Soun commissions 450-shop complex in Lagos built by Bashorun Musulumi Ogbomoso, Lotus Bank to open Ogbomoso branch

Soun commissions 450-shop complex in Lagos built by Bashorun Musulumi Ogbomoso, Lotus Bank to open Ogbomoso branch

Yinka ADETUNJI

Bashorun Musulumi of Ogbomosoland Alhaji Alimi Amole Sarumi with Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja General of Nigeria

Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III Saturday commissioned a multi-million naira shopping complex in Lagos built by the Bashorun Musulumi of Ogbomosoland Alhaji Alimi Amole Sarumi. This is as it’s revealed that a branch of Lotus Bank, a non-interest and ethical bank, will be opened in Ogbomoso soon.

The massive complex located at Agunlejika Bus Stop, along Oshodi-Apapa expressway, Itire area, contains a whopping 450 lockup shops described by the Soun as “a landmark project conceived and built by our own illustrious son, Alhaji Alimi Sarumi, the Bashorun Musulumi of Ogbomosoland.”

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Oba Olaoye hailed the conception as a proof of Ogbomoso indigenes’ hardwork and demonstration of their legendary entrepreneurship spirit.

“This magnificent edifice is far more than a physical structure; it stands as a testament to vision, resilience, and the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit that defines us as Ogbomoso people.”

The monarch enthused he was proud of the feat charging other indigenes to emulate him and to forge ahead in accomplishing great things embodying excellence.

“My heart swells with pride to witness one of our own lifting the banner of excellence so high. I encourage all sons and daughters of Ogbomoso to take inspiration from this shining example—building legacies that will speak not just for today but echo across generations.” He described the businessman as “a worthy Ogbomoso son.”

The investor in his welcome address expressed extreme happiness remarking the edifice is “a vision brought to life by determination, faith and collective effort.”

Alhaji Sarumi also asserted, “We are fulfilling a future, it is more than an architectural edifice, it is a symbol of commerce, innovation and interconnectivity, it will serve as a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship and a centre for exporters, importers and consumers, linking traders and producers locally and internationally. It is designed to promote economic growth and generate employment.” He promised to build similar edifice in Ogbomoso his hometown.

In his goodwill message Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland Alhaji Abdulganiyu Atanda Owodunni lauded the achievement praying landmark events like this will mark the reign of Oba Ghandi.

Different speakers rejoiced with Alhaji Sarumi wishing him greater successes and urged him to replicate same in Ogbomoso.

Acting Managing Director of Lotus Bank, Mr. Ajani Lawal, an indigene of Ogbomoso hinted the bank would soon open a branch in the second largest city in Oyo state. “We like to partner with businesses like this. We are a commercial bank but with friendly terms like free interest loan and we are an ethical bank. We are currently on ground in 14 states including in Oyo (Ibadan and Iseyin), we will soon open a branch in Ogbomoso.”

Executive Director of Gateway Bank, Mrs. Ronke Akinkeye, who stated the bank partnered with Alhaji Sarumi noted he is “experienced in this business, he is very credible and is a man of integrity.”

Mr. Joel Owoade, Executive Director of United Bank for Africa and who is President of Ogbomoso Pivotal Club Lagos commended Sarumi also a member of Pivotal Club, saying they are committed to contributing their quota to the development of Ogbomoso.

Mr. Owoade consequently challenged the Bashorun Musulumi to have such investment in Ogbomoso.

The event was attended by many other dignitaries including the Onitire of Itire, Oba Tajudeen Ishola; Baale of Oke-Ira Nla, Chief Kamilu Olasupo Sulaiman; Dr Fatai Buhari, Senator representing Oyo North; Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; and Deputy Director of Women Affairs Lagos state, Ambassador Prevail Faridat Olayinka.

Others are the Imam of Soun, Sheikh Habeeb Tijani Ayilara; Mufty of Oyo state Alhaji Okumebo; Asoju Musulumi of Ogbomoso Alhaji Misasco; chairman Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel; and representatives of associations like NACOMYO Ogbomoso branch, Ogbomoso; League of Imams and ALFAS Ogbomoso; Oyo State Deputy Coordinator of NACOMYO, Fahkru ulamah of Oyo state; Muslim Justice Forum; Special Committee on Islamic Affairs Ogbomoso; Ifelodun Association; Real Estate Development Association Lagos state and so on.