By John Odunayo
Accomplished administrator, politician, businessman and community leader, Hon. Wale Ogunmade, did not hide his feelings when he received the prestigious award conferred on him by his community, Ode Aye, in the Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State.
He has received awards from far and near, no doubt, but he holds dearly this honour coming from his people during the 40th Layelu Day celebration (November 2024 edition) with the theme, “Rebranding Aye Kingdom”, organized by the Fusion of Aye Development Associations (FOADA) and the Halu of Aye Kingdom, Oba Williams Akinmusayo Akinlade, Uyi Oba 1.
Ogunmade, an oil and gas magnate, a real estate investor and former Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, is an individual who stands tall in the area of community development and a persin whose humanitarian gestures, kindness and generosity have attracted several awards including LG Chairman of the Year Award, Role Model Award, Distinguished Leadership Award and Ambassador Award among others to him.
Speaking at his Ode Aye home when the prestigious meritorious award, which was received on his behalf at the auspicious occasion was presented to him, Ogunmade said, “This award means a whole lot to me. I hold it dearly. It is different from all the awards I have received because this honour is coming from my people, from the land of my birth.
“I see this recognition as unparalleled. Choosing me for honour among the many accomplished sons and daughters of Ode Aye means a lot. Also being honoured on the occasion alongside great achievers whose deeds, achievements and contributions were recognized and appreciated by the community gives me great joy and happiness. I am challenged. It has challenged me on doing more to support the community,” Ogunmade said.
The former local government chairman thanked the people around him, saying they made the recognition possible, adding, “This honour is not for me alone, it is for all my supporters and people around me, who stand by me as we do all things together”.
Others who were honoured on the occasion included former Military Administrator of Western State, Vice Admiral Akintunde Aduwo (retd); Board Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, Dr Seinde Fadeni Oladapo; the founder of West Africa Petrogas Global Limited, Dr Jide Martins Adekunle; and the Chief Executive of Obayangban Nig. Ltd, Hon Bidemi Joshua Obayangban.
Honorees also included health administrator Dr Mike Adenuga; retired permanent secretary, Jones Oluwole Ogunmusire; former local government chairman, Hon. Eniola Akindutire; and accomplished lawyer, Prince Festus Idepefo (SAN).
Those honoured also included the Petu of Aye Kingdom, High Chief Edward Kayode Adebusoye; High Chief Kayode Samuel Ogunmoye; global icon of Yoruba tradition, and Erelu Tinuade Mabel Onaneye; while post-humous honours were conferred on the late business mogul, Chief Amos Kolawole Akinloye; and distinguished academic and political juggernaut, the late High Chief (Hon) Kayode Iwakun.
The Halu of Aye Kingdom, Oba Akinmusayo, who also on the occasion, celebrated his 20th coronation anniversary, lauded the community and the honourees for their contributions to the development of the town.
Oba Akinmusayo said, “Each one of you has been integral to the progress that we have achieved from our elders who have preserved our traditions to our youth who have embrace the future while honouring the past.
“I especially appreciate the efforts of FOADA and every son and daughter who has worked tirelessly for the upliftment and growth of our beloved kingdom. Through your efforts, Aye Kingdom has become a beacon of peace, harmony and resilience,” the traditional ruler said.
FOADA President, Chief Henry Olatujoye, who said that FOADA had achieved a lot for the community, said that the gathering was yet another moment “to reflect on our shared achievements and renew our commitment to the continued development of our beloved community
“Together, we can build an even stronger and more prosperous Aye Kingdom – one that will stand as a shining example for generations to come,” Olatujoye said.
