Babajide Fadoju

The Oba Saheed Elegushi of the Ikate‑Elegushi Kingdom in Eti‑Osa Local Government Area of Lagos has announced plans to mark his 50th birthday with a subdued celebration following the death of his brother, Prince Wahab Elegushi.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Temitope Oyefeso, the monarch said the decision to scale down the celebration was in honour of the royal family’s ongoing mourning.

Oba Elegushi is set to clock 50 on April 10.

“The king is opting for a low-key celebration as the royal family continues to mourn the loss of Prince Wahab,” the statement said.

Oyefeso explained that although preparations had already commenced for a grand celebration, the passing of the prince after a prolonged illness made it necessary to suspend major activities.

“We are not having a big celebration at this time. Although a planning committee had been meeting over the past months, the unfortunate passing of Prince Wahab necessitated a pause,” he said.

Despite the subdued celebration, the monarch is expected to mark the milestone with humanitarian gestures. According to the statement, Oba Elegushi has directed his foundation to support selected public schools within the kingdom.

Oyefeso noted that the initiative would involve assessing the needs of the schools and upgrading facilities as part of activities to commemorate the monarch’s golden jubilee.

“The king has instructed his foundation to assess the needs of some public schools within the kingdom and provide support to complement the efforts of the government,” he added.

The statement further revealed that several traditional rulers, associates, and well-wishers had reached out to commiserate with Oba Elegushi over the loss of his brother.

It added that a formal celebration to mark the monarch’s 50th birthday would be held later in the year, with details to be announced once a suitable date is determined.

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