BY BABAFEMI OJUDU
On Saturday, in a ceremony that promises to blend the solemn grandeur of Ekiti tradition with the cosmopolitan flair of Lagos royalty, Chief Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi will be formally installed as a chief, Atobatele of Ado Ekiti, in his maternal homeland of Ado Ekiti. At 88, this gesture is not just a celebration of age or title—it is a homecoming, an honour long in the making, and a tribute to a man who has spent a lifetime walking the path of principle, service, and loyalty to heritage.
A prince of two thrones—Lagos by paternal descent and Ado Ekiti by maternal lineage—Chief Olusi has always lived in a rich confluence of cultures and royal traditions. Though his public life has largely unfolded in Lagos, he never lost sight of his Ekiti roots. “A kìí l’àpá bàbá ká má ní ti ìyá”—we do not embrace the father’s heritage and forsake the mother’s—so goes the Yoruba saying. Chief Olusi is a living testament to that wisdom. He has always proudly affirmed his Ado Ekiti identity, never missing an opportunity to reassert that the blue blood coursing through his veins comes not from one stream, but from two noble rivers.
A gentleman in every sense, Chief Olusi’s grace, humility, and affection have left a lasting impression on all who meet him—whether they are young or old, kinsmen or strangers. He exemplifies royalty not just in title but in comportment, drawing from the deep well of Yoruba regal culture to bring people together, to reconcile, and to inspire.
Since 1962, when he became a councillor in the Lagos Town Council, Chief Olusi has been a steady presence in Nigeria’s political evolution. A man of deep political insight and unwavering moderation, he has for decades served as one of the stabilizing forces in Lagos politics. In moments when political tensions threatened to overrun reason, it was often his voice that urged calm, compromise, and continuity. He has been a bridge across generations—respected by the elders, admired by the youth.
From his years in the House of Representatives (1979–1983), to his tenure as Commissioner for Commerce in Lagos State (1993–1996), and now as Chairman of the powerful Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Chief Olusi’s footprint in Lagos governance is indelible. He has walked alongside giants—helping to bring visionaries like Lateef Jakande into politics, mentoring rising stars, and remaining a trusted elder statesman in the political journey of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
And yet, for all his achievements, he never forgot his maternal homeland. He stayed connected to Ado Ekiti, visiting often, showing interest in its affairs, and quietly offering counsel and support where needed. His presence has been both a reminder and a bridge—linking a royal past to a contemporary calling.
The people of Ado Ekiti, under the leadership of Kabiyesi Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, have chosen to honour this enduring son of the soil. Tomorrow, they will robe him in the regalia of chieftaincy, not merely as a ceremonial act, but as a symbol of gratitude and recognition for a life well-lived in loyalty to both sides of his heritage.
As the town welcomes its illustrious son back into the circle of its titled elders, we celebrate not only the man but what he represents: dignity in politics, nobility of spirit, fidelity to roots, and the enduring relevance of tradition in a fast-changing world.
Congratulations, Chief Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi. Ado Ekiti rejoices with you. May your new title deepen your ties to the land of your mother and may it bring you continued grace, strength, and honour.
