In a vibrant celebration of culture and community service, a distinguished pastor and academic has been honoured with a significant traditional title in Oyo State. Pastor Adeshola Adepoju, a cleric with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), was recently bestowed with the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Ogbomosho.
A Grand Ceremony for a Community Leader
The honour was conferred by the Paramount Ruler and Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Alayeluwá Soun Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III. The event, described as a carnival-like cultural extravaganza, also saw Pastor Adepoju's wife, Bukola Adepoju, receive the title of Yeye of Ogbomosho kingdom. The ceremony highlighted the deep connection between modern leadership and traditional institutions in Yorubaland.
The title of Asiwaju is a highly respected Yoruba designation meaning "leader," "frontrunner," or "champion." It was given to Pastor Adepoju in recognition of his exemplary leadership and his substantial contributions to the progress and development of the Ogbomosho kingdom. Beyond his pastoral duties, he is celebrated as a community leader and philanthropist dedicated to holistic development.
A Profile of Distinction: From Academia to Service
Professor Adeshola Adepoju is a man of many accomplishments. He is the immediate past Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), a UNESCO-recognised agricultural research institute based in Ibadan. His academic journey is firmly rooted in agriculture, having earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees in Agricultural and Environmental Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2002.
His career showcases a commitment to applying knowledge for practical development. He held a postgraduate Doctoral Fellowship at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. Following this, he served as the Head of Rural Enterprises Development at the Leventis Foundation, where he used his expertise to promote sustainable livelihoods and rural transformation.
Christian Leadership in Community Development
The conferment of this title has been welcomed within the Christian community. Pastor Ezekiel A. Odeyemi, the Continental Overseer of RCCG, Continental 2, Abuja, congratulated the couple. He used the occasion to encourage other Christians to accept honours and leadership roles within their communities, seeing it as a platform for positive influence and service.
This event underscores a growing trend where individuals excelling in various professional fields—be it as a renowned academic, pastor, or administrator—are recognised by traditional institutions for their broader societal impact. The honour bestowed upon Pastor Adepoju and his wife reaffirms the value of service that transcends a single sphere of life, benefiting the local community, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
