The Arole Oduduwa and Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has been officially inducted as the Chancellor of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership (CIML).
The historic induction took place on Friday, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile-Ife, marking yet another milestone in the monarch’s commitment to leadership and national development. To commemorate the occasion, the Ooni of Ife had the previous day Thursday hosted a grand dinner at his palace, Ile Oodua, welcoming esteemed members of the institute and other distinguished guests including Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, OAU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, the OAU's Vice Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire, Former VC of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science & Tech. Okitipupa, Professor Sunday Ogunduyile OAU's Deputy VC(Academics), Professor Olubola Babalola, Deputy VC (Administration), OAU, Prof. Yomi Daramola, National President, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (Senior Staffs Association of Universities (SSANU).
Addressing the gathering, the Ooni expressed his gratitude and deep appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing the crucial role of leadership and management in shaping society, saying most difficult thing is to engage with professionals who are also educationists in social settings because of professional differences.
"Seeing us all gathered here proves that we can manage our differences, and that is what I believe this institute stands for. No management, no leadership. I feel honoured to receive this chancellorship from such erudite scholars who have come home to celebrate with me. Seeing professors in native attires, including the Vice-Chancellor himself, is a rare sight, and it inspires me even more to embrace this honour," the Ooni stated.
The Chairman , Board of Trustees of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership(CIML), Dr. Steve Longe Esq. in his speech, underscored that the selection of the Ooni as Chancellor was based on applicative merit. He lauded the monarch for his dedication to youth empowerment, women’s development, job creation, and his remarkable ability to blend royalty with progressive leadership and management.
"Talk of women empowerment, youth development, job creation, and innovative leadership—His Majesty deserves more than just the Chancellorship of our institute. He has continuously demonstrated creative and visionary leadership, regardless of the situation. We are proud to associate our institute with such a dynamic and pragmatic royal leader," Steve Longe remarked.
In a significant announcement, the institute revealed plans to establish a Digital Leadership Research Centre at the Senate Building of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in honour of the Ooni. This project will be executed under the Pro-Chancellorship of the institute, Professor Olu Aina, with an investiture ceremony.
The induction of the Ooni of Ife as Chancellor of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership marks a new chapter in the integration of traditional leadership with modern governance and academic excellence. With his vast influence and innovative leadership, this appointment is expected to drive transformational leadership development in Nigeria and beyond.
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