By Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
In the ever-evolving cultural landscape of Lagos, where music, tradition, and identity often intersect, the emergence of new community leaders carries a deeper meaning. The recent installation of Babalola Ojora Tajudeen—widely known as Telemoon—as the Baale of Onishigidi Town in Iyana Ipaja marks more than a ceremonial transition. It represents the elevation of a man whose journey has been rooted in creativity, cultural preservation, and grassroots influence.
From Fuji Visual Architect To Community Figurehead :
For years, Telemoon has been a familiar name within Nigeria’s Fuji music ecosystem. Long before his ascension to traditional leadership, he built a reputation as a cinematographer and creative contributor whose work helped shape the visual identity of some of the genre’s biggest names.
His contributions span collaborations with iconic Fuji artists such as Wasiu Ayinde, Abass Akande Obesere, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Saheed Osupa, and Sulaimon Alao Adekunle Malaika. Through visual storytelling, Telemoon played a quiet yet pivotal role in amplifying Fuji music’s reach, documenting performances, and preserving moments that define the genre’s evolution.
His work behind the camera positioned him as more than just a technician—it made him a custodian of cultural memory.
A New Chapter in Onishigidi Town :
Now, as Baale of Onishigidi Town in Iyana Ipaja, under the Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Telemoon steps into a role that demands leadership, diplomacy, and community stewardship.
The title of Baale, within Yoruba traditional structure, is not merely honorary—it carries the responsibility of representing the people, resolving disputes, preserving customs, and acting as a bridge between grassroots communities and governmental authorities.
For a figure like Telemoon, whose influence has largely been cultural and creative, this transition into traditional leadership reflects both trust and recognition from his community.
The Power of Cultural Credibility :
What makes Telemoon’s emergence particularly noteworthy is the intersection of entertainment and traditional authority. In a city like Lagos, where cultural relevance often shapes influence, his background in Fuji music gives him a unique advantage.
He is not an outsider stepping into leadership — he is a familiar figure whose work has resonated across generations. His relationships within the Fuji industry, coupled with years of grassroots engagement, position him as a Baale who understands both the pulse of the streets and the weight of tradition.
This blend of cultural credibility and community presence could redefine how younger generations relate to traditional institutions, making leadership feel more accessible and relatable.
*Leadership Rooted in Experience*
Telemoon’s journey reflects a broader narrative about modern traditional rulers—individuals whose paths are not confined to royal lineage alone but are shaped by impact, contribution, and influence.
His years in cinematography required coordination, storytelling, and collaboration—skills that translate seamlessly into governance and community leadership. Managing creative projects, working with high-profile artists, and navigating the demands of the entertainment industry have all contributed to shaping his leadership style.
Now, those experiences will be tested in a different arena—one where the stakes involve people’s livelihoods, cultural preservation, and communal harmony.
*What This Means for Onishigidi*
For residents of Onishigidi Town, Telemoon’s installation signals continuity with a modern touch. It introduces a leader who is both deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural identity and connected to contemporary cultural movements.
His presence could potentially open new opportunities for youth engagement, cultural initiatives, and even creative industry collaborations within the community. It also reflects a growing trend where individuals with influence in entertainment and media transition into positions of societal leadership.
*A Symbol of Evolving Tradition*
Telemoon’s rise to the position of Baale underscores a broader shift in how leadership is perceived within traditional structures. It highlights the value of lived experience, cultural contribution, and community trust as key pillars of authority.
In many ways, his story is symbolic of Lagos itself—a city where tradition and modernity are constantly in dialogue.
As Babalola Ojora Tajudeen begins his reign as Baale of Onishigidi, the expectations are clear. He carries not only the title but also the hopes of a community that sees in him both a reflection of its past and a vision for its future.
