The Onipokia of Ipokia, His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Yisa ‘Sola Adeniyi Olaniyan (Orijajoogun I), has been inducted into the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) Hall of Fame.

The monarch also received the Fellowship of the Nigerian Books of Record (FNBR) at the ceremony held at City Pulse Lounge, LTV 8 premises, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, attended by traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora, recognized Oba Olaniyan for his contributions to cultural preservation, leadership and community development.

Director-General of NBR, Professor David O. David, described the monarch as “a visionary who has successfully blended tradition with modernity to strengthen the socio-economic and cultural fabric of his people.”

Since ascending the throne in August 2020, Oba Olaniyan has championed education, peace and socio-economic growth in Ipokia. He facilitated the relocation of Ogun State Polytechnic to the town and has advocated the creation of Ipokia University of Science and Technology. With 23 years of experience in the United States, he has attracted investment to the area and promoted development through ventures such as NSB Worldwide Incorporated, a renewable energy company.

The monarch also founded the Afro-Heritage Broadcasting & Entertainment Awards (AHBEA) to promote African talent and has been active in diaspora associations. He has led fundraising initiatives for Ipokia and openly advocated justice and security for his people, most recently after the killing of a cleric in Idiroko.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaniyan dedicated the honours to the people of Ipokia and the African diaspora, pledging to continue promoting education, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

Several dignitaries, including Ambassador Isiaka Abolurin (Rtd), Mr. Dapo Daramola and Chief Mike Ogbanje, praised the monarch for his openness and support for the arts, national unity and nation-building. US-based Fuji musician Yinka Rythmz and veteran actor-producer Olakunle Da-Silva also credited the monarch with influencing their careers abroad.

Born on September 5, 1970, Oba Olaniyan previously worked with Lufthansa German Airlines in Nigeria and Emerson Process Management in the United States before studying Criminal Justice at the University of Houston-Downtown. He has received several awards, including the 2021 Most Influential King award and an honorary doctorate from the European American University.

The Nigerian Books of Record, founded in 2011, documents and celebrates individuals whose achievements inspire excellence and patriotism.