a seat usually reserved for hoary heads.

Such unique virtues and burning passion, he remarked, were what elevated Oba Saheed above his peers on the shortlist who had been carefully chosen as standard bearers of change and impact in Lagos State, especially in the areas of culture and tradition. Men and women whose assiduous desire to positively uplift the lives of the people has transformed them into icons and beacons of positive change worthy of emulation. 

Meanwhile, Oba Elegushi, who is fast rising in the ranks of the most impactful monarchs of this generation, was full of humility as he thanked the organizers LagosTimes for the honour bestowed on him even as he emphasized the critical role played by teachers, and especially parents, in the preservation of culture and tradition. 

“The preservation of our culture and tradition lies solely with us as parents; we must not abdicate that duty to the teachers in school. Our children are our future and the only way to preserve our culture is to teach them about it early,” he said. 

He also took the opportunity to castigate the large number of people who look down on cultural practices, dismissing them as ill-informed and lacking in critical judgment. He urged them to take their time to look closely rather than swallowing hook, line and sinker, the western propaganda against African cultural practices. 

Also at the award presentation were two of Oba Elegushi’s chiefs, the Eletu of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Babalola Elegushi and the Olisa of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Moruf Adisa Elegushi. The publisher of LagosTimes, Mr Kayode Alfred was also present at the event as well as Mrs. Eyitayo Talabi, also a member of the award team.

The LagosTimes Excellence Awards is dedicated to recognizing and appreciating people and organizations, whose efforts have directly or indirectly contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State in various fields.