ONDO LAWMAKER, NELSON AKINSUROJU HONOURED WITH AKONI OODUA BIBIIRE LEADERSHIP AWARD
By Dupson Collins, 3rd June, 2026
It was a moment charged with pride, culture, and conviction inside the ancient palace of the Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday 3rd of June, 2026 where Hon Nelson Akinsuroju was conferred with Akoni Oodua Bibire Leadership Award.
Hon Akinsuroju is a member representing Ileoluji/Okeigbo Constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly,
The AKONI Oodua Award meaning “Brave Warrior of Oodua” is a highly prestigious traditional and leadership accolade in Yorubaland, Southwest Nigeria put together by Akoni Oodua Global Services Ltd In conjunction with Oodua Heritage Leadership International Platform.
It honors individuals who display exceptional bravery, outstanding leadership, and steadfast dedication to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, good governance, and community development.
The 2026 Akoni Oodua Bibire Leadership Public lecture theme was “Blessing Nigeria with the wealth in Yoruba Leadership” delivered by an erudite Professsor from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko.
The Converner of the Award, Asiwaju Temidayo Ayodele stated that, Akoni Oodua Bibiire Leadership Award 2026 was organized to celebrate and encourage sons and daughters of Yoruba extraction for their unwavering contributions to society and exemplary leadership in their different fields of human endeavors.
He added that, “Bibiire” is a deep Yoruba concept meaning one of noble birth, raised in culture, respectful to elders and constituted authority, protective of family name, and exemplary in conduct, saying the lucky recipients were carefully selected based on popular demand by the members of the public.
“This award is our own way of rewarding selflessness and paying glowing tribute to individuals who have dedicated their lives to rendering service to humanity, advancing the Yoruba race, and contributions to community development”.
*Your indelible contributions to education, humanitarian services and community development earned you this award. It was an honor based on popular demand by the people of your constituent”.
Speaking with the PATH, Hon Akinsuroju thanked the converner of the award for counting him worthy for the Prestigious Award from the cradle of Yoruba race, Ile-Ife saying it means a lot to be recognized by Ooni of Ife Palace.
He stressed the need for every son and daughter of Yoruba extraction to imbibe Omoluwa ethos in all their dealings, saying nobody can buy noble birth (Bibire), describing it as in-born.
The Lawmaker commended Ooni of Ife for promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, while calling on Yoruba Leaders to continue to support the reverred monarch in advancing the course of the race among comity of nations.
He acknowledged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, whose palace remains a symbol of cultural authority and honour, describing him as a blessing to Yoruba race.
He further assured constituent of his continued provision of people centered representation, prioritizing quality education, youth empowerment, and grassroots development.
“Akoni Oodua Award is a challenge to more services not only to my people but to the entire Yoruba Race. I promise to do my best in promoting the cultural heritage of Yoruba lineage”.
Akinsuroju dedicated the award to Almighty God, Parents, Loving Wife and Children and the good people of Ileoluji/Oke-Igbo State Constituency.
