By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi October 31, 2025
adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
In a ceremony rich with cultural splendor, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D. (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode, Olofin Apesin Olode), the Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland in the Awori Kingdom, has elevated Chief Jide Waliu Ojolowo-Ojuko to the revered chieftaincy title of Olootu of the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland.
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The investiture, held at the Olota’s Palace in Ipeti Square, Okede, Otta, on Thursday, recognizes Chief Ojuko’s decades of selfless service, infrastructural advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the socio-economic development of Otta and Aworiland. Formerly the Sobaloju of Otta, he now steps into one of the kingdom’s most exalted traditional offices—second only to the Olota in ceremonial and advisory influence.
“This elevation is a testament to Chief Ojuko’s integrity, leadership, and deep-rooted love for our people,” declared Oba Obalanlege. “He has earned this honor through action, not words. The Olootu is the guardian of our heritage, and in Chief Jide, we have a worthy successor to his illustrious father.”
The title Olootu of Otta was last held by Chief Ojuko’s late father, Pa R.S. Ojolowo, a towering statesman, politician, and community leader whose influence shaped Ogun State’s political landscape in the post-independence era. Accepting the honor, Chief Ojuko paid emotional tribute:
“I stand on the shoulders of my father, Pa R.S. Ojolowo, whose life was a blueprint of service. This title is not mine alone it belongs to every son and daughter of Otta who believes in progress, unity, and cultural pride.”
The Iganmode Club Ota, a prestigious socio-cultural and developmental organization of which Chief Jide Waliu Ojolowo-Ojuko is the President, issued a glowing congratulatory statement shortly after the announcement.
In a release signed by Prince Adeyemi Sulaimon Olusesi (Omotobase of Ottaland) and endorsed by the club’s Executive, the Iganmode Club hailed the elevation as “a proud moment for Otta’s progressive community”:
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“As President of the Iganmode Club Ota, Chief Jide Waliu Ojolowo-Ojuko has led with vision, mobilizing resources for education, health, and youth empowerment. His elevation to Olootu of Ottaland is divine confirmation of his leadership. We rejoice with him and pledge our continued support as he guides our kingdom into a new era of prosperity and cultural renaissance.”
The club, founded in 1974 to promote unity, development, and Awori heritage, has been instrumental in projects like the Iganmode Cultural Centre and annual scholarship programs initiatives Chief Ojuko has championed since assuming the presidency.
Otta, the industrial heartbeat of Ogun State with over 1,000 factories and a gateway to West Africa, continues to blend tradition with modernity under Oba Obalanlege’s reign. The Olota, a professor of mass communication and former university administrator, has used his global exposure to attract investments while preserving sacred Awori customs evident in the grandeur of ceremony, featuring Ege masquerades, and tributes from neighboring monarchs.
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Chief Ojuko’s elevation strengthens the traditional council’s capacity to advocate for federal attention to Otta’s infrastructure needs, including road networks, power supply, and industrial zoning issues he has consistently raised as a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Dignitaries, including Ogun State government officials, industrial leaders, and youth groups, filled the palace grounds. Messages flooded social media under #OlootuOjuko, with one viral post reading:
“From Sobaloju to Olootu—Chief Jide Ojuko is living proof that service to community never goes unrewarded. Otta rises.”
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As the new Olootu takes his place among the kingmakers, Ottaland looks to a future where ancestral wisdom and modern governance walk hand in hand led by a son who honors his father’s name and uplifts his people.
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