Exclusive: Meet Ọba Oyede-Lawal, the Known and the Unknown

Born into the Royal Family of Faningbe/Igbaka Ruling House on 30th of March, 1976 at Ilara-Yewa Ogun State, to the family of late Alhaji Ibraheem Dende Oyede Lawal (Alh Afisuru) of Opeifa dynasty of Faningbe Compound and Alhaja Silifat Lawal (Iya Talori) of Aduke Opo dynasty, Igbaka Compound.

One can say he is privileged to be born into these two great royal families that have afforded him a thorough and adequate education both formally and informally.

Oba Adedimeji started his formal education at the Roman Catholic Misson Primary School Ilara between 1983-1988 where he wrote common entrance examination to secondary school at primary five. Due to his performance at the examination; he was given an advanced promotion ahead of his peers to high school without having to attend the final Primary Six class.

He attended Community High School Ilara 1988 – 1993 where he obtained his Senior Secondary School certificate.

As a high school graduate he assisted his father briefly in his trading, until 1995 when he was admitted to the Federal College of Education to study Computer Science/Mathematics and graduating among the top students in 1998.

This achievement doubled his appetite to study more, and so with keen desire for knowledge, young Adedimeji proceeded to Ogun State University Ago-Iwoye, (Now Olabisi Onabanjo University) as a direct entry student for a degree (B.Sc. (Ed) in Accounting, and graduated as one of the top students in his department with second class upper division in the year 2002.

During his studentship at Olabisi Onabanjo University, he contested and won election as the clerk of the house, Student Representative Council (SRC) of the Student Union Government (2000-2001). More so, he was the pioneer President of the National Association of Ilara Student (1990-2000).

Determined to excel in his chosen career, he later enrolled for a Master’s Degree programme in Educational Management at The University of Ibadan (2004- 2007).

Not stopping there, Ọba Oyede-Lawal has continued on a life-long learning, currently at the final stage of his doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Economics of Education.

Born a leader and a renowned administrator per excellence, he started his professional career at the Fatokun Memorial College, Ilara as the pioneer principal of the School and later as National Administrative Officer in Ebonyi State College of Education where he had served his National Youth Corps in 2003-2004.

Following his excellent work at the Ebonyi college, he was privileged to be a part of the group appointed by the then Ogun State Government for the Train- the Trainer Programme, at the NBC Academy London and obtained a certificate in IT Essential (Hardware and Software).

After the training he was posted to Comprehensive High School Ayetoro where he trained the teachers and students of the school on computer studies between 2004 and 2005.

In December 2005 he was appointed at Crescent University, Abeokuta as Administrative Officer II and served as the College Officer, College Information and Communication Technology.

From January 2006 till his enthronement as Oloola of Ilara he served at different offices in different capacity at the university.

Administrative Officer II, and College Officer, College of Social and Management Sciences; Administrative Officer II, and College Officer, College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Also served as the Administrative Officer I, and Personnel Officer in charge of Establishment Office of Registry;
Assistant Registrar in the Academic Planning unit of the university;
Deputy Registrar, Academic/Admissions in the Registry;
Deputy Registrar and Secretary to School of Postgraduate Studies.

He has served in different Committees of the university, making significant contributions in the Admissions Committee,
Sport Committee,
Student Orientation Committee,
Curriculum Planning Committee,
Budget Committee,
Staff Disciplinary Committee and has attended several seminars and workshops.

As a relentless advocate of development and community, he was appointed the secretary Crescent Cooperatives Society (CRESCOOPS) from 2010-2012, Vice-President Crescent Cooperative Society from 2012-2013 and President Crescent Cooperative Society from 2013 to 2017.

Oba Mutiu Alani Adedimeji Oyede-Lawal is a member of several professional bodies:

An Associate Member Nigerian Institute of Management (ANIM) and Member, Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrator (ANUPA), Fellow, Institute of Cooperate Administration (FICAD), Member National Association of Educational Administration and Planning (NAEAP) being an accomplished professional and renowned administrator.

In service to his country home Ilara-Yewa, he served as the pioneer vice president of Itesiwaju Ilara, a socio-cultural forum of Ilara indigenes home and abroad; he’s being a member of the community media team, and an initiator of many development programmes and committees in Ilara-Yewa.

To encourage mass literacy and promote youth education, Oba Oyede-Lawal started the LAMACO scholarships of cash gifts to outstanding students of Ilara indigenship, benefitting and encouraging vibrant youths that have exhibited excellence in their careers. On this, four first class students have been awarded.

Besides, Another paragraph should read

Being a socialite Ọba Oyede-Lawal is member of Cheerful Life Charity and Empowerment Foundation. He is also the President of Ultimate Social Club of Ilara rallying people for cultural and developmental purposes.

As a devoted muslim, he performed the mandated Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia in 2012 in total submission to faith and the will of God.

He was appointed as Agbesinga Adeen of Olosun Muslim Community on the back of his contribution to Islam in the Community and its environs. Apart from his religious devotion, his activities in his community has gained recognitions; he was Secretary to Olateju CDA (2012 – 2016) and later Chairman of the CDA (2016 – 2022)

In his time as Oloola of Ilara-Yewa, he has fostered cordiality among the ruling houses, and restored peace among rival parties, and princes.

Oba Mutiu Alani Adedimeji OYEDE-LAWAL is happily and fruitfully married with beautiful prince and princess.