The usually quiet chambers and expansive hospitality venue within the palace of HRM Oba Lateef Atanda Adams Akinwumi I, Onikate of Ikateland, Surulere, came alive recently as prominent personalities from across Lagos gathered to celebrate the traditional ruler’s 10th anniversary on the throne.
The occasion featured the installation of celebrity healthcare advocate, businesswoman and founder and National Chairman of the Northern People’s Political Group (NPPG), Hajiya Ramat Lawal, as Yeye Asiwaju of Ikateland, alongside seven other prominent women.
From as early as 8am, a stream of vehicles and distinguished guests arrived at the palace for the ceremony, which combined the celebration of the monarch’s decade on the throne with recognition of women who have distinguished themselves through service and community development.
For Lawal, the conferment was presented as recognition of her longstanding commitment to healthcare awareness, women empowerment and grassroots development.
The honour, according to her associates and family members, was not merely a recognition of her prominence as a businesswoman or political figure, but a celebration of a life devoted to supporting communities and transforming lives.
Lawal is the President of the Ramat Women Support and Empowerment Foundation (RAWSE Foundation), an organisation focused on women empowerment, youth development, education and healthcare initiatives.
Her citation at the installation described her as a ‘prime mover’ and woman of purpose whose activities have touched many lives. It also highlighted her commitment to compassion, inclusivity, humility and service to humanity.
Speaking after her installation, Lawal said her humanitarian activities were driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference rather than to seek public acclaim. She said her objective, both as National Chairman of NPPG and President of RAWSE Foundation, was rooted in love, care, compassion and a commitment to touching and transforming lives.
The installation attracted an array of political, business and entertainment personalities. Among the special guests were Chief Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General; Chief Mrs Shekinat Adewale; Hon. Gbenga Lee; and Nollywood actor Saheed Balogun.
Several political office holders and community leaders also attended, including Olufemi Daniel Odunayo, Chairman of Itire/Ikate LCDA; Adeyemi Alli; Kayode Fouad Laguda; Sabur Oluwa; Akanbi Sylvester Ogunkelu; and Damilola Ayinde Marshall.
The citation further portrayed Lawal as a business tycoon who has made goodness and public-spiritedness an intrinsic part of her values and purpose.
It described her as someone who does not pursue recognition for its own sake but continues to support humanitarian causes and community development through her various initiatives.
Her emergence as Yeye Asiwaju was therefore framed as a recognition of her contribution to society and her commitment to empowering women and young people, promoting healthcare awareness and supporting grassroots development.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on the 10-year reign of Oba Akinwumi as Onikate of Ikateland. The anniversary celebration, which brought together traditional, political, business and entertainment figures, was rounded off in grand style with a live performance by Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM1.
His performance, featuring melodious tunes and praise songs, drew guests to the dance floor, providing a lively finale to the celebration. For Lawal, however, the new traditional title carries a significance beyond the ceremony itself. It adds a new dimension to a public profile built around business, politics, healthcare advocacy and philanthropy, while placing her among the women recognised for their contributions to the development of Ikateland and Lagos State.