A prominent community stakeholder and agripreneur, Chief Bamidele Yakubu, and his wife, Chief Mrs Mopelola Yakubu, have received four chieftaincy and honorary titles from traditional and religious institutions in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, within 24 hours.
The Alale of Akungba-Akoko, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu (Agure I), conferred the title of Aare Mayegun of Akungbaland on Chief Yakubu, while his wife was installed as Yeye Mayegun during a ceremony held at the monarch’s palace on Friday.
The recognition was followed on Saturday by another honour from The African Church, St. James’ Archdeaconry, Akungba-Akoko, which installed Chief Yakubu as Asiwaju Ijo Okunrin, while his wife was conferred with the title of Grand Patron.
The traditional installation attracted prominent personalities, community leaders, family members and well-wishers from within and outside Ondo State.
Speaking at the palace ceremony, Oba Adu, popularly known as Òdúndún Asodedero, praised Yakubu for his consistent contributions to the growth and development of Akungba-Akoko, particularly his commitment to the successful organisation of the 2026 Akungba Day celebration held in July.
The monarch said Yakubu’s performance as chairman of the 2026 celebration committee had demonstrated his leadership capacity and dedication to community service, adding that he had consequently been given another opportunity to head the organising committee for the 2027 edition.
He said the new title was an honorary recognition of Yakubu’s selfless service and commitment to the advancement of the community, noting that the honour was intended to encourage him to sustain his contributions to Akungbaland.
Oba Adu also reaffirmed his commitment to conferring a high chief title on Okele Quarters, but clarified that the proposed titleholder would not supersede the Olori traditional stool in the quarter. He urged residents to prioritise peace, unity and mutual understanding for the overall development of the community.
At the church installation on Saturday, the Archbishop of Oka Province, Most Rev. J.O. Akinsanya, congratulated Yakubu and the other recipients, urging them to regard their new positions as additional responsibilities to serve God and humanity.
The cleric called on the newly installed titleholders to demonstrate greater commitment to the growth of the church, stressing the need for dedication, sacrifice and active participation in its affairs.
He urged Yakubu and his wife to sustain their contributions to the church and remain committed to initiatives that would strengthen its spiritual and institutional development.
Speaking with journalists after the two ceremonies, Chief Yakubu expressed gratitude to the Alale for finding him worthy of the traditional honour, promising not to disappoint the monarch and the people of Akungbaland.
He said, “I am deeply grateful to Kabiyesi for this recognition. I consider the title not just an honour but a call to greater service. I will continue to contribute my quota to the peace, unity and development of Akungbaland.”
Yakubu also appreciated the leadership of The African Church for recognising him and his wife, pledging to remain supportive of the church’s activities and programmes.
He added that the honours would further strengthen his resolve to contribute to the development of both the community and the church.
A close friend of the new chief and Baba Ijo of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Akungba, Chief Tolu Oriyomi, described Yakubu as a compassionate individual whose generosity and concern for others had endeared him to many people.
Oriyomi said Yakubu’s philanthropic disposition and consistent commitment to community development distinguished him, adding that his recognition by the traditional institution and the church was a reflection of his positive impact on society.
He said, “Chief Yakubu is a man with the milk of human kindness. His concern for the welfare of others and his readiness to support worthy causes have earned him the love and respect of people across the community.”
Dignitaries who attended the ceremonies included Chief Joe Oludare, Dr Bode Iwaloye, Elder Dr Adewale Owolo, Barrister Duro Adonis and Bishop Samuel Asimolowo, Pastor Festus Ayesa, among other prominent Akungba indigenes.
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