Prince Adebayo Adesegun Adeyemi III was born on 4 April 1947 into a prominent Lagos royal family, holding the traditional title Bobajero of Lagos, a hereditary chieftaincy within the Yoruba aristocratic system. Lagos, historically a major Yoruba settlement and colonial port, retained a layered social structure in which royal families preserved cultural and ceremonial authority, even as political power shifted to the colonial administration and later to post-independence governments.
A photograph from the 1990s shows Prince Adeyemi III with his uncle, known as the Queen of Lagos, reflecting family connections within the royal lineage. The photograph symbolises the continuity of Lagos royalty through generations, while also highlighting the integration of traditional status with modern professional life.
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Education and Professional Training
Prince Adeyemi III trained as a lawyer, acquiring the qualifications to practise professionally, and he furthered his studies at a private institution in Chicago, reflecting the trend among Nigerian elites of his generation to seek higher education abroad. This international training complemented his local knowledge and provided professional skills that he later applied in both public service and business.
Service in the Nigerian Police Force
Following his legal training, Prince Adeyemi III joined the Nigerian Police Force, eventually reaching the rank of Commissioner of Police, and served in Sokoto State. The Nigerian Police Force, established during colonial administration and adapted after independence in 1960, is responsible for internal security and law enforcement across the country. Commissioners of Police oversee state-level operations and are senior officers tasked with managing policing strategies, personnel, and public order.
While specific reforms or initiatives during his tenure are not documented, Prince Adeyemi III was widely recognised for professionalism, firm leadership, and dedication to duty. His service demonstrates the career trajectory of a senior officer within Nigeria’s post-colonial security institutions.
Transition to Private Enterprise
After retiring from the police, Prince Adeyemi III moved into the private sector, focusing on real estate, oil and gas, and other business ventures. These sectors were central to Nigeria’s economy in the late twentieth century, particularly in Lagos, where urban expansion and commercial opportunities created avenues for investment and entrepreneurship.
He was also engaged in philanthropy, although specific projects are not publicly documented. His contributions are noted in memorial accounts, illustrating a commitment to community support, personal responsibility, and social welfare.
Lagos Royalty and Historical Context
The Bobajero title and Prince Adeyemi III’s family heritage are rooted in the pre-colonial political structures of Lagos. Before British annexation in 1861, Lagos was governed by an Oba and a council of chiefs, forming the core of Yoruba political organisation. British colonial rule reduced formal political authority of traditional leaders but preserved ceremonial and social recognition for royal families.
By the mid-twentieth century, many members of Lagos royal families pursued Western education and professional careers, balancing traditional identity with service in modern institutions. Prince Adeyemi III exemplifies this integration, maintaining his royal title while actively participating in state and private sectors.
Legacy
Prince Adebayo Adesegun Adeyemi III passed away on 8 June 2010, leaving a legacy defined by royal heritage, professional service, business engagement, and philanthropy. His life represents the experiences of Nigerian elites who combined formal education, public service, and private sector involvement while preserving ties to traditional authority.
He is remembered for his dignity, discipline, and generosity, and serves as a documented example of a Lagos royal navigating the institutional, social, and economic frameworks of post-colonial Nigeria. His biography provides insight into the evolving roles of royalty in modern Nigerian society and the careers of individuals committed to both public service and private enterprise.
Prince Adeyemi III’s story reflects Lagos’s rich royal heritage, the structure of Nigeria’s police service, and the opportunities and responsibilities faced by educated elites in post-colonial Nigeria. His career trajectory, marked by professional achievement, public service, business acumen, and philanthropy, demonstrates the integration of tradition and modernity in Nigeria’s urban centres.
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Author’s Note
This article provides a verified profile of Prince Adebayo Adesegun Adeyemi III, focusing on his royal background, legal education, police service, private sector engagement, and philanthropic work. The piece avoids speculation, instead presenting a factual account of his life and contributions. Readers gain an understanding of Lagos royalty, Nigerian law enforcement structures, and the professional paths available to Nigerian elites in the late twentieth century.
References
- Falola, T. (1999), The History of Nigeria, Greenwood Press.
- Tamuno, T. N. (1970), The Police in Modern Nigeria, 1861–1965, University of Ibadan Press.
- Akinjogbin, I. A. (2002), The Cradle of a Race: Ife from the Beginning to 1980, Heinemann.
