Alake Installs UK-based Property Magnate as Baagbeyi of Egbaland

Yusuf Ebiti

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has installed Chief Tanimola Sanyaolu, a property developer and economist based in the United Kingdom(UK), as the Baagbeyi of Egbaland, Ogun State.

His wife, Mrs Abisola Tosin Sanyaolu, a financial expert, was also conferred with the title of Erelu Baagbeyi of Egbaland.

Many Egba chiefs and monarchs, including the Olu of Orile Ilawo, Oba (Prof) Alexander Olusegun MacGregor, were present when the young industrialist and his wife received their title of the historic position, which had been vacant for decades.

Oba Gbadebo prayed for the couple’s continued well-being, longevity, and wealth.

The monarch tasked them with using their newfound status to promote harmony, growth, and peace in Egbaland.

Speaking on the new title, Chief Sanyaolu thanked the monarch for the honour and vowed to support him and Egbaland diligently and loyally.

He said: “It sounds like a surprise to me. It all started in 2016 when I came to Abeokuta. I live in the UK. Before now, I have been to Abeokuta once in my life when I came to collect my GCE result. That was years ago. I saw the atmosphere of Abeokuta and I love it and felt I should do something for my people.

“I was doing my philanthropic gestures in many Egba communities and one day the Alake of Egbaland took notice of them and said he was going to give me a chieftaincy title. I thought it was a joke. That was three years ago. It is now a reality. I thank God for the honour from the Alake. I thank the former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba. He was instrumental to me being made the Baagbeyi of Egbaland. Also, Baagbimo of Egbaland, Chief Israel Akinwale. I appreciate him. Both of them facilitated it.”