Akure, the capital of Ondo State, is often described as a town of prominent families, but what enduring records actually show is a steady pattern of individuals rising through defined institutions. Across decades, Akure has produced monarchs, jurists, scholars, administrators, clerics, educators, and business leaders whose roles are traceable through formal appointments, installations, and published records. This article presents what readers need to know, the documented figures and institutions that continue to shape Akure’s public identity.
The Deji of Akure, The City’s Most Visible Line of Continuity
Akure’s monarchy remains the most consistent and clearly documented institution in the city’s leadership history. Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida, known as Afunbiowo II, reigned as the Deji of Akure until his death in December 2013. Contemporary national reporting identified him not only as the Deji of Akure but also as Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, placing him among the most influential traditional authorities in the state during his reign.
Following his death, the throne passed to Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, who ascended the throne in 2015. Reports at the time highlighted the ceremonial transition and confirmed his position as the reigning Deji of Akure, continuing a lineage that anchors Akure’s traditional governance structure.
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Scholarship and Global Public Administration, The Adamolekun Footprint
Akure’s influence also travels through academic and international institutions. Professor Ladipo Adamolekun, from Iju in Akure North, is a public administration scholar whose career is documented through institutional profiles and published interviews. He served as Dean at Obafemi Awolowo University and later worked at the World Bank as a lead public sector management specialist. His professional record, including a published curriculum vitae, details decades of engagement in governance reform and public sector management across Africa.
For readers, this highlights a lesser known dimension of Akure’s story, the city’s link to global policy and administrative reform through scholarship.
Politics and Public Office, Akure’s Route Into State and Federal Power
Several Akure linked figures are best understood through the offices they held and the timelines attached to them. Tayo Alasoadura, associated with Akure North, served as Commissioner for Finance and Planning in Ondo State before representing Ondo Central Senatorial District in the Senate. He later held federal appointment as Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs. These roles are consistently referenced in government records and political reporting.
At the level of state administration, Ifedayo Abegunde was appointed Secretary to the Government of Ondo State in 2017. The appointment was widely reported by national outlets and placed him in one of the most senior coordinating roles within the state executive structure.
The Legal Bench and the Courtroom, Akure’s Documented Legal Reach
Akure’s legal footprint is defined by office, not acclaim. Eyitayo Jegede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, a role confirmed through government announcements and subsequent reporting. His public biography also records service as Chancellor in Anglican diocesan jurisdictions outside Ondo State, illustrating a career that spans both legal administration and ecclesiastical governance.
Beyond Nigeria, Justice Akinola Aguda stands as one of Akure’s most internationally documented figures. He served as Chief Justice of Botswana, a position widely recorded in legal histories and judicial profiles. His career is frequently cited as a landmark in African jurisprudence, reflecting Akure’s reach beyond national borders.
Federal Service and National Politics, The Olu Falae Record
Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae, commonly known as Olu Falae, remains one of Akure’s most consistently documented federal figures. Records identify him as Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the Babangida administration and later as Minister of Finance. His involvement in national politics, including presidential contests and party leadership roles, has been covered extensively in Nigerian press. Traditional titles linked to Akure and Ilu Abo are also frequently referenced in profiles, reinforcing his dual presence in public administration and traditional society.
Education and Community Institutions, Fasoranti’s Enduring Legacy
Chief Reuben Fasoranti is widely recognised for his contributions to education in Akure and its environs. Published interviews and profiles credit him and his wife with founding Omolere Nursery School and St Frances Grammar School, Igoba. Additional reporting also references Akure High School as part of his broader educational engagement. These institutions remain identifiable landmarks within Akure’s educational landscape and provide concrete evidence of long term community investment.
Faith Leadership in Akure, The Anglican Diocese
In religious leadership, Simeon Borokini is recorded as having served as Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Akure from 2013. Church publications and media reports trace his consecration and leadership within the diocese. Public reporting has also noted that a close family member later served in the Ondo State House of Assembly, illustrating how civic and religious leadership often coexist within Akure’s public sphere.
Commerce and Market Leadership, A National Role From Akure
Akure’s influence extends into organised commerce. Ruth Olowookere, an Akure based businesswoman, was installed as President of the National Association of Traders and Market Leaders Council of Nigeria. National newspaper coverage of her installation highlights the role of market leadership as a recognised form of civic authority with nationwide reach.
Executive Office and Diplomacy, The Oluwateru Link
Omolade Oluwateru is widely reported as having served as deputy governor of Ondo State during the administration of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu. National interviews and profiles also describe him as a former Nigerian envoy, including service as High Commissioner to Uganda. These records place him within both state executive leadership and federal diplomatic service.
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Traditional Titles Beyond the Throne, The Agbaka of Alagbaka
Traditional authority in Akure is not limited to the monarchy alone. Prince Afolabi Obasuyi was installed as the Agbaka of Alagbaka, with coverage describing the installation at the Deji’s palace and confirming the title as part of Akure Kingdom’s recognised chieftaincy structure. This underscores the layered nature of traditional governance within the city.
Author’s Note
Akure’s story is not built on hearsay or fleeting reputation, it is written into institutions, offices, schools, courts, churches, palaces, and formal appointments. When you follow the titles, dates, and documented roles, a clear picture emerges, Akure’s influence comes from people stepping into defined responsibilities and leaving records behind. That is the legacy that continues to keep the city present in national conversation.
References
The Hope Newspaper, Unveiling 50 prominent families in Akure, 1 November 2019.
Vanguard, Deji of Akure, Oba Adesida dies at 63, 1 December 2013.
National Orientation Agency, New Deji of Akure Kingdom Ascends the Throne, 12 July 2015.
The Guardian Nigeria, Ladipo Adamolekun at 78, 20 July 2020.
Adamolekun and Associates, Curriculum Vitae of Ladipo Adamolekun, accessed 2025.
Channels Television, Ondo Governor Akeredolu appoints SSG, others, 13 March 2017.
ThisDay, As Eyitayo Jegede emerges Ondo PDP flag bearer, 28 August 2016.
The Hope Newspaper, Pa Fasoranti, A man of indelible footprints, 14 May 2021.
World Anglican Directory, The Rt Revd Simeon Borokini, Bishop of Akure.
The Nation, Ondo business tycoon now market women president, 18 December 2013.
Punch, Fairness demands North produces PDP presidential candidate, Ex Ondo deputy gov Oluwateru, 28 May 2022.
Hero Magazines, Prince Afolabi Obasuyi installed as Agbaka of Alagbaka, 21 October 2018.
Daily Trust, I won the 1999 presidential election, Falae, 1 May 2022.
