By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
His Royal Majesty, Oba Sulaimon Ashade, the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom, is widely recognized as one of the most revered Yoruba monarchs among the Awori people. Residing in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Kabiesi is known far and wide for his philanthropic spirit, which transcends geographical, ethnic, and religious boundaries.
As part of his birthday celebrations for the year 2025, Barrister Emmanuel Sunday Kapo, Chairman of the Oniba Royal Committee, extolled the monarch’s charitable works. Speaking to the media, he highlighted Oba Ashade’s consistent acts of benevolence, including the donation of wheelchairs to the vulnerable, scholarships to underprivileged students, distribution of motorcycles, tricycles, and cars, the establishment of maternity homes, and numerous community empowerment initiatives.
“Oniba’s generosity is inbuilt—it is his nature. Giving is a lifestyle for Kabiesi,” said Barr. Kapo. “Today’s distribution of rice, beans, garri, Indomie noodles, yams, and other relief items to the people is not surprising. We have come to expect this from him.” He further praised the monarch’s reign, noting that peace has reigned in Iba since Oba Ashade ascended the throne, and urged residents to continue supporting the king.
The May 5th empowerment and food outreach brought smiles to many faces, including that of Kelechi, a pupil from one of Iba’s elementary schools. Sharing her excitement with INSIGHT GLOBAL NEWS, she said, “We had just closed from school when we saw people carrying bags of food. One aunty told us to go and collect ours because Kabiesi was giving everyone birthday gifts. I’m so happy I didn’t miss it!”
Her joy was echoed by other pupils, who expressed their gratitude and prayed for the monarch’s long life and continued reign.
Hon. Ege Olusegun Adebisi member Lagos state House of Assembly also chairman committee on housing could not but exhault Oba Sulaimon Ashade ‘s immensely contribution to the growth of Iba Kingdom before and since his accession of the throne of his forefathers which is outstanding philanthropic àcts pull crowd in any of Kabiesi’s event.
Hon. Ege insisted Oniba ‘ s affection to his community through lots of empowerment, relief packages , scholarships to mention but few can not be quantified as he implored Iba residents to co-operate with Kabiesi the more, advised Nigeria youth must especially Iba youth to stay off drug and be crime free.
Also present at the event was renowned Islamic cleric, Sheik Buhari Omo Musa from Ilorin, Kwara State. He delivered a heartfelt sermon in which he described HRM Oba Sulaimon Ashade as “an apple of God’s eye.” He praised the king’s commitment to charity and described him as a true custodian of Allah’s command to care for the poor—unlike some who waste their wealth.
The event was well-attended by dignitaries including several royal fathers, Oba elect of Ijedodo town, Hon. Ege of Lagos state House of Assembly, Iba Local Government Chairman Hon. Abila, Baales, high chiefs, market leaders, students, and community members from various walks of life.
