Engr. Akeem Olatunji, the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, has been conferred with the prestigious title of ‘Asiwaju of Oluyole’ by HRM Oba Hamidu Ajibade and the Oluyole Traditional Council.
The title of ‘Asiwaju,’ meaning ‘leader’ in Yoruba, is a distinguished honor bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the welfare and advancement of their people.
The grand ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State; Barrister Adebayo Lawal, present and past members of the federal house of representatives, Honorable Waheed Akintayo and other members of Oyo state House of Assembly, as well as some members of the state Executive Council and top government functionaries.
The event which was adjudged first of its kind in the Oluyole LG by different speakers at the event, held yesterday, February 16.
Olatunji’s installation as Asiwaju, a rare title reserved for only an individual who has distinguished him or herself as visionary leader and grassroots builder, was met with widespread celebration from traditional rulers, religious leaders, and high profile political stakeholders.
In his brief remarks, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State commended Olatunji for his visionary leadership, noting that his installation as Asiwaju Oluyole was well-deserved.
He highlighted the chairman’s efforts in developing the grassroots across various sectors as well as building of market infrastructure, which have positively impacted the lives of residents of Oluyole LG.
Barr Lawal expressed his confidence in the leadership prowess of the newly installed Asiwaju Oluyole and his passion for his people, assuring that he would continue to support such visionary and pragmatic leadership.
Performing the installation rites, His Royal Majesty, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadan, who led other Obas to the event described Olatunji as a pride of Ibadanland who has continued to enjoy immense goodwill and robust relationship with the traditional institution.
He added that Olatunji has distinguished himself as worthy son who can be trusted with the resources of the people as he continues to champion the course of good governance and grassroots development in Oluyole.
Also, the Oluyole Council of Traditional Rulers comprising the entire 63 Baales (community rulers) not only endorsed Olatunji’s performance as LG Chairman but also threw their weight behind him for a higher responsibility in the near future.
The Council praised Olatunji’s exemplary leadership and dedication to grassroots development while also highlighting his transformative impact on the local government, noting his commitment to infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and the promotion of peace among diverse religious and ethnic groups within Oluyole LG.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Baale Olubi, Chief Oyedele Akinloye, described Olatunji as a progressive, people-oriented leader whose governance has brought unprecedented development to Oluyole.
“We are not just celebrating the newly installed Asiwaju Oluyole, Engr. Akeem Olatunji today; we are also sending a strong message that Olatunji is our pride not only in Oluyole but in Ibadanland. He has done exceptionally well, and we believe he is more than fit and capable for higher responsibilities in the near future.
Baale Kabiru Olajide (Baale Oleyo) in his goodwill messages said “it is unprecedented in the history of Oluyole for the entire Traditional Council to come together collectively to nominate a single individual for a such rare chieftaincy title. Engr Akeem Olatunji is the first to be honored in this remarkable manner.”
Other traditional leaders in their separate remarks also praised Olatunji’s leadership in areas such as education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and support for traders and artisans. They urged political stakeholders to recognize his capacity, integrity, and achievements, positioning him as a force to properly utilize.
Rt Hon Dhikirulahi Adedeji Olajide Odidiomo, second term member of the Federal House of Representatives told newsmen that Olatunji’s installation was a clear testament to qualitative and trusted leadership being reciprocated by the people.
He urged other LG Chairmen and those holding public office to emulate what he described as ‘Olatunji’s visionary leadership with human face’ and expressed his confidence that more of such impressive performance would come from the Oluyole LG boss as he continues to paddle the affairs of the council.
In his acceptance speech, Asiwaju Olatunji expressed gratitude to Oba Ajibade and the Oluyole traditional council for such rare honor. He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Oluyole LG and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development.
The presence of both the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokere, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Oyo state chapter; Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, and the Araba of Ibadanland, indicates unity among different religious and cultural groups in their acceptance of Olatunji’s installation as Asiwaju Oluyole.
The Babaloja of Oyo state, Alhaji Y. K. Abass, a prominent market leader, Alhaja Saratu Aduke and other notable market leadership representing various trade associations, also acknowledged Olatunji’s role in promoting trade and commerce as well as a business-friendly environment for traders and artisans across Oluyole.
The ceremony featured traditional performances, prayers, and goodwill messages from Oluyole community development council (CDC), all celebrating the leadership and impact of Engr. Olatunji in Oluyole.
Other prominent guests present at the event include His Eminence Aare Dawud Makanjuola Akinola (represented), High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, High Chief Bayo Oyero, PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Amb Taofeek Arapaja, former deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi, Barr Ajeniyi Ajewole – CCII President, Oloye Nureni Akanbi, and PDP state Secretary, Alh. Wasiu Adeleke.
Also, Oloye Taofeek Adegoke, Engr Abduljelyl Adekunle Mogaji Adanla,
Mogaji Ariori, Hon Sikiru Sanda and 31 other Council Chairmen, Chief Babtunde Ologburo, Hon Bimbo Adekambi, former House of Reps member–Hon Saheed Fijabi, Bishop Oluwajimade, Yeye Abosede Adedibu, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola and other Commissioners, Engr Muftau Open Salawu, Dr Oriyomi Hamzat, Comrade Ayobami Adeogun–Oyo NULGE President, Ademola Babalola–Oyo NUJ Chairman, and others.
