Oba Olumide Atanda Osunsina, the newly installed Olu of Ifo land, has pledged to place the interests of the community above other considerations, declaring that “from now on, it’s Ifo first” as he received his staff of office from the Ogun State Government.
Osunsina made the declaration on Friday after the presentation of the staff of office formally confirmed his recognition as the traditional ruler of Ifo.
The monarch, who bears the traditional title Òsómékùn I, succeeds the late Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipo Ayerowunwi.
Describing the staff of office as a symbol of responsibility rather than merely an official recognition, Osunsina said he would approach his new position with the same standards and commitment that guided his business career.
“A staff of office is not given lightly, and I do not receive it lightly,” he said.
He added that the government’s presentation confirmed the decision of the kingmakers, stressing that his experience building Megamound Investment Limited from the ground up would inform his approach to leadership.
“It is the government’s confirmation of what the kingmakers already know; that I built Megamound from nothing, and I will hold this throne, and everyone around it, to the same standard I have always held myself to. From now on, it’s Ifo first,” the monarch said.
Osunsina’s emergence brings a businessman and philanthropist with considerable experience in property development into the traditional institution.
He founded Megamound Investment Limited in 1992, establishing the company as a player in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in residential property development.
Projects associated with the company include Carlton Gate, Lekki County Homes, King’s Court and Greater Lagos County Apartments.
His business activities have largely been connected to the Lagos property market and neighbouring areas, where population growth and urban expansion have continued to drive demand for residential developments.
Beyond business, Osunsina established the Olumide Osunsina Foundation, a philanthropic organisation involved in educational, vocational and healthcare initiatives.
Its activities include scholarship support, technology hubs, vocational training and medical outreach programmes in Ifo land.
Before ascending the throne, Osunsina also held traditional titles including Asiwaju Bobagunwa and Otunba, reflecting his involvement in community affairs and service to Egbaland.
Presentation of a staff of office represents an important stage in the formal recognition of traditional rulers in Ogun State.
It signifies the state government’s acknowledgement of a monarch’s position within the recognised traditional institution following the relevant customary selection and administrative processes.
For Ifo, Osunsina’s recognition marks the beginning of a new phase of traditional leadership following the death of Oba Ayerowunwi.
His reign begins against the backdrop of significant urban and commercial expansion in the Lagos-Ogun corridor.
Ifo’s proximity to Lagos has contributed to increasing population movement, economic activity and demand for infrastructure and public services.
