December 08, (THEWILL) – Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo and his wife, Erelu Morenikeji Okunowo have been installed as the new Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu and Yeye Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu respectively.
The title was previously held by the late Otunba Olusubomi Balogun. The installation took place on Saturday, December 7 in the presence of very revered guests.
The role and significance of the title isn’t lost on him. The new title makes him a rallying point for Christians in Ijebuland. It is also the first time in the history of Ijebuland that the appellation Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu will be used. Before it was only meant for people in Ijebu Ode alone.
The selection and confirmation of the prestigious titles on Okunowo and his wife are as a result of their proven track records in diverse areas of service to the Christian Community in Ijebuland and beyond. The couple possess the qualities and traits required to hold these esteemed positions in the Christian Community of Ijebuland.
Moreover, their interpersonal relationship beyond border, leadership prowess and dedication have consistently played significant roles at improving the life of humanity and enhancing the cultural heritage, which has earned them respect and admiration among their peers leading to Okunowo being honored with the title of Bobasuwa II of Ijebuland, the first hereditary chieftaincy title in Ijebuland by Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona Ogbagba II, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland. Ironically, the installation of the new title, Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu, coincided with his 77th birthday and his 50th wedding anniversary.
Okunowo, a seasoned businessman with major business interests in aviation, banking, property development, is the Principal Partner of Chris O. Okunowo & Co, a full-service law firm. He is a distinguished Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria and was the 16th President of the Institute, He is also a Fellow and Council Member of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners of Nigeria (BRIPAN). He also holds the chieftaincy titles of Bamolu of Egbaland, and Aku’ajo of Awo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He is the chairman of the Ijebu Congress, a worldwide body of all the sons and daughters of Ijebu at home and in the diaspora. He is also the chairman of the Ijebu Renaissance Group, which is a very unique organisation that looks specifically at developing Ijebuland. He is also a member of the trustee of Ijebu Development Association for the actualisation of the development in Ijebu land as well as the patron of the foremost age group in Ijebuland.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
