It was a double celebration of honour and thanksgiving on Saturday, June 27, 2026, as renowned entrepreneur, technology security expert and philanthropist, Chief Richard Adegboyega Abiodun, was installed as the Amona of Ojoduland while also celebrating his 50th birthday in grand style.
The colourful ceremony, held in Lagos, attracted an impressive gathering of monarchs, traditional chiefs, senior police officers, respected clerics, business executives, media personalities, family members and close associates who came together to celebrate a man many described as a symbol of excellence, resilience and selfless service.
The installation was performed by the Olojodu of Ojoduland, His Royal Majesty Oba Samuel Shobowale-Benson (Onigbakule Lubajo I), who said Chief Richard's remarkable achievements in business, philanthropy and community development made him a worthy choice for the prestigious traditional title.
According to the revered monarch, the new Amona has distinguished himself as a trailblazer in Nigeria's technology security and tracking industry while consistently giving back to society through youth empowerment and humanitarian interventions.
In a significant moment during the ceremony, Chief Richard's wife, Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Abiodun, was also installed as the Yeye Amona of Ojoduland, making it a memorable occasion for the Abiodun family.
Speaking on behalf of the Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja, AIG Omolara Oloruntoba, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Ajanaku praised Chief Richard's outstanding leadership qualities and his commitment to humanity.
He recalled that the celebrant distinguished himself during his training at the Police College, where he served as the overall leader of his set and championed landmark projects that left lasting memories within the institution.
Describing him as a man whose success goes beyond business achievements, the police officer noted that Chief Richard has continued to touch lives through acts of generosity, mentorship and community service.
An emotional Chief Richard, while responding, thanked God for preserving his life to witness the golden age of 50, saying every challenge he encountered became a stepping stone to greater accomplishments.
He paid glowing tributes to his late parents, High Chief S.I. Abiodun, the last Obaji-Odo of Ise-Ekiti, and Mrs. J.F. Abiodun, for laying the foundation that shaped his life. He also showered appreciation on his wife, family, friends and associates for standing firmly by him throughout his life's journey.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the parade of royal fathers who came to honour the new Amona. They included HRM Oba Samuel Shobowale-Benson, the Olojodu of Ojoduland; Oba Engr. Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, the Olofin Isheri Mole and Adimula of Awori Kingdom; Oba Dr. Olukunmi Olusesan Akingbola Ikudoro, the Olu of Oregun Kingdom; and Oba Shakirudeen Adeshina Kuti, the Elewu of Ewu Land.
Also present were prominent traditional chiefs from Lagos and Ogun States, senior ministers of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, captains of industry, media executives and entertainers, adding glamour to the memorable occasion.
Beyond the celebration, Chief Richard used his 50th birthday to put smiles on the faces of many through his Adegboyega Richard Abiodun (ARA) Foundation. The foundation donated hospital equipment and furniture to the Primary Health Centre in Ojodu, while food items, medical supplies, toiletries and other essentials were presented to children at the Fowowe Memorial Orphanage in Ogba.
Earlier in the month, he also sponsored a cancer awareness campaign in Ikorodu in honour of his late mother, who passed away from the disease.
Chief Richard is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beta Bridges Limited and Beta Bridges Training Institute, organisations that have continued to make significant contributions to Nigeria's technology security industry. Before establishing Beta Bridges in 2013, he built an enviable career with leading organisations including MTN, Wema Bank, Globacom, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, UBA, Maersk, Conoil and Procter & Gamble.
Today, the new Amona of Ojoduland remains one of the respected names in technology security, business development and philanthropy, with many describing his installation as a fitting recognition of decades of excellence, leadership and unwavering commitment to humanity.