By Remilekun Oyelowo
|ISEYIN, OYO STATE —
History and heritage converged on yesterday, in the ancient town of Iseyin, Oyo State, as the Aseyin of Iseyin, His Royal Majesty Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Onijegun of Ijegun Land on Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, the serving Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps.
The well-attended event brought together a constellation of traditional rulers, political leaders, business magnates, security experts, and citizens from across the Southwest and beyond, turning the quiet Iseyin community into a vibrant hub of celebration and cultural pride.
Speaking at the colorful installation ceremony held at the Aseyin’s Palace, Oba Adeyeri emphasized that Omoyele’s selection was no accident. According to the monarch, the honor was the outcome of a careful, year-long observation of the Corps Commander’s public conduct, leadership style, and commitment to societal growth.
“We have been closely monitoring the activities of Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele for over a year,” Oba Adeyeri declared to the enthusiastic gathering. “What we found was a man of exceptional character, a bridge-builder, and a patriot who lives for service. His forefathers once held this revered title, and by his deeds, he has shown himself worthy to inherit and expand their legacy.”
The monarch described Omoyele as a rare blend of humility and strength, a leader who consults widely, embraces all classes of society, and whose security initiatives have already yielded visible results across communities.
Oba Adeyeri urged the new Onijegun to leverage his broad network and experience to attract sustainable development to Ijegun, Iseyin, and the larger Oke-Ogun axis, stressing that traditional titles should go beyond ceremonial displays to actual service delivery.
Prior to his appointment as Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Chief Omoyele had built a formidable career in public security and conflict management. A trained criminologist and security analyst, he earned advanced degrees in Security Studies and Public Administration, blending academic rigor with field experience.
Throughout his career, Omoyele consistently championed community-driven security models, advocating for stronger collaborations between formal security outfits and local vigilante groups. His work led to the establishment of several joint task forces, strengthening rural security architecture especially in the volatile regions of Osun and its border towns.
Known for his people-centric leadership style, Omoyele also initiated several youth empowerment programs, facilitating vocational training and microcredit access for rural youths as part of broader crime-prevention strategies.
Under his watch, the Osun Amotekun Corps recorded major successes in curbing farmer-herder clashes, reducing rural kidnappings, and supporting intelligence gathering that led to the dismantling of several criminal hideouts across Osun State.
His pragmatic approach to leadership, openness to partnerships, and firm belief in community ownership of security projects have distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s most respected grassroots security experts.
The installation ceremony was a breathtaking display of Yoruba culture and royalty. The Aseyin’s Palace was adorned with traditional fabrics, royal insignias, and the rhythmic sounds of talking drums (gangan) reverberated through the air, serenading the arriving guests.
Dignitaries at the occasion included eminent royal fathers such as HRM Oba Ashiru Tadese, the Olobu of Ilobu; the Ileogbo of Ileogbo; representatives from the Ode-Omu and Olufi of Gbongan Royal Councils; HRM Oba Saheed Ifatola (Alade Okin); and the Alado of Ilado.
Government functionaries, including members of the Osun State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and business moguls from within and outside the state also graced the occasion.
Senior commanders and officials of the Osun Amotekun Corps came in solidarity with their leader, many describing the recognition as “well deserved and long overdue.”
The excitement peaked when Omoyele, dressed in rich agbada regalia, was officially adorned with the traditional cap and staff of office, symbolizing his new status as a custodian of the Ijegun community’s heritage.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele expressed profound gratitude to Oba Adeyeri, the Council of Chiefs, and the entire Ijegun community for finding him worthy of such an esteemed honor.
“This title is not just an honor; it is a sacred responsibility,” Omoyele said, his voice laden with emotion. “I accept it with deep humility, and I pledge to work even harder for the growth, peace, and progress of Ijegun, Iseyin, and the entire Oke-Ogun region.”
He further promised to use his vast experience in security, governance, and grassroots mobilization to attract meaningful projects to the community, including rural road development, youth training schemes, and enhanced security patrols.
Omoyele also thanked the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Asiwaju Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for believing in his capacity to lead the Amotekun Corps, noting that the Governor’s encouragement and vision for grassroots security reform have been major motivators in his journey.
Beyond the glamour and festivity, the ceremony underscored a serious message: the urgent need for transformational leadership at every level of Nigerian society.
By selecting a candidate based on merit rather than political patronage, the Aseyin of Iseyin reasserted a critical principle — that service, integrity, and community impact must remain the true criteria for honors and leadership positions.
Many observers at the event noted that Omoyele’s installation was not merely symbolic; it was an affirmation that young leaders committed to selfless service can still find genuine recognition in traditional institutions.
As Nigeria continues to battle insecurity, economic instability, and social dislocation, the emergence of leaders like Chief Omoyele offers a glimmer of hope for a nation searching for positive examples.
For Chief Omoyele, the journey is far from over. Friends and associates who spoke at the event described him as a man “not easily carried away by titles,” but one who sees honors as added responsibility to deepen his impact.
As he resumes his duties both as Onijegun of Ijegun and Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, expectations are high that he will continue to lead with distinction, transparency, and a focus on results.
With his firm grounding in community development, security expertise, and an enviable network of partners across government and traditional sectors, many believe that Omoyele’s best years of service — and the best benefits for his people — are still ahead.
For the people of Ijegun and Iseyin at large, the installation of Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele is not just an addition to the list of titled chiefs. It is a rekindling of hope that service, character, and heritage still matter — and that when matched with action, they can indeed transform communities.
