Adeboruwa's Decade on the Throne Emphasizes Student Empowerment Through Education
In July 2016, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali ascended to the throne as the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, a historic community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. His elevation was not merely a ceremonial transition but a profound call to service, drawing him from a distinguished career in law and public administration into the multifaceted role of traditional leadership. As the monarch prepares to celebrate his 10th anniversary on the throne in July 2026, his commitment to service is vividly reflected in the focus of the celebrations, with education taking center stage as a key pillar of youth development.
Week-Long Anniversary Events Kick Off with Educational Initiatives
The anniversary festivities are scheduled to span a week from July 19 to July 25, 2026, culminating on the exact date of his coronation. At the heart of these activities is a deliberate emphasis on empowering young people, particularly through educational support. This focus was highlighted on Tuesday, April 7, when the palace, via the Oba Kasali Royal Foundation, organized a free Computer-Based Test (CBT) training session for 500 Senior Secondary School students from six public schools in Igbogbo.
Themed 10 Years of Royal Excellence with Knowledge, this initiative served as a prelude to the main anniversary events. Conducted at the HOMAT CBT Centre in Igbogbo, the training targeted students from Zumratul Islamiyah Grammar School, Community Secondary School in Bayeku, Lagos State Model Girls College in Agunfoye, Reri Secondary School in Oreta, Oreyo Grammar School, and Civil Service Model College. The session provided a structured introduction to the digital format of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a critical gateway to higher education in Nigeria.
Monarch's Background and Vision for Education
Before his ascension, Oba Kasali built a solid foundation in education and law, earning a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ibadan in 1997 and a Master's in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. His professional journey included roles at the law firm of Pinheiro & Oguntade and rising to Chief State Counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. Rather than confining his leadership to cultural preservation, the monarch has actively engaged with contemporary challenges, especially those affecting youth in his domain. Education, in this context, serves as both a practical tool and a symbolic statement of his dedication to community progress.
Addressing the students during the CBT training, Oba Kasali underscored the importance of preparation and discipline in today's digital examination landscape. "I want to appeal to every one of you that you have this rare opportunity that is put in place to make sure you excel. Make sure you make use of it," he urged. He highlighted the high stakes of computer-based exams, noting, "Today we are in a digital world; any slight mistake, you have to wait till next year. This is why you should take what you learnt here seriously, so you can have a good score." He also encouraged students to broaden their academic horizons by researching course requirements online, advising them not to limit themselves to their initial interests.
Support from Government and Community Leaders
The Tutor General of the Permanent Secretary of Education District II, Omotayo Sanni, praised the initiative for aligning with the Lagos State Government's goals for youth development and education. He stated, "What he is doing is part of youth development by giving them CBT online training towards the JAMB exam. He is preparing our children, our students, to excel well in the exam." Sanni emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, adding, "The government cannot do it alone. It is a clarion call for well-meaning Nigerians, especially the elite, to join the Lagos State government in educating these students." This call to action underscores the role of non-state actors in bridging gaps within the education system.
Former Head of Service and Chairman of the 10th coronation anniversary planning committee, Adesegun Olusola Ogunlewe, described the initiative as both symbolic and practical. "In the history of Igbogbo Kingdom, this is special because God has blessed us with a royal father who has a heart for sound education," he remarked. He further explained that the anniversary is not just about celebration but about promoting academic excellence, especially among zero-income students. "Through this free-care CBT mock examination training, sponsored by Oba Kasali Royal Foundation, we are increasing our commitment to human capacity development, as well as promoting academic excellence among our scholars," he added.
Incentives and Future Support for Students
Ahmed Olamilekan Aroyehun, Chairman of Igbogbo Local Council Development Area, motivated the students by addressing their fears and introducing performance-based incentives. "Any child who is afraid to fall will never walk. If you want to walk, there must be an attempt," he said, encouraging resilience. He announced rewards for high achievers, stating, "Anyone who scores 300 and above, there is a special grant for that student." Additionally, he promised logistical support for admission processes and targeted assistance for students pursuing demanding fields like medicine, law, and engineering, though this also raises the stakes and potential pressure on students.
Broader Implications and Anniversary Outlook
The CBT training exemplifies how traditional rulers are expanding their roles beyond cultural functions to address critical issues like education and youth welfare. By integrating educational initiatives into his anniversary, Oba Kasali is redefining expectations for traditional leadership and fostering measurable outcomes in community development. The upcoming week-long celebration in July will feature cultural displays, community engagements, and further developmental programmes, reflecting on a decade of progress in Igbogbo Kingdom.
For the 500 students who participated, the training provided essential exposure to CBT simulations, helping them navigate digital interfaces and manage exam pressures. As Igbogbo approaches its 10th coronation anniversary, this initiative stands as a testament to the monarch's vision for a future where education is a shared responsibility and a cornerstone of effective leadership.
