HON. ONIDARE SUNDAY BUKUNMI (OSB) BAGS AKONI ODUA TITLE AT THE OONI OF IFE PALACE
HON. ONIDARE SUNDAY BUKUNMI (OSB) BAGS AKONI ODUA TITLE AT THE OONI OF IFE PALACE
The ancient city of Ile-Ife, cradle of the Yoruba race, was aglow with history, culture, and honour as the Chairman of Ondo Northwest Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Onidare Sunday Bukunmi (OSB), was conferred with the prestigious Akoni Odua Edu-Essence Award at the revered Palace of the Ooni of Ife.
Hon. Onidare Sunday Bukunmi was honoured alongside twelve other illustrious sons and daughters of Yoruba descent, drawn from diverse sectors of human endeavour, in a colourful and deeply symbolic ceremony that celebrated excellence, service, and enduring contributions to humanity.
The award ceremony was held under the royal auspices of the Custodian of Yoruba Heritage and Culture, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
The Akoni Odua Edu-Essence Award, a highly respected meritorious title, is reserved for individuals whose lives and public service exemplify courage, selflessness, integrity, and outstanding commitment to societal development.
Hon. Onidare was found worthy of this noble recognition in acknowledgment of his immense contributions to humanity, his unwavering passion for grassroots and community engagement, and his strong advocacy for the propagation of education and cultural heritage.
The award also recognises his bold, principled, and people-centred stance in public office, which continues to set him apart as a leader of vision and compassion.
In his acceptance remarks, Hon. Onidare expressed profound gratitude for the honour, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating.
He dedicated the award to the good people of Ondo Kingdom, affirming that the title of Akoni Odua further strengthens his resolve to serve with greater diligence, courage, and commitment.
He emphasized that the honour is not merely a personal achievement, but a collective celebration of the values, resilience, and aspirations of his people.
Hon. Onidare extended heartfelt appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, for his exemplary leadership in preserving Yoruba culture and values, and for consistently using the revered throne of Oduduwa as a platform to inspire excellence and unity among the Yoruba people.
He also acknowledged the Edu-Essence Award Management for finding him worthy of such a distinguished honour and for sustaining a credible platform that celebrates service and positive impact.
He further appreciated his team members who accompanied him to the event, as well as friends, well-wishers, and close political associates across the state and beyond who sent goodwill messages, prayers, and words of encouragement following the recognition.
As Hon. Onidare Sunday Bukunmi proudly bears the title Akoni Odua, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to charting a course toward a better, more inclusive, and prosperous society, anchored on education, cultural pride, responsive governance, and sustainable community development.
The honour, he noted, is a renewed call to do more, serve better, and leave a lasting legacy of impact for generations to come.
Signed:
Henry Afolabi Victor
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity
to Hon. Onidare Sunday Bukunmi
January 15, 2026
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