- By Demola Atobaba
When George Elliot, the famous English novelist in one of his memorable works wrote; “A man is a man, but when you see a king, you see the work of many thousands men”.
Little did he futuristically envisaged a charming Captain from Akegun lineage of Okemesi in the heart of Ekiti West Local Government, then of the moment and the giant tree that shakes the jungle, Chief (Capt.) Olubisi Emmanuel Oyedeji, who mounted the seat of his forefathers as the new Baba Owa of Okemesi-Ekiti.
As encomiums from unprecedented crowd of residents and visitors continue to poured in torrents at the climax of a two weeks-long activities marking the installation of a renowned captain, Chief Olubisi Emmanuel Oyedeji as the new Baba Owa of Okemesi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state ended on Saturday June 1st, 2024 with a superlative grand ceremony in Okemesi community.
The event which began on Monday, May 20, 2024 with an 8-days Seclusion at the Akodi Akegun dynasty of Ijana in Okemesi-Ekiti, was followed with “Igberuku Oye” on Friday 31st and the final outing – “Idupeye” was observed on the June 1st, 2024.
Performing the installation ceremony while presenting the staff office to Chief Oyedeji, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji, JP, CON, hailed the new Baba Owa for the successful installation rites.
He said the official installation signified the final phase of the 8-Days Seclusion and the installation processes of the new Chief.
Oba Adedeji enjoined the Akegun dynasty and other indigenous people of Okemesi community home and diaspora to cooperate with the new Chief for the development of the town.
He described respect for the traditional institution as one of the cherished values in Okemesi and Yorubaland promising to always hold traditional ruler in high esteem and honour our cultural heritage.
Speaking with TopNews Crew after receiving his staff of office, Chief Olubisi Oyedeji thanked the monarch and the people of Okemesi community especially the Akegun dynasty for their supports before, during and after his installation as Baba Owa of Okemesi.
The new Baba Owa pledged his readiness to ensure that peace continue to reigns in his domain, work together with other traditional Chiefs and rally his people for the development of their hometown.
In a separate interview, the Lomofe of Okemesi-Ekiti, Chief Ishola Fapohunda congratulated the celebrant. He urged him to see his appointment and installation as God ordained and as challenging responsibility to ensure that the hope and aspirations of his subjects for meaningful development are realized.
The London trained lawyer described the installation of Baba Owa as a round peg in a round hole considering his wealth of experience as a captain and an administrator over the years.
Others who spoke with newsmen including friends, families, colleagues, associates and residents of community lauded the Owa-Ooye, the Owa-Ooye-In-Council and Akegun descendants for the choice of the new Baba Owa whom they described a right person putting in a right position for a greater responsibilities.
His Early Life:
Chief (Capt.) Olubisi Emmanuel Oyedeji was born over 60-years ago, to the family of the late Baba Owa of Akegun’s dynasty of Okemesi-Ekiti.
Chief Baba Owa who attended Primary l Local Authority Primary School Okemesi in 1968, later joined Okemesi Anglican Grammar in 1978 and completed his Secondary School in 1983, all in Okemesi-Ekiti.
Work Experience:
He made efforts to join Nigerian Navy same year as Officer Cadet but couldn’t succeed, this made him to briefly joined the service of National Library of Nigeria in February 1984.
But because of his passion for the Navy, he left National Library October 1985 to Federal School of Fisheries and Marine Technology to study NAUTICAL SCIENCE and completed in 1988 thinking he would join the Navy after the course because he had Naval personnel among his lecturers but could not join because, when he made attempt he was told that he will be enlisted as a Petty Officer for 12-years before he will be commissioned as Sub Lt.
He later quit the idea and joined the Fishing Industry as a Chief Officer 1988 called (Belsam Fisheries).
Job Description/Tasks Performed:
He first took command of a Fishing Trawler in 1991 as a Captain till 1997 and cross over to Oil Tanker July 1st, 1997 MT Jupiter.
In January 3rd 1999 he joined the service of Faget Nigeria Limited as second Officer Onboard MT Vita Theresa and he rose to the rank of Chief Officer within a short time due to his former experience and performance.
Job Description Tasks/Performed:
He joined the service of Morlap Shipping as a Master (Captain) in 2002 onboard MT Juwon till 2008 and left for Adamac shipping as a Port Captain between 2008/2011, he went back Onboard as a Master (Captain) onboard MT Itri till 2013 January. He is presently working since 2014 October till date as a Master ( Captain) Multiplan Nigeria Limited.
Academic Achievements:
His Educational and Professional qualifications –
Master NCV, OND Nautical science (Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research)
International Safety Management, Radar/Arpa Stimulator, Fire Fighting and Prevention in Advance, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (Regional, Maritime University, Ghana).
Port and Ship, Bridge Resource Management, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, Medical Care in Advance (Elkins Marine Institute)
International Maritime Dangerous Cargo (Maritech Industrial and Management Training Academy)
Dynamic Positioning (Dynamic Center, India) and many more.
He had studied both in Nigeria and abroad, he also worked both locally and abroad for many years.
Objective:
His objective is to excel in any given task both in his profession and assigned duties, delivering on time and ensuring that stakeholders and investors are satisfactorily compensated for their labour. He is a goal getter par excellence, a disciplined team player in the core marine business of exploring resources with a clear mandate for service delivery as and when due.
He is well travelled both within and internationally exposed!
Chief Olubisi Emmanuel Oyedeji is without any shadow of doubt, a progressive, both in blood, pedigree and practice. One who mimicks his father’s untainted patriotism that now flows freely in his veins. He is a devoted.
Chief Olubisi Emmanuel Oyedeji succeded the late Chief Tinuoye who was the 8th Baba Owa of Okemesi till last year before he joined his forefathers after a successful tenure.
He is happily married to Mrs Bola Omowunmi Oyedeji and the marriage is blessed with glorious children and promising grandchildren.
Indeed, no one is in doubt of Chief Olubisi Emmanuel Oyedeji’s intimidating records of achievements both in private and corporate world, his network of connections and exposure, his cosmopolitan nature and native intelligence, his successful sojourn in business world all of which are expected in the selfless service to the people of Okemesi-Ekiti.
May his tenure usher in a glorious era of peace, harmony and development in Okemesi and it’s environ.
Long live Baba Owa!
Long live Akegun Dynasty!!
Long live Okemesi Community!!!
I will close this peace with the immortal sayings of Jonathan Swift;
A prince, the moment he is crowned,
inherits every virtue sound.
As emblems of the sovereign power.
Like other baubles in the Towner.
Is generous, valiant, just and wise.
And so continues to he dies.
- – Jonathan Swift.
