In a ceremony steeped in tradition and political significance, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, the executive chairman of Lagelu Local Government, was bestowed with an Award of Excellence in Governance by the Igbo-Elerin Council of Baales and Forum of Chiefs. The award was presented during the vibrant celebrations of Igbo-Elerin Day 2025, marking a moment of pride and recognition for effective local governance.
The event, held under the azure skies of Lagelu Ibadan, was not just a celebration of cultural heritage but also a political gala. The presence of numerous heavyweights from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) underscored the political weight of this recognition. Attendees included notable figures such as Hon. Akintunde Emmanuel (AKT), member- Oyo State House of Assembly, Elder Babatunde Tijani (Double-T), and Engr. Festus Alade (Macadof). The list continued with Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, Oyo commissioner for works and transport, Elder Oribayo Okeyode, Elder Kehinde Fabunmi, Alh. Omowumi Ibitoye, Oyo PDP women leader, Hon. Tokunbo Adeaga, OYCSDA chairman— members of the PDP’s esteemed elders caucus, adding layers of significance to the occasion.
The award itself, given by the Igbo-Elerin Council, symbolizes not only an acknowledgment of Hon. Kamorudeen’s leadership but also a bridge between traditional governance and contemporary administration. This council, composed of baales (village heads) and chiefs, represents the heartbeat of local community life, making their endorsement a potent symbol of grassroots support.
The ceremony was a vivid tapestry of cultural expressions, with traditional dances, music, and speeches that extolled the virtues of unity, leadership, and community development. Hon. Kamorudeen, in his acceptance speech, expressed profound gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the opportunity given to him to serve, and to the entire leadership of peoples democratic party in Lagelu— for the support he’d received. He dedicated the accolade to the collective effort of every single indigenes and residents of Lagelu.
The political dimension of the gathering was palpable, with many interpreting the attendance of PDP luminaries as a clear sign of political endorsement and perhaps a strategy to galvanize support for future electoral seasons. The event thus served as both a cultural festival and a political rally, highlighting the intricate dance between tradition, politics, and progress in Nigerian local governance.
As the sun set over Igbo-Elerin, the echoes of applause for Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen lingered, a testament to a day where governance, culture, and politics intertwined in a celebration of leadership and community. This award not only celebrates past achievements but sets a hopeful tone for the future of Lagelu under his stewardship, promising continued collaboration between the traditional and elected leaders for the betterment of their constituents.
