By Adelanke Akinmoladun
In a grand civic reception held on April 19, 2025, Professor Olugbenga Oke-Samuel was honoured with the Idanre Honours Award for Academic Excellence and Community Leadership. The event, organized by the Idanre Honours Award Committee in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Idanre Forum, was a celebration of Professor Oke-Samuel’s contributions to academia and community development.
The reception, which drew dignitaries like Royal fathers, Court of Appeal Judges, High Court Judges, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Chief Librarian, Academic staffs of Adekunle Ajasin University, NBA, Akure Forum, Chief Dr. Kola Ademujimi and others from across the country, marked a significant moment in the town of Idanre. Professor Oke-Samuel, who was elevated to the rank of Professor of Law in December 2024, arrived at the event alongside his family to a standing ovation, ushered in by the Boys’ Brigade Band.
In his welcome address, Dr. Alaba Akingbesote, Chairman of the Planning Committee, highlighted the celebrant’s foundational role in establishing the Idanre Development Foundation (IDF), aimed at using social media for community development. He also announced the creation of an Idanre Indigent Students Trust Fund, which would support the education of underprivileged students with a sum of 8 million naira set aside from the money realized from the event, and a sum of 2 million naira set aside for Professor Olugbenga Oke-Samuel inaugural lecture, while #500,000 was used to kickstart the educational trust fund.
Chief Dr. Anthony Omolola, President General of the Idanre Development Assembly (IDA), described the award as a celebration of excellence, community spirit, and the values Professor Oke-Samuel exemplifies. He reaffirmed IDA’s commitment to working closely with the newly formed Education Trust Fund Committee.
Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, praised Professor Oke-Samuel’s academic accomplishments, particularly his widely recognized publications in both local and international journals. He commended the people of Idanre and other trailblazers in the legal field.
In his goodwill message, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, the Gbekonuyi of Idanre, encouraged Idanre indigenes to prioritize education, urging parents to support their children’s academic pursuits.
Chief Olaleye Akintububo, Chairman of NBA Idanre Forum, noted that Professor Oke-Samuel’s journey to professorship was a testament to perseverance and intellectual discipline. He emphasized the forum’s resolve to celebrate outstanding contributors while they are still alive, referencing the regret of not honouring the late Professor Yomi Dinakin during his lifetime.
Representing the Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the State’s Attorney General, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, described Professor Oke-Samuel as a beacon of legal scholarship and a critical contributor to the development of Ondo State’s environmental legal framework.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Professor Oke-Samuel expressed profound gratitude to God, paying tribute to his late father and acknowledging the sacrifices of his mother in raising him and his siblings. He also appreciated mentors and supporters who shaped his journey, including the late Professor Yomi Dinakin, Dr. Engr. Benson Ajisegiri, Professor Francisca Onaolapo Oladipo, Dr Dokun Dairo, Deacon Mayokun Akinmoladun and others.
As part of the event, several indigent students received financial support, and the prestigious award was formally presented to Professor Oke-Samuel and his wife. The reception concluded with lively entertainment and a feast of assorted delicacies while Deacon Mayokun Akinmoladun gave the vote of thanks.
Omolola Akinbo Reporting for Platinum TV
