Oba Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni (3 December 1958 – 7 January 2022), known by his regnal title Ojikutujoye Obaarun-Oladekan I, was a Nigerian monarch who ruled as the Oba of Ado and Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo, an ancient Yoruba kingdom in Ogun State, Nigeria. His reign, which began in 2009, was marked by efforts to uphold the traditions of Ado-Odo while navigating modern governance and community development.
Early Life and Background
Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni was born on 3 December 1958 in Ado-Odo, a culturally significant Yoruba settlement in present-day Ogun State. Ado-Odo holds a unique place in Yoruba history as one of the oldest Awori towns, with deep ancestral ties to Ile-Ife, the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people.
Details of Oba Akanni’s childhood, education, and early career are not widely documented. However, his lineage and deep cultural grounding prepared him for eventual ascension to the revered Ado-Odo throne.
Ascension to the Throne
The throne of Ado-Odo became vacant following the death of Oba J. O. Akapo, who passed away on 7 February 1989. After a long interregnum that lasted two decades, Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni was chosen as the next monarch.
On 2 May 2009, he was installed as the Oba of Ado and Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo, assuming the regnal name Ojikutujoye Obaarun-Oladekan I. His coronation marked the end of a prolonged vacancy on the throne, restoring continuity in the traditional leadership of the ancient Awori community.
Role as Monarch
As Olofin Adimula, Oba Akanni held not only political and cultural authority within Ado-Odo but also spiritual responsibilities, given the sacred status of the Olofin stool in Awori and Yoruba tradition.
His reign was characterized by:
Custodianship of Yoruba Tradition: He safeguarded the customs, festivals, and rituals that define the cultural heritage of Ado-Odo.
Community Leadership: He played a mediatory role between his people and government institutions, advocating for development in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Symbol of Unity: His leadership maintained cohesion among the diverse Awori sub-communities under his jurisdiction.
Death
Oba Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni passed away on 7 January 2022 at the age of 63. His death was a major loss to the people of Ado-Odo and the wider Awori community, who regarded him as a custodian of both cultural heritage and social stability.
Following his death, the throne of Ado-Odo once again entered an interregnum as the community and ruling houses began the traditional processes of succession.
Legacy
Oba Akanni’s reign is remembered for the restoration of traditional authority in Ado-Odo after a long period without a monarch.
His leadership helped maintain the spiritual and cultural prestige of the Olofin Adimula throne.
He is honored among Yoruba monarchs who carried the responsibility of preserving indigenous governance systems in a modern Nigerian state.
Sources:
Ogun State Traditional Council Archives (referenced in local reports)
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM
