The Amuwo Odofin Royal Family, Ekeolere Omo Ola family, and friends will be in a celebratory mood ahead of Saturday’s (December 21, 2024) coronation of Alhaji Dr. Saheed Adeluola Ekeolere as the Otunba of the Amuwo Odofin Kingdom.
The coronation, which will be spearheaded by the Paramount Ruler, Prince Adewusi Olawale Kazeem, the Alamuwo of Amuwo Odofin Kingdom, will be held at the Town Hall, Ago Palace Way, Amuwo Odofin.
Many A-list dignitaries such as Chief Moruf Elegushi Olisa of Ikate Kingdom, High Majesty Prof. Olusegun Adeyemi Alexander McGregor, Olu of Orile Ilawo Egbaland, Alhaja Kafilat Araoye M.D Lotus Bank, H.R.M. Oba Dr. Festus Adekunle Adeyemi Jalekun 1 Alakola of Akola Ijesa Kingdom, Alhaji Aliyu Atiku Turakin Adamawa and others are expected to grace the coronation that has become the talk of the town, owing to Chief Ekeolere’s commitment to excellence and custodian of cultural and ethical values.
Born into the illustrious family of the late Alhaji Taoreed Ademola Ekeolere from Lagos State and Alhaja Fatima Olabisi Ekeolere from Oyo State, his heritage is deeply intertwined with Lagos’s traditional power structures. His paternal lineage extends to the AmuwoOdofin Royal Family through the Omo Ola Ruling House and descends from Saka Alimi Giwa Ekeolere, and his ancestry is linked to the Ojora Royal Family from the Iga Aro Ruling House through HajaratOjora Ekeolere.
Additionally, his connection to the Elegushi Royal Family from the Odiyan Ruling House traces back to Sani Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, adding to a legacy that is emblematic of the Awori and Idejo communities, direct descendants of the revered Olofin.
This lineage places him within the respected origins of Lagos’s cultural and historical narrative. On his maternal side, his lineage extends to the royal families of Ibadan, including Fakorede Ita Are-Egbe Omo, Omiyale, and AbiapaKobomoje. These ancestral ties underscore Chief Ekeolere’s connection to Nigeria’s noble heritage, with roots that span multiple regions and unite rich traditions.
Further enriching this legacy, he is married to Alhaja Monsurat Ekeolere, known as Yeye Otunba Amuwo Odofin, who hails from the Josi family in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Together, they are the proud parents of three children—Princess Amina Adenike Ekeolere, Prince Musa Olamilekan Ekeolere, and Prince Alameen Ademola Ekeolere. The union of these families and their shared heritage embodies a continuation of cultural traditions and royal values, qualities they have instilled in their children and which inform Chief Ekeolere’s life and work.
ALHAJI CHIEF DR. SAHEED ADELUOLA EKEOLERE’S BRIEF HISTORY
Alhaji Chief Dr. Saheed Adeluola Ekeolere is a remarkable figure in Nigeria’s banking sector, where he has spent over 25 years shaping audit, compliance, and operational standards across some of the country’s leading financial institutions. His journey through this complex field has been marked by a combination of visionary leadership, an unwavering commitment to ethical governance, and a profound respect for both tradition and innovation. Today, as the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) of Lotus Bank Ltd, Chief Ekeolere leads one of the most comprehensive risk management and compliance programs in the sector, providing a robust framework that strengthens governance, upholds risk controls, and supports sustainable growth for the bank.
Chief Ekeolere’s career has taken him through high-impact roles across several renowned institutions, where he has consistently set the bar for excellence. At Fidelity Bank, he advanced through the ranks to become Head of Operations, overseeing operational improvements that drove efficiency across service regions. He was also the Regional Operations Service Supervisor, where his guidance spanned a network of banking centers, and he served as the Acting Group Head of Operations for the Northern region, delivering strategic oversight at a critical juncture. His impact extended further at TAJBank, where he held multiple senior roles, including Chief Audit Executive, Chief Compliance Officer, Divisional Head of Internal Control, and Divisional Head of Operations. His leadership was pivotal in establishing regulatory frameworks that supported TAJBank’s growth, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience—qualities that remain core to his legacy in the financial sector.
While his professional achievements are highly esteemed, Chief Ekeolere’s roots are just as noteworthy, as they connect him to Nigeria’s storied royal lineages. Born into the illustrious family of the late Alhaji Taoreed Ademola Ekeolere from Lagos State and Alhaja Fatima Olabisi Ekeolere from Oyo State, his heritage is deeply intertwined with Lagos’s traditional power structures.
His paternal lineage extends to the AmuwoOdofin Royal Family through the Omo Ola Ruling House and descends from Saka Alimi Giwa Ekeolere, and his ancestry is linked to the Ojora Royal Family from the Iga Aro Ruling House through HajaratOjora Ekeolere. Additionally, his connection to the Elegushi Royal Family from the Odiyan Ruling House traces back to Sani Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, adding to a legacy that is emblematic of the Awori and Idejo communities, direct descendants of the revered Olofin. This lineage places him within the respected origins of Lagos’s cultural and historical narrative. On his maternal side, his lineage extends to the royal families of Ibadan, including Fakorede Ita Are-Egbe Omo, Omiyale, and AbiapaKobomoje. These ancestral ties underscore Chief Ekeolere’s connection to Nigeria’s noble heritage, with roots that span multiple regions and unite rich traditions.
Further enriching this legacy, he is married to Alhaja Monsurat Ekeolere, known as Yeye Otunba Amuwo Odofin, who hails from the Josi family in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. Together, they are the proud parents of three children—Princess Amina Adenike Ekeolere, Prince Musa Olamilekan Ekeolere, and Prince Alameen Ademola Ekeolere. The union of these families and their shared heritage embodies a continuation of cultural traditions and royal values, qualities they have instilled in their children and which inform Chief Ekeolere’s life and work.
Chief Ekeolere’s expertise spans beyond traditional banking functions into the realm of digital transformation, financial inclusion, and risk management innovation. Known for his ability to integrate technology into operational processes, he has championed initiatives that have expanded customer access, improved service delivery, and supported the financial inclusion mandates that address Nigeria’s underserved populations. His foresight has allowed him to drive digital solutions that enhance operational resilience and customer experience, positioning him as a leader in Nigeria’s rapidly modernizing banking sector.
A lifelong learner and industry expert, Chief Ekeolere’s educational background includes a doctorate in commerce and research enterprise from Bilingual University, Togo; a master’s degree in banking and finance from Bayero University, Kano; and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lagos State University. He has attained the highly regarded Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certifications, which underscore his specialization in information security and regulatory compliance. His dedication to his field is further recognized by fellowships and memberships in prestigious institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Compliance of Nigeria (FCIN), the Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB). He is also an active member of the global and Nigerian chapters of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), where he continuously contributes to the evolution of audit practices.
Chief Ekeolere’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his technical skills to include a focus on nurturing and developing talent within his teams. He fosters a work culture centered around accountability, collaboration, and ethical practices, and he prioritizes risk awareness and compliance as key tenets for success in the industry. His mentorship has helped cultivate a generation of professionals who embody these values, contributing to a stronger, more resilient banking sector in Nigeria.
Through his achievements, Alhaji Chief Dr. Saheed Adeluola Ekeolere has become a respected figure not only within Nigeria’s financial landscape but also as a custodian of cultural and ethical values. His influence continues to shape the future of the banking industry, advocating for a balanced approach that respects tradition while embracing the innovations necessary for a prosperous and inclusive economy. His life’s work reflects a profound dedication to governance, resilience, and integrity, making him a true leader and an inspiration to all who follow in his footsteps.