Photos from the Investiture of Dr. Waheed Olagunju as Aare Bobagunwa of Offa Kingdom

Member of the National Ex-officio, UNILAG Alumni Association and one of the architects and driving forces behind Bank of Industry’s remarkable recovery and transformation into one of Africa’s top Development Finance Institutions, Dr. Waheed Abiodun Olagunju was on Saturday 28th May, 2022 coronated as the Aare Bobagunwa of Offa by the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi.

The installation which held at the palace of the Olofa had in attendance the Governor of Kwara State, Mr. AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi, former Minister of Finance and Trade and Investment, Dr. Segun Aganga, Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, former Registrar and Director, Training, University of Lagos, Oluwarotimi Shodimu esq, Royal Fathers from neighboring Kwara communities, captains of industry, prominent Nigerians from all walks of life, members of extended family and friends from the media, financial sector and the University of Lagos.

Members of the UNILAG Alumni Association present were Mr. Bala Abdul (National Vice President 2), Chief Bisi Ogundipe (National Secretary), Mr. Abayomi Owoeye (National Internal Auditor), Mrs. Yetunde Abatan (Executive Secretary), Otunba Seun Badejo (Alumni Relations Manager) and Jeremiah Olatinwo (Digital Media Officer).

A goodwill message from President Muhammadu Buhari was read by veteran broadcaster and lawyer, Mrs. Sienne Allwell-Brown.

Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Akinola, speaking on behalf of the venerable King stated that the broadcaster-turned-banker Dr. Olagunju, was penned for the highly coveted position of Aare Bobagunwa (meaning “someone who shares in the prestige of the King) given his sterling performance at his various chosen professions especially his meritorious service as former Managing Director and CEO, Bank of Industry and for being a worthy ambassador of Offa.

Dr. Waheed Olagunju and his beloved wife were then presented to the gathering and his citation was read to the delight of all by veteran newscaster and TV icon, Mr. Cyril Stober of NTA while Mrs. Moji Makanjuola (school mother of his wife) did justice to Hajiya Mobolaji Olagunju’s profile.

Chief Imam of Offa in his exhortation told the newly-installed Aare Bobagunwa that the title is not the end of the journey but a clarion call to be dutiful and impactful to the Offa Community, Kwara state and Nigeria at large.

After the oath taking and signing of necessary palace documents, Dr. Waheed Olagunju and his wife were decorated with Iroko leaves which are the traditional instruments of investiture for kings and chiefs in Yorubaland. They were also presented with Certificates of Investiture which they displayed to the guests.

Guests were entertained at the palatial Imperial Events Centre, Offa by juju maestro, King Sunny Ade and foremost event MC and Compere, Great Akokite Mr. Gbenga Adeyinka 1, Grand Comedian of the Niger!

Dr. Waheed Olagunju graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos in 1982. He currently serves as an Ex-Officio Member of the Unilag Alumni Association’s National Executive Committee and is the current Chairman, Strategy Committee of the Association.

We say oye a mori to the Aare and Yeye Bobagunwa of Offa Kingdom.

Hearty congratulations sir and ma’am.

Click here to see full pictures.

Regina Chris-Ogbodo
Nat. Pub. Sec
#UnilagAlumni