The Isale-Eko Descendants Union held its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) under the new administration of Executive Committee Members, led by its Chairman Adeniji Kazeem SAN, FCArb, on Sunday, 29th December 2024. The event took place at the Isale-Eko House, Iga Idunganran Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State, commencing at 1 pm.
During the AGM, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN presented a comprehensive report on the Union’s activities over the last 18 months, addressing the current state of the Union and existing challenges. This was followed by the Auditor’s report, conducted by Messrs Jide Eko & Co.
A key highlight of the AGM was the maiden launch of the Union’s Job Database, aptly titled “IDU Job Database”. This innovative initiative aims to connect members of the Union and Isale-Eko indigenes with employment opportunities, fostering growth and development within the community.
The event drew dignitaries and well-meaning indigenes of Isale Eko and was followed by the Chairman’s year-end get together event.
L-R: Prince Adewale Taorid Ojora, General Secretary IDU; Mr. Aderemi Bashua SAN, Vice Chairman IDU; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN, FCArb, Chairman IDU, Former Lagos State Attorney General & Commissioner of Justice; Prof Adele Jinadu, Former National Commissioner INEC; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Former Minister of State for Defense; Hon. Kayode Bawa-Allah, Commissioner Federal Character Commission; Mr. Biodun Dosunmu, Member Environment Committee IDU.
L-R: Prince Adewale Taorid Ojora, General Secretary IDU; Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN, FCArb, Chairman IDU, Former Lagos State Attorney General & Commissioner of Justice
Interview Session: Credit Lagos Television
Today our Chairman Adeniji Kazeem SAN, FCArb attended the 90th Birthday Celebration of Alhaji Babajide Eko a Trustee of Isale Eko Descendants Union and foremost Accountant and Auditor. We wish him the very best of today and pray for many more years in good health.
I join other members of the Isale Eko Descendants Union to salute our brother, legal titan, cultural icon, historian/ researcher extraordinaire, and Omo Eko Pataki – Mr. Olasupo Shasore SAN , Emeritus Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Lagos State on his attainment of the landmark age of 60 in outstanding service to Isale Eko, Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
On behalf of the Union I wish you many many more fruitful years on earth in good health, joy , abundant wealth and the resounding love and affection of friends and family.
Mr. Shasore’s selfless leadership of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union legal team in its fight for the protection of the cultural rights of the Isale Eko Community in the Gangs of Lagos law suit has demonstrated his love and commitment to the ideals of our Union and we are very appreciative of his continued support.
Best wishes my dear brother and may you continue to enjoy Gods favour and fortune.
Adeniji Kazeem SAN
Chairman Isale Eko Descendants Union.
The Isale Eko Descendants Union, IDU, has joyously extended warm wishes and congratulations to the iconic Nigerian actor Prince Jide Kosoko, as he celebrates his remarkable 70th birthday.
The union, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), said the milestone is a testament to Kosoko’s incredible contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry and his unwavering commitment to the arts.
Kazeem, in the press statement, added that Kosoko has proven to be a distinguished figure, not only for his inimitable talent as an actor but also for his versatility and dedication to the world of film and theatre.
The group added that the actor’s performances have not only entertained audiences across generations but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring actors who look up to him with admiration.
Kazeem aptly described Kosoko as a true ‘Omo Eko Pataki’ who preserved the dignity of the revered Eko royalty and has consistently projected the ancient city in a positive light through his numerous works and engagements.
“His artistic endeavours have become a source of pride for the Isale Eko community and the entire nation,” Kazeem was quoted in the statement.
“Beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, Kosoko’s commitment to cultural and community engagements further solidifies his status as a cultural ambassador. The Isale Eko Descendants Union acknowledges and celebrates this enduring legacy that reaches beyond the silver screen.
“The 70th birthday celebration of Prince Kosoko serves as a moment of reflection on the joy he has brought to countless hearts through his illustrious career. It is a celebration of a man who has not only made a mark in the entertainment industry but has also contributed significantly to the cultural tapestry of Nigeria.
