For 20 minutes when Olufunmilola Okunowo sat in his living room waiting for this interview to begin, the atmosphere was enervated with laughter, as he took his guests on a journey of his involvement in community development.
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The former President of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, Okunowo will be installed as the leader of Christians in Ijebu, the Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu on December 7. The day also coincides with his 77th birthday and 50th wedding anniversary.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already congratulated Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo, the Bobasuwa II, and his wife, Erelu Morenikeji Okunowo, on their investiture as Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu and Yeye Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu.

A statement by the President’s Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for recognising the Okunowos’ decades-long dedication to advancing the work of God and humanity across Ijebuland.

President Tinubu said that the remarkable investiture further confirms the Okunowos’ legacy as pillars of their community, reinforcing their unwavering commitment to service and leadership.

In addition to his new title, Okunowo holds the chieftaincy titles of Akowajo of Awo-Ekiti and Bamolu of Egba Land. He has served as the Bobakeye Age Group Baba Egbe in Ijebuland for over two decades.

He confesses, “I love music and dancing. I am involved in the entertainment industry. Fela, Lagbaja, Shina Peters and so many other major artists went through Sonic Music and Premier Music. I live my life in a very simple, but meaningful, way. I enjoy myself within a limit that is acceptable. I have a family that is very supportive. The worst thing in life is to go outside and conquer the world and not be able to hold your home. You will never have peace. I have peace and my family has always supported me in whatever I do.”

He formerly served as the Chairman of Sony Music Entertainment (Nigeria) Limited, an affiliate of Sony Music International, USA, where Erelu Morenikeji Okunowo made significant contributions as the CEO. They later co-founded Mastersound Ventures.

For over two decades, he and his wife, Erelu Morenikeji, have sponsored the yearly Community Hymn service of the African Church Cathedral, Bethel. On July 28, the African Church Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State also hosted praise fiesta in Ogun, tagged “Throne of Praise “ITE IYIN”.
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The hosting of this event was the high point of the Okunowos’ love for music, youth development, and selfless service to God.

The event, no doubt, is expected to change the musical landscape of Ijebu Ode and indeed the entire Christian community, as it featured seven prominent choirs/groups and two guest artistes from Ijebu Ode and Lagos axis.

Chief Okunowo, a distinguished lawyer, philanthropist, and community leader, is set to join the ranks of illustrious Ijebu sons, such as the late industrialist Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and the late banking titan Chief Michael Olasubomi Balogun, to be so honoured.

Describing the cordial relationship existing among adherents of the different faiths in Ijebu, Chief Funlola Okunowo said it owes to the hard work put in by the community’s present and past leadership, to ensure peace in the land.

Chief Okunowo, who is also the Bobasuwa of Ijebuland, stated that for decades, Christians, Muslims and traditionalists had been coexisting under the umbrella of Ajumosepo Onigbagbo, a development, he believed had enhanced social cohesion in the community and made it the most religious tolerant in the country.
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He expressed the optimism that his new role as the Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile of Ijebuland will provide him the opportunity to further push the cause of Christianity and enhance the fortunes of Ijebu Christians and further cement the relationship existing among the different faiths in the land.

The 16th President of the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria also expressed his readiness to take on the new task; having fully understudied his father, who had also served as a rallying point for Christianity and Christians in the community, before his demise in 1987.

“My father had always been a very strong member of the movement that later became the CAN. We have the annual week of prayer, the universal week of prayer in Ijebu headed by the Awujale who hosts all Christians on the first Monday of the year. The second day was given to Baba Odetola, who then was the Ogbeni Oja, to host Christians on Tuesday, and then my father would host on Wednesday. Thereafter, Prof. Bayo Adedeji became a host on Thursday and late Baba Oduwale on Friday. My father passed on in 1987 and I became the beneficiary of that exercise and have been hosting it on behalf of my father. But I did not think that it would ever come to this. Do not forget that Ijebuland is the only part of Nigeria, and perhaps in the world, where there is no religious conflict. Christians, Muslims and traditionalists are all united and do things together. My grandfather was formerly a Muslim but later converted and became Daniel. We have always been involved with Christian activities,” he retorts.

He says the title, now going beyond Ijebu-Ode to incorporate every Christian in Ijebuland, will avail him the opportunity to serve all Christians in Ijebuland.

“The Ijebu people have always cooperated in worship. Otunba Subomi Balogun became the second Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland. But, this is the first time in the history of Ijebuland that the title Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile-Ijebu, is going beyond Ijebu-Ode. Before, it was only in Ijebu-Ode.

“We thank God for the works of our royal father, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. He has been able to bring everybody together and I am the beneficiary of that recognition,” he added.

“You have to understand the role and significance of the title Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu. The first time this title was ever given out was to late Chief Timothy Adeola Odetola, the then Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu. He was the first person to be made the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians. Back in those days it was never known as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Ijebu has a unique arrangement that predated CAN. So, you can see that it is rooted in the history of Ijebuland. The Muslims, Christians and members of the traditional religious institutions have always cooperated in worship and in lifting up Ijebuland. Otunba Michael Balogun became the second Asiwaju Onigbagbo. Now for this title, December 7 will mark the first time in the history of Ijebuland that the appellation “Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu,” that is the head of Christians in Ijebuland, will be used. Before it was only meant for Ijebu Ode.

“Going down memory lane, Chief Okunowo whose wife, Morenikeji will also be installed the Yeye Ashiwaju Onigbagbo Akile-Ijebu on same date, believed his role as the Bobasuwa of Ijebuland will not conflict with his new role as the Asiwaju Onigbagbo.
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“There is absolutely no conflict. Rather I see them as complimentary. My role as Bobasuwa is to Ijebuland and the Kabiyesi Awujale, while that of Asiwaju Onigbagbo is for the Christians in Ijebuland

“The law was even passed, and promoted by the Awujale that obas should be buried according to their faith, when they died. When I took on the post of Bobasuwa, I swear on the Bible, nobody is forced to swear on what they do not believe. So nothing like conflict here,” he said.

Speaking on roles for traditional in Nigeria, Chief Okunowo said traditional leaders in the country should be given key roles to play in government, without being political, since they remain the nearest institution to the people.

Looking at the pedigree of those who have held this title in the past, Okunowo doesn’t believe it is a competition. “We are not in a competition. Anybody has an opportunity to do what he has to do. When these revered men took this title they were probably younger than the age I am now. But if you put in mind to do the things that are right and proper, knowing that you are going to be an example to lot of people, then you need to fashion your life in a manner that it will engender respect, integrity and credibility. For me it is call to service to put Ijebu Christians in the forefront. It is a privilege for me to be asked to lead Ijebu Christians at this time.”
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