Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Governor Babatunde Fashola have praised the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, for his intellectual contribution to Lagos’ development narrative through the launch of his book.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, where dignitaries, family, friends, and associates gathered to celebrate the monarch’s latest publication titled From City to Megacity: A Memoir of Lagos Urbanisation (1999–2023).
The book, which documents Lagos’ transformation over a span of 24 years, offers a blend of historical insight, policy reflections, and personal observations drawn from the monarch’s experience as a public servant and traditional ruler.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat described the publication as a legacy piece that reflects the monarch’s commitment to the state’s progress. He said the book serves as a challenge to leaders and stakeholders to continue safeguarding Lagos’ growth and values.
“This publication is more than a title. It is a chronicle of strategic governance and the evolution of a city,” Hamzat said. He pointed to pressing urban threats such as flooding and excessive heat, noting that the real focus must be on sustainable planning to ensure the city’s survival. “We must understand the challenges and act accordingly. I thank Kabiyesi for documenting this for future generations.”
Fashola, also a former Minister of Works, commended the monarch for putting his firsthand experiences into writing, describing the work as timely and necessary.
“Having been a participant and eyewitness to critical periods in the development of Lagos, Kabiyesi felt obligated to provide a record. This book is his testimony,” he said. He noted that it coincided with the recent launch of a N500 billion Lagos food security fund, tying it to ongoing investments in agriculture, which the monarch also addressed in the book.
Book reviewer Professor Taibat Lawanson of the University of Liverpool described the memoir as a valuable resource for anyone interested in urban planning, public service, or sustainable development.
“It is a deeply insightful narrative seen through three lenses: public service, traditional leadership, and urban governance. It brings human needs like food and shelter into focus while exploring housing, transportation, agriculture, environment, and security,” she said.
The Oniru, in his remarks, said the inspiration for the book came from a probing question asked at a conference: Is Lagos truly ready for the urban future?
“This book is a tribute to the journey Lagos has taken and a call to remain engaged with its future,” the monarch said. “It invites citizens, leaders, and development partners to reflect, participate, and stay committed to the work ahead.”
He emphasized that the book is structured around key governance areas, offering a decade-by-decade reflection on the city’s development. It traces Lagos’ progress from chaotic growth before 1999 to reforms that improved transportation, housing, security, waste management, and citizen engagement.
Oba Lawal’s work adds a thoughtful and credible voice to the ongoing conversation about urban futures in Africa’s most populous city, urging stakeholders to not just admire Lagos for what it is, but to envision and build what it must become.
