Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikateland, in Lagos State, may not rank among the first class traditional rulers in Nigeria, but one thing is certain – THE YOUNG OBA IS VERY, VERY INFLUENTIAL – especially in the South West.
Some of those who know the fun-loving Kabiyesi very well told YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine that subtly and quietly, Oba Elegushi’s influence is beginning to permeate the South West.
Specifically, they revealed that it was his influence, with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval, that allegedly got His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to the throne of his forefathers – as the new Ooni of Ife.
Another Oba who was recently crowned – Oba Rasheed Akanbi, Oluwo of Iwo – also allegedly rose on his influence.
The 48-year-old Oba Akanbi, a Canada-based businessman, emerged from the Gbaase Ruling House. A childhood friend of Ooni Ogunwusi, the relationship between the trio, made it happen again, according to what we were told. Of course, with Tinubu and Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s endorsement.
Oba Saheed Elegushi, in his 40s, succeeded his father, Oba Yekini Elegushi, not withstanding the dissenting voices then in the family. A one-time Aide to the then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos, he warmed his way into Asiwaju’s heart while working for him – alongside the other popular ‘Tinubu Boys’, made up of Folly Coker, now Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, etc.
Married to Olori Sekinat and blessed with children, the good looking traditional ruler who stammers has been riding on that closeness to fix this and that in the South West. Thus, becoming a key person of influence, especially in the traditional sector.