The Elegbede family on Thursday commemorated the 40th remembrance of their patriarch, Alhaji Ukasat Adekunle Olamijuwon Elegbede, with a gathering in Lagos, celebrating his enduring legacy of leadership, service, and cultural preservation.
Family members, descendants, and well-wishers came together on March 26, 2026, to honour the late elder statesman whose life and contributions remain deeply rooted in the history and traditional institutions of Lagos.
The Elegbede family, known as aboriginal Lagosians, traces its lineage to key traditional and royal institutions, including connections to the Ojora Royal Dynasty and the Elejigbo lineage of Langbasa. These ancestral ties underscore the family’s longstanding role in the cultural and historical development of Eko.
Born on September 23, 1911, to Alhaji Buraimoh Jinadu Elegbede of Ijora Oloye and Mrs. Moriliat Okeyemi Elegbede of Iddo Olofin, the late Alhaji Elegbede was widely regarded as a respected community leader whose influence spanned traditional, professional, and social spheres.
During his lifetime, he held several notable traditional positions, including Head of the Elejigbo Family of Langbasa, Secretary of the Onitana Chieftaincy Family of Lagos, and Secretary of the Ojora Palace of Ijora. In these roles, he contributed significantly to the preservation and continuity of Lagos’ indigenous institutions.
Alhaji Elegbede was also committed to education and community development. He served as Chairman of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society (Division 2 Council), where he supported initiatives aimed at advancing education and promoting Islamic values.
His educational journey began at Olumo Primary School, Ebute-Metta, after which he attended Methodist Boys’ High School for his Junior Cambridge education. He later proceeded to Igbobi College for his Senior Cambridge, where he was among the pioneer students. Among his contemporaries was Teslim Olawale Elias, who later became Nigeria’s first indigenous Chief Justice.
Professionally, he dedicated over four decades to public service in the transportation sector. He began his career with the Nigerian Railways Corporation in 1932, rising to the position of Senior Commercial Inspector after 30 years of service. In 1959, he furthered his expertise with training at the British Institute of Transportation in Liverpool, England.
Following his retirement from the railways, he continued his service with the Lagos Municipal Transport Service (LMTS), where he worked for another decade and retired as a Senior Traffic Officer.
Beyond his professional and traditional roles, Alhaji Elegbede was an active participant in Lagos social life. He was a member of the Island Club Lagos and Ẹgbẹ́ Sanmori, associations known for their influence among educated indigenous Lagosians.
His lineage also traces back to the historic figure Oloofin Ajaiye through his maternal ancestry, further highlighting the family’s deep-rooted connection to the early settlement of Lagos.
Speakers at the remembrance described him as a man of dignity, discipline, and strong values, particularly his belief in education and service to society—principles that continue to shape the lives of his descendants.
The legacy of Alhaji Elegbede lives on through his children and extended family, many of whom have distinguished themselves in various fields, including the military, civil service, medicine, education, and business. Among them is Muftau Babatunde Elegbede, who served as Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency and was a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council.
Other notable descendants include Col (Rtd) Raphew Adedeji Elegbede, Alhaja Mulikat Folawiyo, Alhaji Kola Fagbayi, Prof. Yomi Etti, Mrs. Ibilola Etti, Alhaja Fatimat Adegunwa, Alhaja Megbope, Mrs. Jemilat Kensington, Mrs. Yinka Elegbede, Mrs. Asimot Adebisi Sanyaolu, Alhaja Bombata, and Ganiat Adenike Ipinlaye.
Also Among them was late Muftau Babatunde Elegbede, who served as Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency and was a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council and late Abdul Ganiu Adewale Elegbede who served as the treasurer of Ecowas Fund.
Other notable descendants include Prince Mukandas Adeniyi Elegbede, Col (Rtd) Raphew Adedeji Elegbede, Mrs Asimot Adebisi Sanyaolu, Alhaja Mulikat Folawiyo, Alhaji Kola Fagbayi, Prof. Yomi Etti, Mrs. Ibilola Etti, Alhaja Fatimat Adegunwa, Alhaja Megbope, Mrs. Jemilat Kensington, Mrs. Yinka Elegbede, Alhaja Bombata, and Mrs Ganiat Adenike Ipinlaye
The family noted that the remembrance was not only a reflection on the life of their patriarch but also a reaffirmation of the values he upheld—education, integrity, and service to humanity.
They added that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of the Elegbede family to uphold the traditions and heritage of Lagos while contributing meaningfully to society.
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