Sanwo-Olu, Fashola Applaud Oniru as Monarch Launches Lagos Urbanisation Memoir

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former governor Babatunde Fashola have commended the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, for his insightful contribution to urban discourse, following the launch of his new book, “From City to Megacity: A Memoir of Lagos Urbanisation (1999–2023)”.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, drawing dignitaries, family members, academics, and policymakers. The memoir chronicles Lagos State’s transformation over a 24-year span, blending historical narratives, policy evaluations, and the personal experiences of the monarch—who has served in both government and traditional leadership roles.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the memoir as an enduring legacy and a critical reference for understanding the state’s development path. He praised Oba Lawal for his intellectual effort, stating, “This is more than a book — it is a call to preserve our progress, reaffirm our shared values, and present Lagos as a symbol of what is possible in Africa.”

Hamzat also noted that Lagos, now a bustling megacity, faces serious threats, including excessive rainfall, rising sea levels, and extreme heat, stressing that future governance must prioritize environmental resilience over conventional infrastructure.