ROYAL SPLENDOUR AS OBA KASALI MARKS 5TH CORONATION ANNIVERSARY, HONOURS DR OLUYEMI BADERO WITH OTUNBA BOBAGUNWA TITLE
Esure, the ancient kingdom in Ijebu-Imushin, Ogun State, was a magnificent spectacle of culture, tradition and royalty as His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulsamad Olalekan Kasali, the Obelu of Esure Kingdom, celebrated the fifth anniversary of his ascension to the throne amidst pomp, pageantry and colourful cultural displays.
The landmark celebration drew an impressive gathering of traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, captains of industry, professionals, sons and daughters of Esure Kingdom, and distinguished guests from Nigeria and across the diaspora, all united in celebrating five years of peaceful, progressive and purposeful leadership under Oba Kasali.
One of the major highlights of the grand occasion was the conferment of the prestigious traditional title of Otunba Bobagunwa of Esure Kingdom on renowned Nigerian-American cardiologist, Dr. Oluyemi Badero, alongside several other deserving personalities who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service to humanity and unwavering commitment to the development of Esure Kingdom.
Widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s foremost medical professionals in the diaspora, Dr. Badero is a Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist, Clinical Professor of Medicine, and the Founder, President, Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of Cardiac Specialists of Brooklyn, New York. He has lived and practised medicine in the United States for over 38 years.
His remarkable educational journey began at St. Peter’s Primary School, Lagos, before proceeding to St. Anthony’s Grammar School, Esure-Ijebu-Imushin. He later attended the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he graduated in 1984 as the Best Graduating Medical Student, earning five academic distinctions and numerous academic prizes. His brilliance had manifested from an early age, having won the Barclays Bank National Scholarship Examination at the age of eleven and later receiving the National Merit Award during his university education.
Following nine years of medical education in Nigeria, Dr. Badero underwent another nine years of specialist postgraduate training in the United States, qualifying in Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology. During his illustrious medical career, he served as Chief Medical Resident, Chief Cardiology Fellow and later Chief of Cardiology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, New York, among several other distinguished academic and leadership appointments.
The installation ceremony commenced with traditional rites and prayers led by palace chiefs and royal fathers, symbolising the rich customs and heritage of Esure Kingdom. Accompanied by family members, friends and associates, Dr. Badero received the traditional insignia of office amid thunderous applause from guests who celebrated his elevation as a worthy son of Esure.
The anniversary celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances, traditional music, royal processions, special prayers and goodwill messages, reflecting the enduring cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom.
Another major milestone of the celebration was the official launch of the Esure Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme, an initiative designed to equip young people with vocational skills, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth of the community.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Kasali expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving him throughout the five years of his reign. He also appreciated the unwavering support of the people of Esure Kingdom and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, unity, youth empowerment, educational advancement and infrastructural development across the kingdom.
Speaking with The Polity TV, Dr. Akin Awofolaju commended the Obelu of Esure and the Council of Chiefs for recognising Dr. Badero’s immense contributions to humanity through the conferment of the Otunba Bobagunwa title. He described the honour as well deserved, noting that Dr. Badero has remained a committed philanthropist, a proud ambassador of Esure Kingdom and a passionate advocate for community development.
As part of the celebration, guests showered encomiums on Oba Kasali for providing visionary leadership and fostering unity, inclusiveness and sustainable development over the past five years. Many described his reign as one that has strengthened the cultural identity and developmental aspirations of Esure Kingdom.
The celebration climaxed with prayers for continued peace, prosperity and progress in Esure Kingdom, followed by a colourful reception where guests were treated to warm hospitality, sumptuous local and continental delicacies, and refreshing drinks in a convivial atmosphere filled with music, dancing and cultural entertainment.
Among the notable personalities who joined Dr. Badero to celebrate his installation were Dr. Akin Awofolaju, Tony Ibidapo, Engineer Bamgbose-Martins, Wale Ajisebutu, Yomi Sonuga, Gbenga Ademulegun, Biodun Fari, Kunle Lawal, Muyiwa Olusada, Ambassador Lekan Adebola, Gboyega Odunuyi, Mr. Zacchaeus Adekunle, Dr. Victor Adekunle, Anthony Shittu, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, Dr. Olufemi Olutoye, Andy Nwani, Dr. Kofo Ogunyakin, Hon. Eddy Olafeso, Dr. Edward Erinle, Michael Makinde, Chief Akogun Akin Ogunmowo, Kola Onifade, Kenneth Shobola, Olusegun Olubowale, Demola Kramushe Oshibolu, Bolaji Bonjella Disu, Damilola Quadri, Shiko Sanni Jnr., Femi Idowu, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, Mr. Nola Giwa, Clement Adenugba, Gbenga Bello, Mr. Saibu, and many other distinguished guests from within and outside Nigeria.
