The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, were among the notable dignitaries at the palace of the Olu Orile Ilawo Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Dr. Kadri Adeshina and his wife, Ajokeade, were installed as Asoju Oba and Erelu Asoju Oba of the kingdom.
Representing the Olubadan at the event was the Maye Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi.
The Chairman of the Ile Tuntun Community Development Association in Ibadan, Olasunkanmi Okuneye, also led a delegation of dignitaries to the occasion.
During the ceremony, the monarch, Oba (Prof) Alexander MacGregor, presented certificates and insignia of office to several Baales under his rulership.
He highlighted that Dr. Adeshina and his wife were chosen for the prestigious titles in recognition of their extensive philanthropic efforts, which have positively impacted numerous urban communities within and beyond Ogun State.
Speaking after the installation, Dr. Adeshina expressed gratitude for the honour, noting that the recognition from a region outside his immediate community underscores the universal nature of humanity and the importance of impactful philanthropy.
“Receiving this title in another region and state demonstrates that humanity transcends our immediate environment. It focuses on the impact we have on the poor and needy,” he said.
Dr. Adeshina further recounted his charitable contributions, which include supporting children, widows, orphans, and youth through educational assistance, economic empowerment, health and welfare programs, and career development initiatives across various states and regions in Nigeria.
The event celebrated unity, cultural heritage, and the importance of giving back to society, with dignitaries and community members applauding the couple’s dedication to philanthropy.
“Chieftaincy title is for people with integrity, people who make contributions to society in terms of philanthropy, and who have a good character. So I think those core values are the things that make an institution decide to say, let’s honour this person. So it’s a way to encourage you to continue to do your good work and contribute to society.
“So it’s not about money. Through my Kadri Adeshina Foundation, our interest is widows, children and youth as well. There have been occasions where I have sponsored some sports tournaments for youth and teenagers who are still in school as a way to encourage them to continue to build their talents.
“This gesture started way back in 2015 and we have been reaching out to people from various places. So when I do, when I make things, I contribute to society. I don’t get to look at what I’ve done. I just feel there’s so much to be done in the future. So, I leave what I have done behind and focus on the future of what I have not done.
“But there’s still more to be done and I will do it to the best of my ability, based on what I have and the resources available to me, I will make my contribution to society
He assured that the new titles will spur him to do more saying, “Well, the implication is, it’s more like more, it’s a call to duty. The title is a recognition of what I have done and what I am doing and a call for me to do more for the people.
“And, of course, I’ll put more energy and more time, more resources into societal development, community development, peace initiatives and all that. Those are my core interests. It’s a call to duty to do more.”
He appealed to people of substance to be mindful of how they use their wealth and resources, especially in improving the lives of people around and society at large.
“The message I have for people is wherever you are, there’s something you can do. Look out for how you can impact the next person to you. So, if people are not commending you, God is watching.
“God will honour you one day. And when, like a friend said, when God honours you, men will honour you. So, I think what life is about, is about the impact you make in life that posterity would consider.
“So, wherever you are, whatever resources you have, your time, your talent, and your treasure, those three Ts, like the teachers in Rotary, are the things required of you. You may not have the treasure, but you may have the time. Put in that time.
“Do some community development efforts. It may be your talent that is required. Use your talent to help your next-door neighbour. Use your talent to improve humanity. Leave the world a better place than you made it. That’s the idea.”
Apparently speaking on certain programmes of government that are abused by some individuals, especially in the areas of philanthropy and social security, Dr Adeshina said the government has the constitutional power to make tremendous changes in the society but to achieve results, such changes must be backed up as policies.
He said when the government puts the right policies in place, it creates an enabling environment for individuals, investment and business development to thrive.
He added that the government must also push the policies so that society and the people can be better.
He said: “Government has the constitutional power to make tremendous changes in our society. So, some things require government backing to make those effects, those changes.
“Of course, we always call on the government to please make those policies, let those policies come out, those policies that would change the lives of people, policies that will help improve the lives of people, policies that will help bring prosperity to us all. The more the merrier. If we are all okay, society will be a better place for all of us to live.
“Government, when they put the right policies in place, it creates an enabling environment for investment, enabling environment for business development, enabling environment for extremists to thrive. So, it is important for those policies, for government to help push those policies. We see the way our society is, so we, of course, call on government to do what they are supposed to do.”
