Otunba Olalekan’s Double Take: Honoured In Palace, Inducted By Club

Talk of tradition and sociability, Olalekan Akinyemi is unique in every sense of the word. His cultural inclination and flair for outdoor associations are also exceptional.

He is the type that adores the cultural values that shaped his personality with affable conviviality, hence the reason he’s much preferred among people. For these, his uniqueness cannot be underestimated.

All these qualities of this suave man of honour were farmed out at the fifth year celebration of Oba AbdulRasheed Abayomi Banjo, the Olokine of Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo on the throne of his forbears. Its thrilling effect held the audience spellbound as Otunba Olalekan Akinyemi was installed as Otunna Senbadejo of Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo.

It was also an event filled with glamour as people as feet contested for space with surging crowd strutting to catch glimpses of the man of the moment.

No sooner the installation rites and ceremony was done, than the people moved to Omo-Ilu Foundation Hall in Ijebu Igbo area of Ogun State to express their best wishes. Musicians thrilled the audience with captivating rendition of rhythmn and melody to which the celebrant and guests responded with dancing steps.

A double celebration that fit his status, after his installation at Ijebu-Igbo, he was again inducted as member of Ijebu-Ode Prestigious Club by the Safiriyu-led administration. This clearly accounted for Olalekan’s wave of sociability and indeed was one of the best ways to prove this is in joining a club of such pedigree.

Joining a social club can dramatically enrich one’s life as it provides opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, and pursue one’s interests. With regular participation, a social club also provides a sense of support, community, and belonging.

Who Is Olalekan Akinyemi?

Olalekan Bamidele Akinyemi was born to the family of Hon. Engr. Otunba & Mrs Olorunnisola Akinyemi of the Arowosugbo Dynasty, Odosenbadejo Quarters in September 1976.

He started his educational career at Ebire Nursery & Primary School in Ibadan. He later attended ljebu-Ode Grammar School for his secondary school education in ljebu Ode, Ogun State. He got admission to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta to study Accountancy (OND) and went on to complete his BSc Accounting degree at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

He proceeded to bag his Master of Business Administration degree with concentration on Finance, at the University of Cincinnati, USA.

He is a banker by profession. Olalekan grew up under the good care of his aunt -Alhaja Ronke Balogun after the unfortunate loss of his mother at a very tender age, who indeed served as his guiding light. Being an accountant herself, she inspired Olalekan to develop interest in accounting , which made him pursue the career.

While growing up, young Bamidele spent his holidays with his father, Otunba Engr. Akinyemi in Lagos and in Ijebu Igbo. His father instilled in him, a great work ethic, a can-do attitude and always encouraged him to aim high. This fatherly inspiration strongly catapulted him to take his place in life and stand on his feet, hence an impetus for accelerated success.

His father provided him real mentorship and guidance, thus becoming a major influence in his life. He learnt from his father how to be patient, how to be a good father, how to be a leader, how to be charitable, how to stay true to himself and not compromise his principles and integrity. Most importantly, to stay connected to his roots and his community.

These teachings have shaped the man, father, and leader he has become. A builder of men and lover of humanity, he is loved too and respected by those who come in contact with him as he tries to add value to the lives of people around him.

He continues to give back to the community both individually and as part of larger group / association. He is a member of several Ijebu centric and focused charitable associations.

He is the Financial Secretary of the Association of ljebu-Igbo Descendants, North America; the Financial Secretary of the Georgia Association of ljebu Descendants (GAID), the Asoju Giwa North America of the Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin Asiwaju Akile Ijebu.

He is also the founder of the popular social media Facebook group, Ijebu Indegenes, where he continues to promote the culture and heritage of Ijebu people.

Olalekan is happily married with children.

Undeniably, Otunba Olalekan Akinyemi can be best described as a man of tradition, a culture-loving personality; and a socialite whose perception about life and the society is filled with the moral injunction of hardwork for success, a re-connection to one’s root in promoting tradition and values, social togetherness, strong affection for family ties and above all, love for one’s community and humanity.

– The Issues Magazine

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