The Aare of Egbaland and Balogun of Ijaye Kurumi, High Chief Gafaar Lai-Labode, has described traditional titles as platforms for selfless service, urging title holders to prioritise community development and people-oriented initiatives.
Lai-Labode made this call while receiving the leadership of the Egba Youth Association, led by its National President, Hon. Adewale Adekunle, during a courtesy visit to his Kurumi residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He said although traditional chieftaincy comes with enormous demands on time, energy and resources, it remains the most enduring avenue for individuals who desire to leave lasting legacies in their communities.
“Traditional leadership is not about prestige but service. It is an opportunity to inspire both the young and old to do great things for Egbaland.
Kabiyesi, the Alake, has mandated us to seek new frontiers and surpass the achievements of our forefathers, not merely celebrate the past,” he said.
Lai-Labode, who is also the founder of the Egba Eleganza Project, explained that the initiative was designed to project the greatness of the Egba people globally, reshape negative narratives and stimulate socio-economic development through innovation and creativity.
He identified youth inclusion as central to unlocking the full potential of Egbaland and formally accepted his appointment as patron of the Egba Youth Association, pledging support for the association’s proposed secretariat and mobility projects.
Earlier, Adekunle congratulated Lai-Labode on his installation as the youngest Aare of Egbaland and Balogun of Ijaye Kurumi, commending his strides in promoting Egba culture, particularly through the Egba Eleganza Project showcased during the 2025 Lisabi Festival.
He described the Egba Youth Association as the umbrella body for youth clubs and social organisations within and outside Egbaland, adding that Lai-Labode’s formal decoration as patron would take place during the Lafun Night and Concert to round off the 2026 Lisabi Festival.
In his goodwill message, former Ogun State Chairman and National Public Relations Officer of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Dr Tola Adenekan, praised Lai-Labode as a visionary thinker, cultural ambassador and worthy youth representative within the traditional institution of Egbaland.
Adenekan called for partnership with the Aare towards a unified global celebration of the Yoruba race as a people of vast human and cultural resources.
Members of the Egba Youth Association delegation included Chief Mrs Atinuke Shobukola, Chief Dolapo Junaid, Chief Lekan Fadairo, Olori Adetutu Babatunde, Mrs Ronke Edunjobi and Mr Wale Oyegunle.
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