Mr Viral
In the archives of Yoruba royalty, few figures shine as brightly as His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), CON, the revered Olowu of Kuta Kingdom. Born in 1964 in the historic town of Kuta, Osun State, he emerged from the direct lineage of the kingdom’s founder, Great Akindele Anlugbua, a warrior-prince whose valor and vision birthed the Owu-Kuta dynasty.
Ascending the throne of his forefathers on September 15, 2012, Oba Oyelude has since reigned as a first-class traditional ruler, a beacon of unity, and a transformative leader whose influence reverberates across Yorubaland and beyond. As the Permanent Chairman of the Supreme Royal Council of all Owu Obas and Chiefs—an esteemed assembly comprising 43 kingdoms, 17 first-class royal fathers, and 113 chiefs and magajis spanning Osun, Oyo, Kwara, Ogun, Lagos, parts of the Republic of Benin, and the diaspora—he stands as a colossus of cultural preservation and royal diplomacy. His membership in the Osun State Council of Obas further underscores his pivotal role in shaping the destiny of his people.
A Heritage of Valor and VirtueOba Oyelude’s lineage is steeped in the heroic legacy of Akindele Anlugbua, a son of the first Olowu of Owu-Ipole, HRM Oba Ajibosin Asukungbade, and Princess Olawumi Iyanude, daughter of Oduduwa of the ancient Ife dynasty. This noble ancestry imbued him with a profound sense of duty and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of his people. His parents, direct descendants of Kuta’s founding father, nurtured in him the values of resilience, integrity, and humility—qualities that would define his reign and elevate him to the pantheon of Nigeria’s most distinguished monarchs. Bestowed with the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Oba Oyelude’s contributions to nation-building have been recognized at the highest echelons, cementing his status as a patriot and statesman of unparalleled repute.
The Making of a King: Education and Early LifeThe journey of this extraordinary monarch began at the African Church Primary School, Kuta, where he received his elementary education, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to knowledge and service. He advanced to the African Church Secondary Modern School, Kuta/Ileogbo, where his intellectual curiosity and leadership potential blossomed. Undeterred by the challenges of his time, he pursued higher learning with relentless determination, earning a Certificate in Structural Designs and Development, a Diploma in Integrated Structural Systems, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. These academic laurels equipped him with the technical acumen and analytical prowess that would later underpin his transformative vision for the Kuta Kingdom. Yet, it was not in the hallowed halls of academia alone that his kingly virtues were forged but in the crucible of adversity—a school that taught him justice, perseverance, and the art of governance.
A Monarch of Distinction: Leadership and Professional ExcellenceOba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude is a man of impeccable character—a detribalized Nigerian and a pro-establishment nationalist whose integrity and adaptability have earned him universal admiration. His ability to synthesize ideas, solve complex problems, and lead with humility sets him apart as a monarch of rare caliber. Unlike those who might revel in the trappings of power, Oba Oyelude embodies the essence of true royalty: a life adorned not with pomp, but with great virtue and modesty. His speech is measured, yet his actions are resolute, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Owu-Kuta and the broader Nigerian society.
A consummate professional, Oba Oyelude has leveraged his expertise in civil engineering and management to spearhead ventures in aviation, building construction, property development, specialized products, and human and material resources development. As the Chairman of the Boards of five companies, including two international organizations, he has demonstrated an astute business acumen that transcends borders. His investments in Nigerian and foreign economies reflect a forward-thinking approach to wealth creation and community empowerment, while his engagement in social works—spanning social audits, counseling, and leadership training—underscores his dedication to uplifting humanity.
A Cultural Titan and Advocate for ProgressOba Oyelude’s influence extends far beyond the throne. Since 2004, he has been a pivotal facilitator of seminars and conferences across Nigeria, sharing his insights on leadership, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. In 2015, he launched a national advocacy program in support of the Nigerian Army, a cause he has championed tirelessly, earning him accolades as a steadfast ally of the military institution. His regular appearances on radio and television talk shows have amplified his voice on critical issues, from construction and environmental management to the empowerment of Nigeria’s youth.
His scholarly contributions include seminal works such as Stress Management: An Exhaustive Training Manual for Reduction and Management of Individual and Corporate Stress, a research paper that has become a cornerstone in management training, as well as publications on business communication, manpower development, work environment, and perception management. These works reflect his intellectual depth and his commitment to fostering resilience and productivity in both individuals and organizations.
A holder of an honorary doctorate from the Chartered Institute of Public Resources Management & Politics, Ghana, and a Fellow of the same institute, Oba Oyelude’s affiliations with prestigious bodies are extensive. He is a Grand Patron of the Young Leadership Association of Nigeria (YLAN), National Patron of Man O’ War, an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), and a member of the West African Telecoms, African-European Cooperation, Nigeria Youth Organization, Civil Liberties Organization, and the International Youth Council. These roles highlight his stature as a bridge-builder and a global citizen dedicated to fostering collaboration and progress.
