“A staff of office is not given lightly, and I do not receive it lightly. 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,” Oba Olumide Osunsina said.
The Ogun State Government has formally recognised Oba Olumide Osunsina Osomekun I as the Olu of Ifo Land following the presentation of the Staff of Office to the traditional ruler on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The ceremony officially affirmed his position as the monarch of Ifo, bringing the process of his emergence to a formal conclusion and placing him at the centre of the traditional leadership of the community.
Oba Osunsina succeeds the late Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipo Ayerowunwi, whose reign preceded his emergence as the new occupant of the revered stool.
Speaking after receiving the government’s instrument of recognition, the monarch described the occasion as a significant responsibility rather than merely a ceremonial achievement.
He said his new position would require the same principles of commitment, accountability and high standards that had guided his professional career.
According to him, the presentation of the Staff of Office represents the government’s formal endorsement of a traditional leadership choice already established through the community’s traditional selection process.
“A staff of office is not given lightly, and I do not receive it lightly. 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,” Osunsina said.
Beyond his emergence as a traditional ruler, the new Olu brings considerable experience from the private sector, having spent several decades building a career in property development and investment.
He established Megamound Investment Limited in 1992, transforming the company into a recognised name in Nigeria’s real estate industry.
Over the years, the firm has been associated with several residential and property developments, including Carlton Gate, Lekki County Homes, King’s Court and Greater Lagos County Apartments.
His involvement in the real estate sector has given him extensive exposure to business development, investment management and the organisation of large-scale property projects.
Before ascending the throne, Osunsina also maintained a prominent position within the traditional and social structures of Egbaland.
His contributions to the community earned him traditional honours, including Asiwaju Bobagunwa and Otunba, titles he held over several decades of service.
His relationship with Ifo Land has also extended beyond business and traditional engagements, particularly through philanthropic activities directed at improving opportunities and access to essential services for residents.
Through the Olumide Osunsina Foundation, he has supported various community-focused programmes covering education, technology, vocational development and healthcare.
The foundation has financed scholarship opportunities for students, supported the establishment of technology hubs, provided vocational training initiatives and organised medical outreach programmes across Ifo Land.
These interventions were undertaken before his installation as the traditional ruler, reflecting a longstanding involvement in community development outside the responsibilities associated with occupying the throne.
His transition from the business world into traditional leadership therefore brings together his experience in private enterprise, community engagement and traditional service.
With the formal presentation of the Staff of Office, attention will now turn to how the new monarch intends to translate his stated commitment to putting Ifo first into practical initiatives that address the needs and expectations of the people.
His declaration following the ceremony places community interest at the centre of his vision for the throne, while his previous involvement in education, healthcare, skills development and economic activities provides part of the background to his relationship with the people.
As the new Olu of Ifo Land, Oba Olumide Osunsina Osomekun I now assumes the responsibility of providing traditional leadership, preserving the community’s heritage and representing the interests of his subjects.
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