Oba of Lagos confers Yeye Sewa title on Kafilat Ogbara

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, on Saturday conferred the chieftaincy title of Yeye Sewa of Lagos on Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives, in a ceremony held at the king’s palace on Lagos Island.

The conferment places Ogbara among a select group of women recognised with senior traditional titles in Lagos. The Yeye Sewa title was previously held by the late Chief Kemi Nelson, a prominent Lagos political figure who died in 2022.

Earlier in the day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated Ogbara on the honour, describing it as well-deserved and reflective of her contributions to Lagos State and the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that the Oba of Lagos would honour Ogbara with the Yeye Sewa title, describing it as a distinguished position within the Lagos traditional institution.

Tinubu commended Ogbara’s record in public service, particularly her legislative advocacy for women’s empowerment and efforts to promote increased female participation in politics.

Ogbara represents Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives and currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs.

In that capacity, she has been involved in legislative and oversight work focused on gender inclusion, social welfare, and policies affecting women and vulnerable groups.

The Yeye Sewa position is regarded as a senior female chieftaincy title within the Lagos traditional system, often associated with leadership, mediation, and support roles within the palace structure.

By conferring the title on a serving federal lawmaker, the Oba of Lagos has again highlighted the evolving nature of traditional honours in a modern political context.

Ogbara also holds another traditional title. In August 2025, she was installed as the Yeye Asoludero of Agboyi Kingdom by the Olu of Agboyi, Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, linking her political career with community-level traditional leadership.

This ceremony comes amid ongoing national conversations about women’s representation in governance and leadership, with Ogbara involved in legislative efforts supporting reserved seats for women in the House of Representatives.

The ceremony drew several dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Chief Adebayo Kuku, Oniru of Iru Kingdom,  His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, and Prince Samuel Adedoyin, among other political leaders, traditional rulers, and guests who witnessed the conferment.