His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), the revered Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, is set to receive one of Nigeria’s highest honors at the forthcoming 2023 OurNigeria Awards. He will be presented with the “Man of the Year for Nigeria” award in recognition of his exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to nation-building, and his transformative impact on his community and beyond.
Oba Oyelude, born in 1964 in Kuta, hails from a lineage directly connected to the founding of Kuta Kingdom. His ascension to the throne of his forefathers on September 15, 2012, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey of service and dedication to his people.
As the Permanent Chairman of the Supreme Royal Council of all Owu Obas & Chiefs in Yoruba land, Oba Oyelude holds a significant position of influence and leadership. This council encompasses 43 Kingdoms of Owu Obas, with 17 First-Class Royal Fathers and 113 Chiefs and Magagis, representing Kingdoms and Chiefdoms across Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, and even parts of the Republic of Benin, among others in the diaspora. He is also a First-Class Traditional Ruler and an esteemed Member of the Osun State Council of Obas.
Oba (Dr) Adekunle Oyelude is not only a custodian of tradition and culture but also a highly detribalised Nigerian and a respected pro-establishment nationalist. His remarkable attributes include a strong sense of integrity, an ability to adapt and integrate ideas effectively for solving business and communal problems, and effective leadership qualities. He excels as a team player, remains composed under pressure, and is known as an achievement-driven professional and a quick learner of new concepts.
While many individuals with Oba Oyelude’s extensive list of accomplishments might be inclined to flaunt their achievements, he personifies true royalty through his humility and commitment to the betterment of his community. His transformation of Owu-Kuta Kingdom is a testament to his ability to harness support from friends and well-wishers, diplomatically engage with his people, and tirelessly win over detractors. These qualities, coupled with his sense of justice and fairness, have made him a beloved leader and a reference point in Owu-Kuta and the nation at large.
In addition to his leadership role, Oba Oyelude enjoys various hobbies, including travelling, private zookeeping, reading, meeting people, and playing lawn tennis.
His educational journey includes attending African Church Primary School, Kuta, for his elementary education and later African Church Secondary Modern School, Kuta/Ileogbo. Prior to ascending the throne, he pursued academic excellence and obtained several certificates, including a Certificate in Structural Designs and Development, a Diploma in Integrated Structural Systems, and a BSc. in Civil Engineering.
Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III) holds an Honorary Doctorate from the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management & Politics in Ghana and is a distinguished Fellow of the same institute. He serves as the Grand Patron of the Young Leadership Association of Nigeria (YLAN) and holds the esteemed title of National Patron of the Man O’ War organization. Additionally, Oba Oyelude is an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) and holds membership in various influential bodies, including the West African Telecoms, African-European Cooperation, Nigeria Youth Organization, Civil Liberties Organization, and the International Youth Council. These affiliations reflect his commitment to diverse spheres of social and professional engagement.
Oba (Dr) Adekunle Oyelude has been a key facilitator of various seminars and conferences in Nigeria since 2004. In 2015, he initiated a national advocacy program in support of the Nigerian Army, remaining at the forefront of promoting the military institution to date. He is a sought-after expert in discussions on environmental and construction-related issues, as well as youth empowerment.
He is also an astute businessman with investments in the Nigerian and foreign economies, spanning aviation, building construction, property development, specialized products, human and material resources development, and management. He chairs the boards of five companies, including two international organizations. Furthermore, he is actively engaged in social work, particularly in the areas of Social Audit, Counseling, and Leadership Training.
The “Man of the Year for Nigeria” award at the 2023 OurNigeria Awards serves as a well-deserved recognition for Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude’s outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s socio-cultural, economic, and educational advancement. His unwavering dedication to fostering unity, progress, and positive change exemplifies his commitment to nation-building.
Come November 11, he will have the honour of receiving his award from no less a personality than the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja III.