EVENTS: AWUJALE OF IJEBULAND, OBA (DR) SIKIRU ADETONA INSTALLED CHIEF SULAIMAN ADEGUNWA, CEO OF RITE FOODS LTD AS THE 3RD ASIWAJU OF IJEBULAND

On Saturday 27th April 2024, dignitaries, traditional rulers, politicians and sons and daughters of Ijebu Ode witnessed the installation ceremony of the 3rd Asiwaju of Ijebuland, Chief Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa and his wife, Hajia Fatima as the Yeye Asiwaju Arobake of Ijebuland.

The colourful events took place at Oba Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre, Opposite Afin Awujale, Ijebu-Ode as presided over by Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Dr Sunny Kuku, who represented HRM Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, Ogbagba II, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland. It was a moment to showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditional values of the Ijebu people.

Chief Sulaiman Adegunwa, CEO of Rite Foods Ltd, the Asiwaju of Ijebuland and his wife, Hajia Fatima, the Yeye Asiwaju Arobake of Ijebuland. 

The title of Asiwaju of Ijebuland was first held by the late Chief Samuel Sonibare, a property merchant and notable politician. He was succeeded by a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the late Prof Adebayo Adedeji, who died in April 2018. And 6 years after, Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and former chairman of Sterling Bank Plc; the founder and chief executive officer of Essay Holdings Limited; Parent Company of Rite Foods Limited, Chief Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa has been installed as the third Asiwaju of Ijebuland.

Chief Adegunwa’s entrepreneurial prowess has positioned him as a leading indigenous industrialist in Nigeria, with a remarkable can-do attitude and extensive experience in the global business arena, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. His dedication to fostering academic excellence in tertiary institutions such as Olabisi Onabanjo University, Tai Solarin University of Education, and Oba Adetona College of Health and Science Technology further underscores his commitment to the betterment of his community and nation.

The installation of Chief Adegunwa as the Asiwaju of Ijebuland reflects his esteemed status and unwavering dedication to the progress of his people and nation. 

Dignitaries at the event are; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,  Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola; former governors of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, Segun Osoba, and Gbenga Daniel, who is currently representing Ogun East at the Senate, Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa; the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; paramount rulers of Yewa and Egbaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Oba Adedotun Gbadebo respectively, among others.