Owa Obokun: US-based Ijesha prince, Dr. Oriyomi Akerele, aspires to lead Ijesaland

US-based Ijesha prince, Dr. Oriyomi Akerele, expresses his passion for leading Ijesaland with a vision for cultural, economic, and social development

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]jesaland, a historic cultural hub in Yorubaland, is preparing for a new era as Dr. Oriyomi Adewunmi Akerele, a United States-based healthcare executive and proud Ijesha prince, has expressed his desire to ascend the throne of his forefathers.

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Dr. Akerele, a member of the Bilaro ruling house, has a deep passion for the development of Ijesaland and aims to bring his international exposure and leadership experience to the position of Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

Born on August 10, 1974, Dr. Akerele has an impressive academic background. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Ilorin, a Master’s and PhD in History from the University of Arlington, Texas, and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Dallas Baptist University.

Currently, he runs a top healthcare company in the US with a portfolio exceeding $7 billion.

Dr. Akerele’s strong ties to his homeland and his global success motivate his aspiration to lead Ijesaland. “I am passionate about the development of Ijesaland,” he shared.

“I want to take our historical town and its people to a higher level of development through purposeful leadership, with the cooperation of all Ijesa sons and daughters, both at home and abroad.”

Dr. Akerele emphasised his intentions are purely for the benefit of Ijesaland, focusing on areas where the region holds a comparative advantage over other towns in Yorubaland.

His vision includes leveraging the strengths of the Ijesa people, known for their business acumen and pioneering spirit, to foster unity and growth.

“I have the support and assurance of Ijesa sons and daughters in the diaspora,” Dr. Akerele stated, “and they are ready to lend their hands and resources for the development of our ancestral land. I am ready to leave my comfort zone and answer the call of leadership to the throne of my forefathers. I have the pedigree, exposure, love, and compassion to lead Ijesaland and rewrite our history—culturally, economically, and socially.”

The Ijesa people, a sub-ethnic group of the Yorubas, are known for their rich history and resilience. Ilesha, their largest town and cultural capital, has long been a centre of economic and social activity.

Dr. Akerele seeks to honour this legacy and build a prosperous Ijesaland by working collaboratively with local and international Ijesa communities.

Following the passing of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II in September 2023, the throne of Owa Obokun remains open for a new leader.

Dr. Akerele, driven by his passion for Ijesaland, sees this as an opportunity to unify the Ijesa people and promote excellence across all sectors.

“As Ijesas, we need to connect our roots and stems to our present,” Dr. Akerele affirmed. “We are battle-strong and smart business people, setting the pace in everything we do. What we need is synergy and a strong collective purpose. If given the opportunity to ascend the throne, I will work with everyone to make Ijesaland a prosperous land that beams with pride and success.”

Dr. Oriyomi Akerele is married to Princess Oluwaseun Akerele (née Bakre) from the Gbagura clan of Egbaland. Together, they share a commitment to the cultural and economic development of Ijesaland and the Yoruba people.

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With the backing of Ijesa indigenes at home and abroad, Dr. Akerele is poised to bring a new era of leadership to Ijesaland, positioning it as a beacon of opportunity and unity in Yorubaland.