“We, the Isale Eko Descendants Union, express our heartfelt gratitude for Prince Kosoko’s invaluable contributions to the creative arts. May this milestone birthday celebration be a beacon of joy, reflecting the impact of a career that has touched the lives of many. As Prince Kosoko enters this new phase of life, we wish him continued success, good health, and happiness in the years ahead.”
ISALE EKO DESCENDANTS UNION DONATES MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO COMMEMORATE OBA AKIOLU’S 80TH BIRTHDAY.
The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union has extended warm congratulations to the esteemed Lagos community and beyond on the occasion of the 80th birthday of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the IDU also announced the donation of medical supplies to the Iga Idungaran Community Health Centre to mark the birthday of the revered monarch.
The Union said the significant milestone is a testament to a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their beloved community.
Born on October 29, 1943, HRM Oba Akiolu is a distinguished alumnus of Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, and a graduate of law from the University of Lagos. With a remarkable 32-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, he ascended to the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 1999. His glorious journey led him to be crowned as the 21st Oba of Lagos on May 24, 2003, succeeding the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who reigned from 1965 to March 1, 2003.
The IDU said Oba Akiolu’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of Lagos, saying his reign has been marked by wisdom, grace, and a profound dedication to the well-being of his subjects. The group insisted that under His Majesty’s leadership, Lagos has witnessed remarkable growth and development, and the city continues to thrive as a centre of commerce, culture, and tradition.
The group said Oba Akiolu is celebrated for his benevolence, candour, and bravery, stressing further that the monarch’s impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Lagos and Nigeria is profound.
IDU added that the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police should also be celebrated for his modernization efforts at the palace, which include the construction of a guest house, library, and health centre, adding that the Iga Idunganran Health Centre, funded entirely by the Oba, provides free healthcare services to the community.
“He has also been instrumental in securing employment opportunities for numerous Lagos indigenes within the Lagos State, Federal Government, and private organizations. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of the return of properties belonging to Lagos indigenes, including the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, from the Federal Government.
“Our revered monarch has been a resolute and effective leader, ensuring peace and harmony in his domain through timely and astute guidance to his subjects and governmental bodies. Oba Akiolu’s reign has witnessed the progress of his subjects in all aspects of human life, including the attainment of the highest offices in the nation.
“As the traditional custodian of our heritage, Oba Akiolu has been a source of inspiration and guidance to Isale Eko and the wider Lagos community. His commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while also promoting progress and modernization is a testament to his visionary leadership. We wish His Royal Majesty, Rilwan Akiolu 1, many more years of purposeful leadership as the Oba of Lagos, filled with good health and tranquillity,” Kazeem was quoted in the press statement.
RE: MEETING WITH IDUMAGBO COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION CLEANING EXERCISE OF ENTIRE ISALE-EKO COMMUNITY
On Friday 8th September 2023 at the IDU Secretariat, some members of the Executive committee of the Isale Eko Descendants Union met with members of the Idumagbo Community on the directive of Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1.
The discussions centred around the concerns of Alaiyeluwa on the cleanliness and sanitation in the Isale Eko Community. Kabiyesi had instructed that the Idumagbo community liaise with IDU on how a sustained cleanup of the environment can be maintained.
We also discussed collaboration and synergy on various upcoming programmes of the IDU and the Idumagbo community.
It was agreed that the environmental sanitation should be carried out on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th with active collaboration of LAWMA and other stakeholders.
On Sunday Morning 10th September, 2023. The Executive Committee of Isale-Eko Descendants Union led by our indefatigable Chairman Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN joined the elders, exco & members of Idumagbo community for an on the spot assessment of the tomb of our revered ERELU KUTI situated at Erelu square and other adjoining streets namely: Olugbani street, Oroyinyin Street, Shagbemi street, Ojo-Giwa street, Dosunmu street, Idumagbo avenue, Bombata complex, Oko Awo street , Idoluwo street , Princess street and Isale Gangan street
to supervise and ensure that the entire isale-eko community becomes cleaner and healthier.
