January 18 2008, was an epoch in Ede, one of the foremost ancient and famed cities in Osun state, Nigeria.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 1 ascended the highly coveted historic throne of his ancestors as the Timi Agbale Olofana of Ede.
Undoubtedly, that day laced with pomp and pageantry will continue to be remembered with nostalgia by those who witnessed kabiyesi’s coronation, while infants and those unborn then would relish to have been part of that event.
Without any gainsaying, Oba Lawal’s ascension has remarkably been a watershed in the annals of Ede.
Facts in less than two decades of his reign speak volume as kabiyesi’s strides dot the entire ede landscape with unprecedented socio-economic, physical and infrastructure transformations.
Seeing, they say is believing.
Come to Ede, one cannot but get enamoured by the sight of world class educational edifice such as Federal Polytechnic, Redeemer University, Adeleke University, besides Premier College of Education, there are numerous private and public schools.
The recent dualisation of Akoda-Oke Gada-Ido Osun-Osogbo road by his excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke has not only burnished Ede’s outlook but is a further attestation of the city’s economic growth.
As kabiyesi celebrated his 70th birthday on February 10, it is worth savouring the history of Oba Lawal, whose reign can never be divorced from the transmutation of Ede.
Kabiyesi was born on February 10, 1955 to the family of Prince Kareem Abefe of Laminisa ruling house, Pere compound and Alhaja Abibat Akanke Lawal from Ile Imole compound Ede, Osun state, Nigeria.
An academic of repute and author, Oba Adesola Lawal’s educational journey started at L. A. Primary school, Obada, Ede in 1960.
He attended Baptist high school Ede for his secondary school education. Thereafter, he proceeded to Ogbomoso Grammar school for higher school certificate (HSC).
His quest for knowledge took him to Adeyemi College of Education and later Bayero university, Kano from 1981 to 1984, where he bagged a first degree in mathematics/library science.
Also, he won academic distinction of the federal government of Nigeria in 1983.
As a man with mission and vision for academic excellence, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal was at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for a masters degree in business administration and also Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso between 1993 to 1994 for diploma in computer science.
The monarch’s academic laurels include professional advanced diploma in production and operations management, masters in Public Health from College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, while he capped it with master of Science Technology in 2007 from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
Before he ascended to the highly historic throne of his forefathers as the Timi Agbale Olofana of Ede, Oba Lawal had a chequered teaching career as a teacher at Timi Agbale Grammar school, Ede, Baptist High School Ede, Moremi high school, Ile Ife, and Oba Laoye Grammar school, Ede.
Oba Lawal thereafter joined the services of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree as lecturer three in 1993 and rose to the level of Senior Principal Lecturer in 2005, a post he held until January 18, 2008, when he ascended the exalted throne of Timi of Edeland.
Oba Lawal is a renowned author and great scholar. He published ten books and contributed to twenty two well researched articles in reputable academic journals and conferences.
His areas of academic interests include business statistics, qualitative analysis for management studies and further mathematics for schools and colleges. As a distinguished administrator, Oba Lawal served variously as Head of department and Dean of the faculty of management studies at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.
He is also a member of many professional bodies including fellow, certified institute of public administration of England and Wales (FCIPA), honorary member, Rotary club of Ede, Patron, Red cross of Nigeria, 2010 Fellowship Award of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede and member, Ede country club.
In his characteristic humble mien, Oba Lawal, Laminisa 1, thanked Allah for the grace of celebrating his platinum birthday. He prays God for many years in good health, uncommon wisdom and solid strength to serve the good and loving people of Ede that he has been destined to lead.
The week long celebration peaks with a grand reception this Saturday, February 15, 2025.
The entire illustrious sons and daughters as well as the birthday committee congratulate the Timi of Ede, Oba Lawal, a great bridge builder, an embodiment of humility, a promoter of peace and culture as he glides on.
Happy birthday and two hundred years, yet like one.
Written by Asiwaju of Ogobi-ede, Chief Ayodele Adeyemo JP, on behalf of the Laminisa Platinum Birthday Committee
