Ikere-Ekiti, the second largest city in Ekiti State, is in a festive mood as the Paramount ruler, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu-Alagbado Agirilala ll, the Ogoga of Ikere kingdom, is set to confer a prestigious chieftaincy title on a business tycoon and prominent son of the city, Mr. Akin Afuye.
The business tycoon and philanthropist will be installed as the Asoju Oba (Royal Ambassador) of the ancient kingdom on Saturday, August 5, 2023.
The installation ceremony will take place at Ogoga’s palace as part of the Odun Oba (King’s Festival) celebrations. According to a statement from the palace, Oba Adu-Alagbado found Mr. Afuye worthy of the honour because of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of Ikere-Ekiti and Ekiti State at large.
The statement described the Royal Ambassador as “an entity that is never present, and his presence is never absent. A Royal Ambassador is a bridge builder among various interest groups without losing focus. A Royal Ambassador is always conscious of the fact that he has a tremendous responsibility because he is the representative by whom his community is going to be judged.”
The statement also quoted a famous saying that “rank confers privilege or gives power, but it imposes responsibility. Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It is about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your community, and you have to inspire the people.”
Mr Afuye is a native of Ikere-Ekiti, born into the royal families of the late Aba ‘Fuye Gbangba of Ikere-Ekiti and late Princess Adenike Abeni Afuye, a Princess of Ado-Ekiti. He is an accountant and a renowned business mogul with over 30 years of experience. He attended Annunciation School Ikere-Ekiti, Ondo State University (now EKSU) Ado-Ekiti, CORTECH Training Institute in Grand Prairie, Texas, and University of Texas in Arlington, TX USA.
He is the founder and chief executive officer of Mc-Tafak Ventures Limited, a business group with subsidiaries such as All Occasions Event Services , Akin Afuye Investments, Tiwantiwa Homeland Foods, Louder Lounge and Bar, among others.
He is also the current president of the Supreme Council of Ikere-Ekiti Youths (the umbrella body of Ikere Youths worldwide), a member of Ikere Development Forum (IDF), and a board member of Wole Olanipekun Foundation (WOF), among others.
He is a lover of arts and culture who has travelled widely and supported many humanitarian causes. He is married with children.
The people of Ikere-Ekiti are eagerly looking forward to witnessing the historic event that will mark Mr Afuye’s elevation to the rank of Asoju Oba. His friends and well-wishers have started arriving in the city to join him in celebrating his new status.
Afuye’s installation as Asoju Oba is a momentous occasion for Ikere-Ekiti. He is a well-respected and accomplished individual who is sure to make a positive impact on the community.
