A Special meeting with a Blueblood

A special meeting with HRH Baale Dr. Kayode Israel Okunola, Akeresebierin II of Ibafon Town, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Lagos State, Nigeria.

Could you please describe yourself in your own words? 

I am a very prudent man, I am a straight forward man who despise cheating because I believe in EQUALITY.

We know that you are a successful Traditional Ruler; please tell us what and who inspired you to meet up with your Royal duries?

I am inspired by my late father HRH EZEKIEL OYEGBENLE AKANDE, He is a man with a progressive and humble heart who is always keen about the success and development of His community. He's also a friendly and jovial man.

What is success to you, and how do you go about it? 

Success is a positive accomplishments in any aspects of life, I always focus my mind and determination on my set objective not getting distracted by the negative energy and forces around. An Ancient Yoruba Adage says "YOU DON'T LISTEN TO THE NOISE IN A MARKET, YOU ONLY CONCENTRATE ON THE GOODS YOU BARGAINING FOR".

When have you been most satisfied in your life?

I am satisfied and grateful for the good health God Almighty has granted to me.

You have been impacting your community; please tell us what  you have done so far and what are your plans for the future?

Firstly I have been able to nurture my people to live in love, peace and harmony amongst each other. More so I have been able to maintain maximum security level within the community and this has granted everyone in the town peace of mind.
My plans for the future are tended towards the improvement of the educational system in the community, also a brighter, rewarding future for the youths career and lastly, am looking forward to the sincere cooperation and contribution from the government on some detrimental issues within the community e.g road networks, health facilities, educational development etc.

Tell us about a time when things didn't go the way you wanted (like a promotion you wanted and didn't get, or a project that didn't turn out how you had wanted it?

It was sometime 2-3 years ago when I emerged as the chairman of the chieftaincy committee in my local government area, but the election was disrupted and cancelled twice by some people who are opportune to be in some positions for no reason.

Do you think the Black people have sufficient opportunity in The West, and is anything keeping us behind as a race?

I so much believe that the black people have more than enough sufficient opportunity and the only thing keeping us behind is leadership.

Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant to you?

This is when we renovated the dilapidated old Jakande classroom buildings in IBAFON PRIMARY SCHOOL. We were supported by ESSPIN, they gave us half of the cost for the project, we found it very tasking in raising of funds within the community as many people did not turn up and as the deadline for the completion of the project approaches I crossed many hurdles to complete the task and I give God all the glory for the success but it wasn't easy then.  

What is your advice to the authorities in Nigeria in terms of security and corruption?

My advice to them is to be honest and bold in tackling the security issues in Nigeria and they should stop playing politics on the issues because citizens life is at stake.
This corruption has been passed on from generations and in all areas of life, so I hope and pray we get someone who is vibrant, young and dynamic. 

Where and what is home to you?

Home is where ones ancestors dwell, its a place considered ones habitual abode. My home is here in IBAFON Town. Ajeromi-IFELODUN  local government. Lagos state Nigeria.

We learnt that you were one of the Special Guests of Honour at Miss Black Europe International Pageant & Improver Awards; not only that you are MBE 2014/2015 Royal Father and you crowned the new Queen in Manchester, England. How do you feel being part of MBE 2014, and your royal support to the success of it?  
Excellent l feel great, is huge success. Dream come through this will be in my memory for life. I pray to be part of next year by Almighty God grace.
For few readers that don’t know you, what would you like them to know about you and to always remember you for?

I am a role model of excellence, that is accessible, efficient and self reliance in attaining success towards the development of my people and my community; This is what I should be.

HRM Baale Dr Kayode Israel Okunlola crowning MBE 2014 Queen.