Akinrogun at 80: Distinguished Egbe Oba Kingdom Socialite Hosts Big Celebration in Ikole-Ekiti

Chief (Hon) Olatunji Adedapo Adeyeml, Akinrogun of lkole just celebrated his 80th birthday in a grand style on Saturday, 9th August, 2025, confirming his status as a distinguished Egbe Oba oba Kingdom socialite. The occasion drew prominent figures from across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

The Thanksgiving Service held at the St. Paul Anglican Church , Diocese of Ekiti, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) was filled with dignitaries, traditional rulers, and notable personalities. Among the high-profile guests were Chief Emiola Ogunshina the Apesinola of Egbe Oba Kingdom, Oba Alamo of Ilamo Ekiti, Oba Alara of Ara Ekiti, High Chief Rawa of Ikole-Ekiti, Ikole local government staff, son of the past Elekole of ikole Ekiti Justice Prince Kunle Adeleye and many others giving credence to the fact that Chief Latunji Adeyeml's life had touched many.

The solemn religious service was later followed by a grand reception at D'VAND Event Place, Ijesa Isu road, Ikole-Ekiti.

He was installed as the AKINROGUN of lkole by His Imperial Majesty Oba Adetula Oyinyo Adeleye II, the Elekole of Egbe Oba Kingdom who died on the throne on October 2, 2010.

As the AKINROGUN of Ikole-Ekiti, Chief Latunji Adeyeml is a respected community leader. His influence goes beyond Ekiti State, extending into the traditional corridors of power. Hence, the 80th birthday celebration is a resounding reminder of the indelible mark he has left both in Lagos, Ekiti State and beyond.

The celebrant was born on the 8th day of August, 1945 into the family of Late Chief Ezekiel Adeyemi and Madam Alice Adenike of lwodi Quarters, Ikole-Ekiti. Young Olatunji was called "ADE OKIN" meaning "the precious one by the parents" because of the circumstances surround his birth.

Olatunji started his education journey in the early years of his life at St. Peter's Anglican Primary School, Ikole Ekiti between 1952 and 1957 where he obtained his first leaving certificate. He continued on admission to Egbe Oba High School, Ikole-Ekiti where he had his Secondary education between January 1958 to December 1963. Tunji was the youngest in his class. He was among the five (5) students who passed West African Examination Council (WAEC) in 1963 with flying colours.

After the Secondary Education Tunji was appointed a Pupil Teacher and worked at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Iro-Ekiti and briefly at St. Stephen's Anglican School, Ayebode-Ekiti.

For his brilliance, He worked at A.U.D. High School lkole Ekiti from September to December 1964 to teach Mathematics in the Lower classes.

Through the guidance of Mr. Akin Ogunleye, He secured a job as a Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Local Government, lbadan from December 1964 to January 15th 1966. Thanks to Late Pa T. Olanrewaju

He later attempted the Higher School Certificate course (HSC) at llesha Grammar School in January 1966; a two-year program in Mathematics, Geography and Economics. He had to abandon the course in April 1967 for lack of funds. But luck had it on him that he passed the Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) in January 1967 in Geography and Economics.

He went back to his Alma Mater - Egbe Oba High School to teach Mathematics in September 1967 to May 1968. At the invitation and encouragement from Mr. Clement Olusola Falaye, He travelled to Lagos in June 1967 to look for the greener pasture.

Chief Latunji Adeyeml's journey to success began when he secured a job in Bata Nigeria Ltd. Ojota, Lagos and resumed as a Management Trainee on 1st July, 1968 With the love shown to the Job at Bata Nigeria and putting into bear the experience in tailoring gain with his Late brother, lge Adeyemi - Eagle Cuts, he was able to shine very well in Bata Nigeria. With the education he had before joining Bata Nigeria and putting into action his production acumen, he was selected to attend a "Special Course" in Industrial Management and Shoe Manufacture at Cordwainers Technical College, Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 in 1969/70 session after just a little over a year of appointment with the Company. He came out in flying colours at the end of the one year course in London Graduating in Industrial Management and specializing in Boot and Shoe Manufacture. Tunji was also awarded an Associate Member of the British Institute of Supervisory Management. Tunji came back to Bata Nigeria in July 1970 as a young Manager. His time in Bata ends in June 1980 and had to return to lkole to start a new life and stand on his own.

Olatunji 's community's participation are numerous s and cannot be quickly forgotten in the areas of: Organising the Ikole National Day Celebration for fifteen good years as National Secretary; Annual lkole Development Fund Raising as Secretary with Late High Chief Matthew Okunola the Sajowa and Agba Oye of lkole as Chairman for over twelve years; Secretary General of Egbe ltesiwaju Omo llu lkole; The Baba Egbe Termidayo, Ikole - Ekiti; Secretary, Agba lwodi Council; General Secretary, Palace Building Committee; Secretary 25th & 26th Coronation Anniversary Committee of late Oba Adetunla Adeleye the Elekole of Ikole and Paramount Ruler of Egbeoba Kingdom and he also served as the Secretary and President Rotary Club in Ikole.

Olatunji's Political life started as a grassroot mobiliser along with prominent politicians like Late Alh. JAF Ogunlayi, Late Oba S. D. Ojo the Owa of Odo Ayedun, Late Barrister Omolayo Daini etc.

He started Climbing the ladder from being a Ward Chairman, Local Government Party Chairman, Legislative Aide to Late Chief Senator Ayo Fasanmi, a 1st Republic Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District and later Tunji was an elected member of the House of Representatives in the 3rd Republic which was truncated through a palace coup by Late General Sanni Abacha consequent upon the Annulment of election of Late MKO Abiola of June 12, 1993.

His religious activities include serving as Secretary of Jehovah Mansion Church, Railway Station, Mushin, Lagos; Member and Secretary, Parish Church Council (PCC); Member, Secretary and Chairman, Harvest Committee; Synod Delegate; Member, Joint Board of Finance, Ekiti Anglican Diocese; Member, Christian Council of Nigeria -lkole Township.

His contribution to the development and progress of St. Paul's Anglican Church lkole include: provision of Solar lamps, new Pew, the leading Cross for the Choir and a Marble Seat for the Clergy among others.

He was introduced to Cooperative, Thrift and Credit Organisation by his father Pa Ezekiel Adeyemi.

With his commitment to the tenets of Cooperative movement, he rose from being President Ikole ICMS, President, Ekiti North Cooperative investment and Credit Union and now an Executive Director, Oodua Cooperative Conglomerate Ltd- the Apex cooperative body in the Southwest, Nigeria.

He is married to two wives and blessed with God given children who are all doing exceedingly fine in their chosen careers.

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