In a move that underscores the growing recognition of young entrepreneurs driving economic development in Lagos, the Onikate of Ikate Surulere, Oba Lateef Atanda Adams, has announced the conferment of a traditional chieftaincy title on businessman and hospitality guru Rilwan Bamgbala alongside his wife, Mrs. Oluwadamilola Bamgbala, who will be honoured as the Yeye Okanlomo Ikate Surulere.
The announcement, which was made to commemorate the monarch’s 10th year coronation anniversary on Friday 24th of July, has sent waves of excitement through the Surulere business community and beyond, as the installation ceremony is scheduled to hold at the Ikate Surulere palace on July 22nd, where other deserving individuals will also be conferred with titles in a grand celebration of community leadership and royal tradition.
Oba Lateef Adams, who has himself been a prominent figure in Lagos for decades, disclosed that Rilwan’s choice for the title of Okanlomo was triggered by his giant strides in the development of Surulere and his significant contribution to creating employment for people from the community, where he has all his hospitality businesses littered. The monarch emphasised that his council approved the ratification because Bamgbala is a worthy ambassador of Surulere and a youth doing well for himself in business. The Oba, who was a household name in Lagos long before he ascended the throne, as founder and chairman of Latris Fashion, a fashion house named Fashion House of the Year by the Daily Times in 1990, has always championed the recognition of individuals who contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. In a recent interview marking his 10th coronation anniversary, Oba Adams spoke about his commitment to ensuring that his people benefit from his presence and that he provides facilities for them so they can be happy, a philosophy that clearly extends to his choice of honourees.
The Okanlomo title, which translates to “the beloved child of the community” or “one who brings joy to the community,” is a significant honour that reflects Bamgbala’s standing in Surulere. His hospitality businesses, particularly his Blueroom Lounge in Surulere, have become landmarks in the area, providing not just entertainment and relaxation but also meaningful employment opportunities for the youth. The monarch noted that Bamgbala’s businesses are littered throughout Surulere, a testament to his commitment to investing in the community that has nurtured him. The recognition of a young businessman like Bamgbala is a signal that the community values enterprise and job creation as pathways to development.
Rilwan Bamgbala, who was recently appointed by the CityBoy Movement as Director for Special Duties in the Lagos State chapter, is no stranger to community engagement and networking. We gathered that he has already mobilised his friends and business associates who would come and celebrate with him on the installation day, leaving no stone unturned in his plans to ensure the celebration is a grand one. His appointment as Director for Mobilization is a further testament to his ability to bring people together and rally support for causes, a skill that will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role as Okanlomo.
Beyond his business acumen and social influence, Bamgbala is also a philanthropist who owns the Rilwan Bamgbala Foundation, which he uses as a conduit pipe to help his people and provide succour to the needy. This commitment to giving back to the community aligns perfectly with the values that Oba Adams has espoused throughout his reign. The monarch, who has been known to fund community projects from his own pocket and has organised empowerment programmes during his 10th anniversary celebrations, including giving out work tools like industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, modern hairdryers and deep freezers to help people start or expand their businesses, has found a kindred spirit in Bamgbala. The Oba’s belief that “when you are king over a community, you must ensure your people benefit from your presence” clearly resonates with Bamgbala’s own philosophy of using his resources to uplift others .
The installation ceremony on July 22nd is expected to be a major social event in Surulere, bringing together traditional rulers, business leaders, political figures and community members to celebrate the conferment of titles. Oba Adams, who has been on the throne for a decade, has used his reign to bring peace and development to the Ikate Surulere community, and the conferment of chieftaincy titles is part of his broader vision to recognise and encourage those who contribute to the community’s growth.
As the installation day approaches, the anticipation is palpable among those who know Bamgbala and his work. His businesses, including Rilskip Investment Ltd and Reality Inn Ltd, have become synonymous with quality and reliability in the hospitality industry and his foundation has provided support to countless individuals and families in need. The title of Okanlomo is not just an honour for Bamgbala but also a recognition of the potential of young Nigerian entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and social development. The Oba, who is marking his 10th coronation anniversary on July 23rd, has deliberately chosen to honour individuals he considers serious contributors to the community, and Bamgbala’s recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication .
As Rilwan Bamgbala prepares to receive his new title, he does so with the support of his family, friends, business associates and the community that has watched him grow. His wife, Mrs. Oluwadamilola Bamgbala, who will be honoured as Yeye Okanlomo, has been a pillar of support in his journey and the recognition of both of them as a couple underscores the importance of partnership in achieving success. The installation ceremony is expected to be a colourful and joyous occasion, filled with traditional music, dance and celebration, as the Surulere community comes together to honour one of its own.
In a world where the contributions of young entrepreneurs are often overlooked, the Onikate of Ikate Surulere has chosen to shine a light on Rilwan Bamgbala, sending a powerful message that the future of Lagos lies in the hands of its youth, and that their efforts will not go unrecognised.
