ISLAND CLUB CHAIRMAN, OMO’BA (DR) ROTIMI OLASODE-MARTINS, BAGS TAYESE OF OTA AWORI KINGDOM

By Fashina Olugbenga
The ancient and historic town of Ota, in Ogun State, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, witnessed a colourful celebration of culture and tradition as the Chairman of the prestigious Island Club, Omo’ba (Dr) Rotimi Olasode-Martins, was installed as the Tayese of Ota Awori Kingdom.
The installation was performed by the Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Abdul-Kabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, Lanlege Ekun II, Olota of Ota, in a ceremony that brought together prominent traditional rulers, captains of industry, distinguished personalities, family members, friends and well-wishers.
The event was not merely a celebration of an individual but also a vivid demonstration of the enduring strength of the traditional institution and the rich cultural heritage of the Ota Awori people.
Olasode-Martins is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s social and corporate circles and currently serves as Chairman of the Island Club. Public reports have documented his leadership of the club since assuming office in May 2024, including initiatives aimed at infrastructure, administration and institutional development.
His leadership role has also seen him preside over major Island Club programmes involving eminent Nigerians and national conversations on issues of public importance. In 2025, for instance, he featured prominently at the club’s Nigeria@65 Independence Lecture and Awards Night alongside notable personalities including former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Chief Wole Olanipekun and Professor Patrick Lumumba.
The new Tayese has equally been associated with efforts to promote meaningful dialogue and social responsibility. At an Island Club business luncheon on drug abuse and trafficking, Olasode-Martins emphasised the importance of collective action and practical solutions to societal challenges.
His installation in Ota therefore adds another traditional responsibility to a public profile that has already been associated with leadership, community engagement and the promotion of social values.
A ROYAL HONOUR
The conferment of the Tayese title by the Olota is particularly significant within the context of Ota’s traditional institution, where chieftaincy titles serve as avenues for recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves and can contribute to the advancement of the kingdom.
Oba Abdul-Kabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, the 14th Olota of Ota, has himself been widely reported as a former journalist and communication scholar who emerged from the Ijemo-Isoloshi Ruling House and was installed as Olota in 2018.
The monarch has, since his ascension to the throne, continued to use the traditional institution to promote cultural values, unity and development within Ota and beyond.
The presence of traditional rulers from Lagos and Ogun States, members of the Olota-in-Council, captains of industry and other distinguished guests further underscored the importance attached to the occasion.
For Olasode-Martins, the new title represents not only recognition but also an invitation to deeper service to the people and traditional institution of Ota Awori Kingdom.
CELEBRATING CULTURE AND SERVICE
The colourful ceremony provided an opportunity for the people of Ota to celebrate their heritage while welcoming a new title holder into the fold of the kingdom’s traditional leadership structure.
The gathering of personalities from different walks of life also reflected the wide network of relationships built around the new Tayese through his professional, social and community engagements.
As the celebrations continued, messages of goodwill and congratulations poured in for Omo’ba (Dr) Rotimi Olasode-Martins on his elevation.
His installation as Tayese of Ota Awori Kingdom marks a new chapter in his public life and further strengthens the bond between his leadership activities and the traditional heritage of Ota.
For the people of Ota Awori Kingdom, it is another moment to celebrate the enduring institution of traditional leadership and the cultural identity that has continued to define the ancient kingdom.
Congratulations to Omo’ba (Dr) Rotimi Olasode-Martins, the new Tayese of Ota Awori Kingdom.