AOYAD Confers Award of Excellence, Presents Royal Certificate of Confirmation
By Semiu Azeez
The Aseyin of Iseyinland and Chairman, Oke-Ogun Obas and Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, Adeyeri III-Ajirotutu I, has been conferred with the Award of Excellence as Patron of Yoruba Kings in Africa and the Diaspora by the Apapo Oba Yoruba in Africa Diaspora, AOYAD.
The honour, formalized on Monday, June 16, 2026, with the presentation of a Royal Certificate of Confirmation signed by HRM Oba Adekpadawale Kiffouli, King of Illasso Kingdom and President of AOYAD.
The certificate was presented during a historic visit of the group to Aseyin at his palace in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria in a brief but symbolic ceremony held recently.
According to AOYAD, the recognition was in appreciation of Oba Oyebola’s outstanding leadership, commitment to Yoruba unity, and his role in fostering cultural cohesion among traditional rulers at home and in the diaspora.
The body described the Aseyin as a bridge between Yoruba monarchs across continents.
Speaking during the presentation, President of AOYAD, Oba Kiffouli, said the conferment positions the Aseyin as the foremost royal patron coordinating collaboration, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Yoruba heritage beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The President noted that the title comes with a responsibility to strengthen ties among Yoruba kings worldwide.
Responding, the Aseyin expressed gratitude to AOYAD and its President for the confidence reposed in him.
Oba Oyebola described the award as a call to greater service to the Yoruba nation, stressing that the throne of Iseyin would continue to support initiatives that promote peace, identity, and development among Yoruba people globally.
As Chairman of Oke-Ogun Obas and Chiefs, Oba Oyebola noted that the honour also reflects positively on the entire Oke-Ogun zone.
He said the recognition would further project the region’s cultural heritage and reinforce the role of traditional institutions in nation-building and diaspora engagement.
Members of the Oke-Ogun Council of Obas, palace chiefs, and community leaders who witnessed the presentation commended AOYAD for identifying with the Aseyin.
They described the award as well-deserved, citing the monarch’s years of service to unity, scholarship, and community development.
The Royal Certificate of Confirmation, now housed at the Aseyin’s Palace, marks a new chapter in the monarch’s engagement with the Yoruba diaspora.
Palace officials said the Aseyin is expected to lead patronage activities that will deepen cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and royal diplomacy between Africa and Yoruba communities abroad.