The Orunja of Odigbo kingdom, in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Rufus Olugboyega Akinrinmade, has honoured renowned business mogul and philanthropist, Oladele Fajemirokun, with the prestigious title of Asoju Oba of Odigbo Kingdom.
The Orunja of Odigbo, who conferred the Asoju Oba of Odigbo kingdom on Fajemirokun at the weekend said the conferment was done in recognition of the philanthropist’s outstanding contributions to the development of Odigbo and humanity.
According to Akinrinmade, “Odigbo is an ancient kingdom, and we don’t just give title to anybody for monetary gain. We put a lot of things into consideration. Before we give the title, the person must be of a good character and he must live above expectations.”
The monarch said further; “Oladele Fajemirokun has been a friend of Odigbo. The late Henry Fajemirokun, a well-known business tycoon in Nigeria, who happened to be the father of Oladele Fajemirokun. He left a very good legacy for Oladele Fajemirokun. Oladele Fajemirokun is endowed with maintenance culture. He maintained the legacy he inherited from the father.
“He built on it and he maintained a very good legacy. That’s why we give him the title. The chieftaincy we are giving to him today was decided because of the goodwill of Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi and our expectation in respect of today’s chieftaincy is that he should be the friend of Odigbo.
“The friendship between Odigbo and Ile-Oluji that has been existing for ages, that is the legacy. The friendship between Odigbo and Ile-Oluji should be continued. We want Oladele Fajemirokun to build on the cordial relationship between Odigbo and Ile-Oluji that brought the two local governments together.
“We have a lot of developmental projects. We are expecting Oladele Fajemirokun to use his humanitarian nature to help the Odigbo people. In terms of developmental projects, like in this palace now, we are embarking on a gigantic project.
“We want a befitting palace hall, whatever Oladele Fajemirokun can do to help Orunja of Odigbo kingdom complete that hall, it will be highly appreciated.”
The monarch, who also spoke on the forthcoming 2027 general elections said “we have to vote for President Bola Tinubu again.
According to him, “he has been performing wonders, we may not be feeling the effect now, but there are brighter days ahead. Nigeria will have turned to another thing by now, because a lot of things have been bastardised before it came on board.
“He has been taking positive steps, talking of the fuel subsidy, you know it takes a courageous man to remove the subsidy. Talking of our Naira, talking of local government autonomy, talking of state police, these are good policies. It will generate good dividends of democracy at the end of the day.”
Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who received the chieftaincy title on behalf of the business mogul said the position confered on her father reflect the love that the Odigbo kingdom has for their family.
According to Fajemirokun-Ajayi, an adopted daughter of Odigbo kingdom, “it’s a joyous occasion, and it’s one that comes with great responsibility, and we look forward, by God’s grace, to being able to do more for our people here, to see Yoruba develop to greater heights.
“Odigbo is filled with vast land, vast farmland. Odigbo is one of the busiest economic corridors in the whole of Nigeria. And so, of course, I believe that that legacy of industrialism that Fajemirokun left behind, putting those states on the map, not just in Africa, but all over the world, I believe that is what is being honoured today.
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“So with a great appreciation and humility, that he looks forward to serving as a son of the soil, coming home more often, and impacting our community, our youth, our women, and our people generally, to ensure that this place is known for commerce, this place is known for great businesses that will come alive, by God’s grace.”
John Adedini, who also spoke on behalf of the Fajemirokun’s Ile-Oluji family said “what we expect from our son, Oladele Fajemirokun is the full cooperation for Odigbo land and progress is expected during his tenure as the Asoju Oba of Odigbo land.
BusinessDay reports that Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi was the chairperson of the Odigbo Day 2026.
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