Right from 2012 when the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude mounted the stool of his ancestors, he has personified the catalyst that the Owu community had long desired to connect more to the wider world.
Before his first anniversary in the palace, the town had lost its anonymity, not infrequently hosting influx of dignitaries from different parts of Nigeria and even beyond, cheerfully paying homage and faithfully sealing transactions to develop the town.
The ultra-modern Olowu’s Palace, inaugurated in 2020 with pomp and grandeur, is evident of the transformation that the town has since witnessed.
In July last year, very important personalities including former President Olusegun Obasanjo converged on the town for the 60th birthday of Oba Oyelude.
Just last Saturday on May 17, dignitaries were back in Kuta as the Olowu was inducted into the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame amidst unanimous nod that he is worthy the honour.
While performing the induction, Director-General of the Nigerian Book of Record, (NBR), Dr. David Davis, told the audience the exact justification for the choice of Oba Oyelude, revealing it was a result of the NBR’s painstaking research which spotted the Olowu as a unique traditional ruler, who has the record of always sticking out his neck whenever the Nigerian Army is under heavy criticism over its battle against the rampaging insurgents.
The Olowu’s defence of the military, according to the monarch in an interview with TheTabloid.net, is based on his proximity to the workings of the Army and also his understanding of the limitations of the institution to meet the expectations of the worried Nigerians. He told our correspondent then, “I consider it as an act of hypocrisy if I keep silent when I know what the Army pass through, in terms of challenges they face in their operations.”
The NBR’s Director-General who explained, “the recognition is as a result of his significant contributions to Nation Building, advancing the culture of Nigeria, Africa and the continent in general for the overall development of the country. He had made Nigeria proud; we have come all the way from Abuja to decorate him for induction into the prestigious Nigerian Book of Record- he’s the First to be so honoured in Osun State.”
He explained further, “We are here today to recognize the Olowu of Kuta, HRH Oba Hammeed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, for his outstanding contributions to the development of Kuta Kingdom and Nigeria as a whole. We believe that his induction into the Nigerian Book of Records Hall of Fame will serve as an inspiration to others to strive for excellence.”
After he had received the award, Oba Oyelude, who owned up to the fact that he had no clue of the NBR’s mode of operation, appreciated the body for what he tagged the esteemed honour it bestowed on him just as he also thanked invited guests, who under a short notice, made it to the occasion.
“I appreciate the Federal Ministry of Information, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and especially the Nigerian Books of Record for this recognition and I am aware that it comes with a huge responsibility.
I have always contributed and will continue to contribute to Nigeria’s military–the symbol of our sovereignty–and to encourage our officers and men for their sacrifices to rid our country of divisive elements in whatever form.
“As a result of this, I was honoured by the administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari (retrd) who conferred on me the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).”
Oba Oyelude thanked people of his town he called a land that flows with honey for their support. He also appreciated his fellow traditional rulers for their solidarity from time to time.
“This recognition is a testament to our collective efforts towards progress and development. We promise to double our efforts,” he said.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke was said to have been represented by Rector, the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Mr.Kehinde Alabi who said the induction is evidential of Oba Oyelude’s dedication to the nation’s development.
“This recognition will undoubtedly inspire others to strive for excellence and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” he noted.
In attendance at the occasion included Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor Oguntola Alamu, Justice Jide Falola, Engr.Dele Akintola, Hon. Akinyemi Elijah, Hon. Mudashiru Lookman, Omoba Wale Olayemi, Mr Femi Davis and other important personalities.
Colleagues of the Olowu, who also graced the ceremony, included the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye, the Alara of Ara, Oba Olubayo Adesola Windapo-Oyedele, the Olu of Ile-Ogbo,Oba Habeeb Adetoyese Agbaje.
Oba Agbaje, whose town shares boundary with Kuta, affirmed Oba Oyelude’s attributes highlighted by the NBR and charged him to be more dedicated to the nation and the people.
“You would always find me here because Olowu is simple and very accommodating. He has simplified the throne so much that we pick one or two lessons in his approach to life in the palace. Invite him to an occasion, you would see him there and make you happy. That is how life should be. We can’t afford to make life difficult,” he reasoned.
The Eburu of Iba is of the same view, adding that he is always comfortable in the company of the Olowu whom he said doesn’t wear any air, despite his status.
“You won’t know how influential he is until there is a reason to know. He is in the good book of a good number of traditional rulers who move closer to him. I congratulate him on this yet another honour,” he said.
The occasion also witnessed other presentations to the traditional ruler by the Nigerian Youth Council, Brothers Club and the Ola-Ore group.
Oba Oyelude was in October 2022 inducted into the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) He is also Patron Of Osun Online Publishers.
*Published May 24, 2025
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