Below are some pictures from the two events.
PRINCE ADEWALE TAORID OJORA FICSSM FCICN
General Secretary
RE: PREPARATION OF LAGOS ISLAND MODEL CITY STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENTS.
Yesterday Friday 8th September, 2023 members of the Isale-Eko Descendants Union(IDU) met with a team of Lagos State Government officials from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development led by TPL Oladeinde L.O.B (Director Regional and MasterPlan Dept) at IDU Secretariat (Isale-Eko House) as part of stakeholders engagement on the new Lagos Island Regeneration plan.
In attendance from the IDU were the Chairman Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN, Prince Adewale Ojora – Gen Sec, Yomi Suenu – Welfare Sec, Tunbosun Kessington – Newly co-opted Treasurer, Mr. Yomi Tokosi – Former Chairman, Mr. Kunle Ajanaku – Chairman membership committee, Alhaji Bolaji Are – Member-Membership committee, Biodun Dosunmu -Member Environmental committee and TPL Lookman Oshodi -Consultant to IDU on Lagos Regeneration Plan.
The meeting started at 10 a.m. and ended at 12.30 pm after very useful deliberations. Consultations are still ongoing.
Below are some pictures and videos from the meeting.
Prince Adewale Ojora
General Secretary
Isale-Eko Descendants Union.
The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) has paid a visit to Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Aremu Akiolu 1, seeking his support for the union’s programmes on education, urban regeneration, culture and health.
IDU, established as far back as 1939 to secure a better future for sons and daughters of Isale-Eko origin, observed infrastructure deficit in the indigenous community, thereby calling upon the State government to address the infrastructure deficit in the area.
The Chairman of IDU, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (SAN) made the observation recently when the newly inaugurated members of IDU’s executive committee paid courtesy visit to Akiolu in Iga Idunganran, the traditional residence of the Lagos monarch.
Other members of IDU’s executive committee on the visit include its Vice Chairman, Mr. Aderemi Bashua SAN; General Secretary, Prince Adewale Ojora; Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Dale Ajayi-Bembe; Welfare Secretary, Mr. Yomi Suenu and Chairman-designate of the IDU Culture Committee, Mr. Akinwale Irokosu.
Alongside the monarch, who is also the patron of the union, several white cap chiefs led by the Olori Oloye and Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Ajose, equally attended the meeting.
Speaking at the meeting, Kazeem acknowledged His Royal Majesty for his leadership and sought his support for the union’s programmes on education, urban regeneration, culture and health.
Kazeem, also former Attorney-General of Lagos State, observed that Isale Eko was in dire need of attention as its roads were collapsing due to poor drainage, flooding and poor sanitation.
Welcoming IDU’s new executives to his palace, Akiolu advised them to work closely with the state and local governments as well as other stakeholders to address the poor sanitary conditions in the Isale Eko community.
Akiolu, also Permanent Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, emphasised the significance of improving the environment while stating his fear of an epidemic of the level experienced in 1918, if the issue of the environment is not addressed.
The monarch, who will turn 80 on October 29, directed that IDU should be the coordinating and umbrella body for all the various Indigenous groups in the community so they can speak with one strong voice.
He paid glowing tribute to the exemplary work of former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and President of the International Court of Justice, late Prof. Taslim Olawale Elias, GCON, who pioneered the Union’s scholarship Fund in 1972.
He explained how the late jurist set up the Fund, then as Isale-Eko Descendants Scholarship Fund Committee, to support the indigenous people of Lagos and guarantee a befitting status for them socially, intellectually and politically.
He urged IDU’s newly inaugurated executives to follow the footsteps of the late jurist, admonishing them to use their position for the promotion of its goals and objectives only and not extraneous issues.
The monarch prayed for the new executives, urging them to discharge their duties in fear of God and work actively for the betterment of the community.