..highlights importance of compassion, integrity and accountability in leadership

His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, OON, the Olubaka of Oka Akoko in Ondo State, was on Saturday, October 19, 2024, bestowed with  an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Leadership, Administration, and Governance from the Anointed University Worldwide, (ANUSITY).

The prestigious ceremony took place in Lagos, where Oba Adeleye was also recognized with the title of “Integrity Fellow Humanitarian Ambassador Hall of Fame” by the university.

The university celebrated the Olubaka’s remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to leadership, integrity, and humanitarianism.


The Global President of ANUSITY, Prof. George Aladeoba while  presenting him the award, commended the Olubaka for his lifelong dedication to justice, education, and the well-being of his people.

Aladeoba eulogised the Monarch’s leadership, describing him as a beacon of integrity and wisdom, whose legacy has brought honor to his ancestors and left an indelible mark on the history of Oka Akoko and Nigeria at large.

“His story is evidence of the power of leadership rooted in tradition but ever forward-looking, embodying the timeless values of integrity, wisdom, and service,” Prof. Aladeoba stated.

Responding to the honour, the Olubaka described it as unexpected but deeply appreciated, saying: “It is amazing that I am also admitted into a fellow humanitarian ambassador  class of 2024. One clear takeaway from this recognition is that  I never for once anticipated it. I did not envisage it  in the course of my services, particularly to my people and generally to humanity”.


He reflected on his years of service, both during his time in the civil service and after ascending his father’s throne. He  emphasized that his focus had always been on serving humanity with dedication, joy, and compassion, without any thought of personal gain. “The joy of assisting someone to resolve crises on their mind is what matters to me,” the monarch remarked.

The Octogenarian Monarch used the avenue to disclosed how he’d upheld democratic principles to rule his subjects for over 40 years, guided with the fear of God, even though the traditional institution is autocratic in nature.

These principles, he also embedded in his Chiefs and other community leaders in his domain, to emulate these values in their daily administration and interactions with their subjects.

Highlighting his commitment to religious tolerance, he noted that since ascending the throne of Oka Kingdom, he has actively promoted peaceful coexistence among Muslims, Christians, and practitioners of African traditional religion.

“I am a Muslim, my wife is a Christian. Muslims, Christians, and adherents of African traditional religion are encouraged to live together  with common socio-economic goals for the social economic development of our town. The religious differences between the people are respected with no group trying to hold the sensibility of the others,” he noted.

The Olubaka highlighted the significance of the annual Oka Day celebration, which brings together sons and daughters of Oka together to address the socio-economic needs of the community. He affirmed that the festival has become a tourist attraction, fostering unity in the community regardless of religious affiliations.

The traditional ruler proudly noted the peaceful nature of Oka Akoko, attributing the town’s stability to his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and equity. “Unlike many other towns in the Southwest region of Nigeria, Oka Akoko has remained free from civil disturbances”, he averred.

Oba Adeleye emphasized that leadership is a responsibility and that leaders must be accountable to the people they serve. “The power freely given to leaders must not be used absolutely. Leaders should remember that power belongs to the people,” he said, reinforcing the need for leaders to be responsible and people-oriented in their governance.

The recognition further cements Oba Adeleye’s standing as a leader dedicated to the progress of his people and the promotion of peace and unity within his community.