Awujale Stool: Mining Expert, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde Alatise, Declares Interest

...promises a New Era of Development, Prosperity for Ijebuland

A renowned mining engineer, business executive, and community leader, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde “Babs” Alatise, has formally joined the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, promising a transformative era of economic development, industrial growth, and global recognition for the Ijebu nation.

Otunba Alatise, a distinguished member of the Bubiade Royal Family of Fusengbuwa ruling House, Agunsebi, Ijebu Ode, the next in line to produce the new Awujale following the passing of the revered Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, after an illustrious 65-year reign.

Speaking on his vision for Ijebuland, the 45-year-old technocrat said his plan is rooted in economic diversification, anchored on mining and tourism, two sectors he described as “the twin engines of sustainable growth” for the Ijebu nation.

“Ijebu is richly endowed with natural resources that can power our prosperity for generations,” Alatise declared. “If chosen as the Awujale, I will ensure that every mining company operating within Ijebuland signs and implements a Community Development Agreement (CDA) — contributing at least five percent of their annual turnover directly back into our communities.”

He added that part of his agenda includes advocating for tax credit schemes that will allow mining companies to channel a portion of their taxes into road construction and infrastructure development within Ijebuland.

On tourism, Otunba Alatise pledged to build upon the legacies of the late monarch, especially by transforming the globally renowned Ojude Oba Festival into a major international cultural and economic event.

“We will elevate Ojude Oba to global prominence by inviting international dignitaries, investors, and cultural enthusiasts,” he said. “We also plan to establish a Polo Club and Training Centre for horse breeding, to host an annual international polo tournament that will attract tourism and stimulate local businesses.”

Born on August 12, 1979, Otunba Alatise is the son of the late Otunba Sikiru Olatunji Alatise, former Alagbala-Adinni of Lagos and Ijebuland, and Mrs Oluyemisi Alatise, a retired magistrate and the first African President of the International Inner Wheel (2016).

A product of Corona Schools, Lagos, and Lagos State University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Alatise later obtained a Master’s in Computer Science and Information Systems from London Metropolitan University, UK, in 2004. He is also an Oracle Certified Database Administrator.

Professionally, he has excelled in both the mining and technology sectors, beginning his career with Sage UK before returning to Nigeria in 2007 to join the family enterprise, Tuntise Investments Limited. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Tuntise Investments Ltd, Yemlat Farms Ltd, and Tuntise Properties Ltd.

Under his leadership, Tuntise Investments expanded across multiple regions of Nigeria, providing mining logistics, civil explosives, and engineering services to quarry and construction firms nationwide.

Leadership and Global Engagement

Otunba Alatise has represented Nigeria on several international platforms, including INTERPOL’s Global Congress on Chemical Security, UNDP’s Development Minerals Workshop, and the U.S. State Department’s Chemical Security Program.

He has also served as Chairman of the Mining and Solid Minerals Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and holds memberships with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE), among others.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administrators (FCIA) and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, Alatise has received numerous awards for leadership and social impact, including Icon of Societal Development (Arewa Peace Ambassador Forum) and Outstanding Leadership Award (Nigerian Youth Peace Action Network).

Traditional and Religious Recognition

In 2015, he was conferred with the title Otunba Otutubiosun of Ososa, and in 2022, he was turbaned as the Alagbala-Adinni of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Ijebuland, further solidifying his deep-rooted connection to the cultural and spiritual life of his people.

A Commitment to Progress and People

Beyond his royal aspirations, Otunba Alatise is a philanthropist, aviator, and advocate for youth empowerment, known for promoting education, peacebuilding, and economic inclusion.

“My reign, by the grace of God, will focus on development, innovation, and unity. Ijebuland will stand as a model of progress — blending our proud traditions with modern governance and enterprise,” he said.

He is married to Princess Awo Alatise, a Ghanaian royal, and they are blessed with three children — Zahir, Zahirat, and Zahra.

As the race for the Awujale Stool intensifies, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde Alatise’s candidacy stands out — not just for his royal lineage, but for his rare blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and visionary leadership — qualities many believe could usher Ijebuland into a new era of prosperity and global relevance.