EKITI SUMMIT AWARDS – Distinguished Royal Personality of the Year
His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti
His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP, was born on 23rd November 1945 into the royal lineage of the Aroloye Ruling House of Ado-Ekiti. His ancestry traces through Pa. Daniel and Madam Alice Famoriyede Adejugbe, and connects to the historic Ewi Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I, firmly rooting him in one of Ekiti’s most revered royal dynasties.
From an early age, Kabiyesi demonstrated exceptional discipline, humility, and intellectual brilliance. His formative education at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, was marked by consistent academic excellence, leadership as class captain, and later Senior Prefect. He continued his secondary education at Okemesi Anglican Grammar School between 1966 and 1970, where he also served as Senior Prefect and distinguished himself in both academics and sports.
His professional journey reflects remarkable versatility and dedication. He began his career as a primary school teacher at Methodist Primary School, Ode-Ekiti, in 1971, and later served as College Bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi-Ekiti. His pursuit of professional excellence led him to the School of Business Studies, College of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt), where he qualified as an accountant in 1976.
He subsequently built a successful career in finance and corporate management, working with First Aluminium of Nigeria Limited, where his integrity and performance earned him immediate employment. He later served as Chairman/Financial Director of Detlac International Nigeria Limited and Financial Director of Davis Gesarel Construction Company Limited, demonstrating strong leadership in financial administration and corporate governance.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kabiyesi has consistently played active roles in community development and traditional leadership. His contributions span cultural, social, and national platforms, reflecting a deep commitment to unity, peace, and progress.
His Imperial Majesty has served in numerous distinguished roles, including membership of:
Okemesi Grammar School Dramatic Society and Football Team
Ondo State Council of Obas (before creation of Ekiti State)
National Forum of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria
Ekiti State Advisory Committee
Advisory Forum of Traditional Rulers and Eminent Persons on Peace and Unity in Nigeria
Standing Committee of the Advisory Forum on Peace and Unity
Ekiti State Council of Obas
National Committee of Traditional Rulers and Eminent Leaders of Thought
Justice of Peace
He also played a key role as Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State (1991–1996), contributing significantly to the actualization of Ekiti State.
In academia and global engagement, Kabiyesi has served with distinction as Chancellor of the University of Jos for an extended and historic tenure, and has also served as Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State. He is currently the Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
A revered monarch, statesman, and custodian of culture, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti is widely respected for his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace, education, and national development. His reign continues to symbolize stability, progress, and unity within Ekiti Kingdom and beyond.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to traditional leadership, nation-building, educational advancement, and community development, the EKITI SUMMIT AWARDS 2026 proudly honours His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, as the Distinguished Royal Personality of the Year.
EkitiSummitNewsEKITI SUMMIT AWARDS 2026
Distinguished Royal Personality of the Year
His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP
The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti
His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP, was born on 23rd November 1945 into the royal lineage of the Aroloye Ruling House of Ado-Ekiti. His ancestry traces through Pa. Daniel and Madam Alice Famoriyede Adejugbe, and connects to the historic Ewi Ajimudaoro Aladesanmi I, firmly rooting him in one of Ekiti’s most revered royal dynasties.
From an early age, Kabiyesi demonstrated exceptional discipline, humility, and intellectual brilliance. His formative education at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, was marked by consistent academic excellence, leadership as class captain, and later Senior Prefect. He continued his secondary education at Okemesi Anglican Grammar School between 1966 and 1970, where he also served as Senior Prefect and distinguished himself in both academics and sports.
His professional journey reflects remarkable versatility and dedication. He began his career as a primary school teacher at Methodist Primary School, Ode-Ekiti, in 1971, and later served as College Bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi-Ekiti. His pursuit of professional excellence led him to the School of Business Studies, College of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt), where he qualified as an accountant in 1976.
He subsequently built a successful career in finance and corporate management, working with First Aluminium of Nigeria Limited, where his integrity and performance earned him immediate employment. He later served as Chairman/Financial Director of Detlac International Nigeria Limited and Financial Director of Davis Gesarel Construction Company Limited, demonstrating strong leadership in financial administration and corporate governance.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kabiyesi has consistently played active roles in community development and traditional leadership. His contributions span cultural, social, and national platforms, reflecting a deep commitment to unity, peace, and progress.
His Imperial Majesty has served in numerous distinguished roles, including membership of:
Okemesi Grammar School Dramatic Society and Football Team
Ondo State Council of Obas (before creation of Ekiti State)
National Forum of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria
Ekiti State Advisory Committee
Advisory Forum of Traditional Rulers and Eminent Persons on Peace and Unity in Nigeria
Standing Committee of the Advisory Forum on Peace and Unity
Ekiti State Council of Obas
National Committee of Traditional Rulers and Eminent Leaders of Thought
Justice of Peace
He also played a key role as Chairman of the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State (1991–1996), contributing significantly to the actualization of Ekiti State.
In academia and global engagement, Kabiyesi has served with distinction as Chancellor of the University of Jos for an extended and historic tenure, and has also served as Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State. He is currently the Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
A revered monarch, statesman, and custodian of culture, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti is widely respected for his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace, education, and national development. His reign continues to symbolize stability, progress, and unity within Ekiti Kingdom and beyond.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to traditional leadership, nation-building, educational advancement, and community development, the EKITI SUMMIT AWARDS 2026 proudly honours His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, JP, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, as the Distinguished Royal Personality of the Year.