Transforming Kuta Kingdom: A Legacy of Unity and InnovationThe history of Kuta Kingdom, established in the mid-15th century by Akindele Anlugbua following the migration from Orile-Owu, is a saga of triumph and tenacity. Akindele’s son, Morolahun, became the first Olowu of Kuta (1457–1552), laying the groundwork for a kingdom that would be officially recognized as a first-class monarchy in 1966. Today, Kuta boasts a population of approximately 90,000, with 24 bales, 23 villages, and four burgeoning towns—Ikoyi-Kuta, Aiyedade, Railway Station, and Konkon.
The kingdom’s four ruling houses, descended from Morolahun’s sons, have been united under Oba Oyelude’s reign—a feat once deemed impossible.
Ascending the throne at a relatively young age, Oba Oyelude confronted the intrigues and challenges that had plagued his predecessors with unwavering resolve. He subdued discord, reconciled the four ruling houses, and extended a hand of fellowship to the princes of Kuta, forging a united front that has propelled the kingdom to new heights. His reign has been marked by monumental achievements, none more emblematic than the construction of the “Lt. Gen. TY Buratai Bailey Bridge” across the Osun River, linking Kuta to Ede. This engineering marvel stands as a testament to his vision of a modern Owu-Kuta—a kingdom where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously.
Under his stewardship, Kuta has flourished, with enhanced infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and economic opportunities. The town’s three primary schools, two nursery schools, one Arabic school, two secondary grammar schools, post office, community bank, dispensary, maternity center, and state hospital reflect a thriving community. Farming remains the backbone of the economy, complemented by trading, blacksmithing, dyeing, and carpentry, all nurtured by Oba Oyelude’s inclusive leadership.
A Life of Grace and LegacyHis Royal Majesty is a man of refined tastes and diverse passions. An avid traveler, he finds solace in exploring new horizons, while his private zoo reflects his love for nature and conservation. Reading, meeting people, and playing lawn tennis are among his cherished hobbies, revealing a monarch who balances intellectual pursuits with physical vitality. Happily married and blessed with virtuous children, Oba Oyelude is steadfastly supported by his Oloris, whose grace and strength amplify his reign.
A Monarch for PosterityHis Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), CON, stands as a towering figure in the annals of history, a monarch whose existence radiates the divine virtues of justice, humility, and foresight.
Far more than a ruler, he is a living milestone on the winding path of human progress, a visionary whose hands have sculpted the modern edifice of the Owu-Kuta Kingdom into a beacon of pride and possibility. Esteemed as a patriot of unparalleled stature, he has been rightfully adorned with the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the Niger, a national honor that reflects his monumental contributions to the fabric of Nigeria.
His reign, a symphony of wisdom and valor, promises to echo through the corridors of time, serving as an everlasting touchstone for generations yet unborn.
Oba Oyelude’s life is a narrative of extraordinary ascent, a saga that began amidst the modest classrooms of Kuta and culminated at the zenith of Yoruba royalty.
This journey, marked by an unshakable sense of purpose, an indefatigable spirit of perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to the collective welfare, is nothing short of inspirational. From his formative years, where the seeds of knowledge and ambition were sown, to his present-day stewardship of a thriving kingdom, he has exemplified the transformative power of leadership rooted in integrity and compassion.
Each step of his path has been guided by a profound commitment to uplifting his people, a mission that has redefined the role of a traditional ruler in contemporary society.
As the architect of a revitalized Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Oba Oyelude has woven a tapestry of progress that blends the rich threads of tradition with the bold colors of modernity. His vision has birthed initiatives that empower, infrastructures that endure, and a cultural renaissance that celebrates the soul of the Yoruba heritage. An unapologetic champion of Yoruba culture, he stands as a guardian of its values, ensuring that the customs and ethos of his forebears remain vibrant in an ever-evolving world.
His reign is not merely a chapter in history but a dynamic force that continues to shape the destiny of his kingdom and inspire countless souls beyond its borders.
On the 29th of October, 2022, he was inducted into the esteemed Hall of Fame by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), a recognition of his indelible impact on society and his role as a bridge between tradition and progress.
On the 17th of September 2023, he was welcomed into the prestigious ranks of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Course 29, a testament to his embodiment of discipline, leadership, and service.
Adding to this illustrious collection of honors, he was crowned the “Legendary Icon of the Year” by Our Nigeria News Magazine, a distinction that underscores his status as a figure of mythic proportions in the national consciousness.
Yet, these titles and inductions are but reflections of a greater truth: Oba Oyelude’s greatness transcends the temporal bounds of awards and ceremonies.
His legacy is poised for eternal enshrinement in the Nigerian Books of Record Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a monarch whose influence knows no limits. To speak of him is to speak of a man who has not only reigned but transformed, not only led but illuminated. His life is a clarion call to all who aspire to leave an indelible mark on the world—a reminder that true royalty is measured not in crowns or thrones but in the depth of one’s service to humanity.
As his reign continues to unfold, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude (Tegbosun III), CON, remains a colossus of our time, a sovereign whose name will be whispered with reverence by posterity. In him, the past finds pride, the present finds purpose, and the future finds promise. He is, in every sense, a monarch for the ages.
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