By RACHEAL Oyelola and Susan Oni
Chief Shittu of Onoforija, Epe kingdom is a philanthropist, a technocrat, shipping agent per excellence and CEO of Skelas Ltd, Skellas Shipping, Skelas Marine Ltd, Skelas enterprises and Skelas Hotel and tourism. Chief Shittu celebrates His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja JP on his 20 years in office as Onoforija of Epe kingdom and at the same time granted an indigene of the land scholarship from primary school level to the tertiary institution level.
More so, the Otunba Apesin ola of Epe land, Lagos State, Chief Damilola Adegbuyi said during the interview session conducted by the Nigerian NewsDirect that he’s been a friend to his royal majesty for over fifty years as they grew up together but never knew where destiny is driving them to.
He added that going back to the memory lane the tenure of Oba Dr. Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja JP marks 30 years of enthronement but we are celebrating 20 years that His Royal Majesty got staff of office, the official recognition.
He further shed more light on the development the entire kingdom have attained ever since the reign of His Royal Majesty like economic transformation, geological, social and political development and inauguration of so many tertiary institutions, road from Epe linking Ijebu-ode, Epe to Ajah, pass to Araga, Temu, through Ketu to Itokin and many more that time would not permit to be mentioned.
“There are many towns under the jurisdiction of Oba Dr. Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja JP such as Poka, Odumola, Odo Agiri, Igbowon, and more.
“This kingdom is very accommodating that all ethnic groups in Nigeria are found living peacefully and happily there without discrimination.
“There are some major occupation in the land of Epe, some out it are farming, trading, fishing because it’s a riverine area.
“One of the best attributes of Epe land is religion tolerance, both Christians, Muslims and traditionalist are welcomed in the palace and they are all around to pay homage to His Majesty.”