By Dr Jimoh Olorede
Tomorrow, Thursday, Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium of the National University Commission (NUC) in the Federal Capital City of Abuja, will be agog as the Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, inaugurates the newly constituted Governing Councils of Federal Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education under the Federal Ministry of Education headed by Hon. Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman.
One of the prominent appointees into the Federal Education Boards, not just as a member, but a Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, is a revered and foremost traditional ruler from Osun State, His Royal Majesty Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV. However, following a comprehensive review of the initially approved Board members’ list as directed by President Bola Tinubu, Oba Olabomi’s Pro-Chancellorship appointment has now been changed from the Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, to the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB). The profile of this great Monarch, as given below, suffices as it justifies the informed decision of Mr. President.
Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, was born on Monday, October 29, 1962 into the Ajibode Ruling House, Iragbiji, in Boripe Local Government of Osun State. He ascended to the throne as the 15th Aragbiji of Iragbiji in 2008.
The Monarch’s early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education. He commenced his primary education at the Local Authority Primary School, Poika Luku in Ife South Local Government of Osun State, and completed it at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Kawo, Kaduna, in Kaduna State, in 1975. The then young Prince came back home for his Secondary School education which took him to Oke-Iragbiji Grammar School, where he graduated in 1980.
In 1983, he proceeded to Adeyemi College Ondo, where he studied History Education, and graduated in 1987. The Aragbiji later in 1992, sought admission into the prestigious University of Ilorin for a postgraduate academic pursuit, and in 1994, he was awarded Masters in Public Administration (MPA). Oba Ayotunde likes education so much that in 2006, he applied and was admitted by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to study Law, being his post-secondary preferred course of study. However, his serious commitment, traditional engagement and royal itineraries consequent upon his appointment and installation as the 15th Aragbiji in 2008, when he was already at 300 Level into his Law programme, could not take him further.
Until his royal accession in 2008, Oba Abdur-Rasheed was on the Local Government Service Commission starting from Oyo State in 1989, before the creation of Osun State in 1991, and rose through the promotion cadre to become a Director of Personnel Management, from where he left for the royalty. The Aragbiji’s ascension to the throne marked a new era for the kingdom, as he brought a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the traditional institution.
Under his leadership, Iragbiji has witnessed significant development and growth. Oba Abdur-Rasheed has prioritised infrastructure development, education, and youth empowerment. He has also promoted cultural heritage and traditional practices, ensuring the preservation of the kingdom’s rich history and customs.
Oba Abdur-Rasheed is a respected figure in Osun State and beyond. He has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to community development and traditional leadership, including Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (FCIPM), Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Management (FCIM), and Fellowship of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (FAFUED) Ondo in Ondo State, Nigeria. The seasoned administrator Oba is also a Fellow of the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH) Esa-Oke, and Member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among other several awards of recognition too numerous to mention.
As a prominent member of the Osun State Council of Obas, Oba Abdur-Rasheed plays a vital role in promoting unity and cooperation among traditional rulers in the state. His wisdom and counsel are highly valued by his peers and humanity generally.
Despite his royal status, the Aragbiji is known for his humility and accessibility. He is beloved by his subjects, who appreciate his dedication to their welfare and well-being. His palace is always open to those seeking guidance, support, or a directional cause of action.
In his personal life, Oba Abdur-Rasheed is a devoted husband and father. He enjoys reading, travelling, and community service. His commitment to public service and traditional leadership has made him a shining example for future generations. Another sterling quality of the great Monarch is that he’s an excellent public Speaker. He travels far and wide with a handful of national and international network of social connections.
His Royal Majesty is a visionary leader and a champion of community development. His reign has brought significant progress and growth to Iragbiji, and his wisdom and counsel are highly valued throughout Osun State, Nigeria, and far beyond.
The President’s appointment of this great Monarch, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has been applauded by his subjects both at home and in the diaspora, and indeed, many Nigerians given the meritorious qualifications of the energetic traditional ruler, and it’s on the credit of his merit that this icon of an enviable royalty is celebrated and congratulated.
Dr. Olorede is Head of Strategic Communication and Media Studies Department in a Nigerian Federal Institution. He writes in via oloredejimoh@gmail.com