By Ademola Akinbola
“To be of noble birth is a great advantage. In eighteen years it places a man within the select circle, known and respected, as another has merited in fifty years. It is a gain of thirty years without trouble.” – Blaise Pascal
There was wild jubilation in the serene community of Uloen, Ile-Oluji Kingdom, on this Wednesday morning of June 10, 1953, when news broke that the family of one of the founders of the community had welcomed a cute baby boy. The rustic village erupted in celebration as the Adetimehin family was well-known, much-loved, and well-respected.
The patriarch of the family, Baba Josiah Oluwadakingbe Adetimehin, better known as Baba Chairman, was a gentle, amiable, and affable community leader who wielded enormous influence and commanded the kind of respect reserved for men of noble character and impeccable pedigree.
The mother of this bundle of joy was Mama Julianah Adetomi Adetimehin (née Akinfiresoye), who was the toast of the women in the community and was affectionately called “Aya Baba Chairman.” Madam Juliana was a reticent housewife who loved and respected her husband without any reservation. Men and women in the community did all they could to be in her good books, knowing that a favourable word on their behalf could swing Baba Chairman’s attention and support in their favour.
As she beheld this latest addition to the family, her third child, Mama Julianah, rocked the baby to the right and to the left, smiled, and thanked God for making her three times lucky as a mother. She had enough reason to effusively thank and praise God given the high infant mortality rate that prevailed in those days. Uloen did not even have a standard maternity; hence every safe delivery was celebrated.
Uloen was densely populated. It was a remote village on the outskirts of Ile-Oluji. Baba Chairman was one of the early settlers with the likes of Baba Sama Akinsile. The arrival of Baba Chairman’s third child brought unspeakable joy to the family and brightened the mood of the community. When the baby was christened, he was given several names, notable among which were Olufaderin Oluwole Julius Adetimehin.
ROYAL LINEAGE AND PEDIGREE
The young Olufaderin, who would later become the 31st Jegun Olu-Ekun of Ile-Oluji Kingdom 63 years after his birth, boasts of a rich royal lineage and ancestry. His father came from the royal family. Jegun has this to say about his father: “My father was an embodiment of forthrightness all through his lifetime. His sterling leadership qualities consistently earned him the Chairmanship position virtually in every Society or Group he belonged. That earned him the appellation “Baba Chairman”.
It was Gianni Versace (1946-1997), the critically acclaimed Italian fashion designer and founder of Versace, who said in one of his perceptive moments that “in the past, people were born royal; nowadays, royalty comes from what you do”. King Sunny Ade also weighed in on this when he sang, “bibi ire o see fowo ra, o ti daju; ki a bi eni, ko to ka tun ara eni bi”.
Simply put, it is not just enough to have the royal blood flowing in your vein; you must also develop yourself and “validate” your royal birth through your acts and deeds. HRM Alayeluwa Oba (Dr.) Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin, FCIB, FIIN, Jimoko II, the 31st Jegun Olu Ekun and Paramount Ruler of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, combines the two: he was born into royalty, and he has undergone a process of re-birth and personal development, culminating in him deservingly earning royalty through his professional achievements and community development accomplishments.
From his humble background as the child of disciplinarian but doting parents, Pa Josiah Adetimehin (Baba Chairman) and Mrs. Julianah Adetimehin, Oba Adetimehin has over the years developed himself and emerged as a leader of leaders; he has been acclaimed as an insurance and risk management expert who rose to the pinnacle of the insurance profession to become not only the CEO of reputable insurance companies but also the President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.
Most importantly, his success story got better when he was crowned in 2016 as the Jegun Olu-Ekun and Paramount Ruler of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, an exalted position that confers on him the status of a first-class Oba in Ondo State and Nigeria.
Education
With core competencies in insurance brokerage and risk management advisory services, Oba Adetimehin belongs to the elite class of Nigerian traditional rulers who are well-educated, highly cerebral, and widely travelled. He attended the University of Lagos, Ashbridge Management College, United Kingdom, and Lagos Business School. He distinguished himself, bagging several academic and professional laurels including. B.Sc. (Hons) Insurance (1978), M.Sc. Management Science (1990/1991), Advance Management Certificate (1982), and the Chief Executives Programme (CEP-10), Lagos Business School (LBS).
Professional Qualifications
Following his academic exploits and career success, Oba Adetimehin became a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (FCIIN), the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, (FCIB), and the Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria (PEFON). He is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and a member of both the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Directors.
Career History
Before he retired and set up his practice, Jully & Partners, Kabiyesi had put in over 30 years of management experience, including stints as Chief Executive Officer and Director of leading insurance companies and risk management consulting firms. He led and contributed to the development and promotion of continuous improvement in the insurance sector. He is a bridge builder and a relationship-focused professional.
Before his installation as Jegun, Oba Adetimehin was the Vice-Chairman and CEO of Jully & Partners Insurance Brokers Limited, a Risk Management Advisory Service Consultancy, from 2007. He was the lead broker and consultant for the provision of specialized insurance packages for reputable individuals and blue-chip organisations in the private and public sectors.
He also served as the MD/CEO of NFI Insurance Limited from 1998 to 2007. He achieved an increase in the company’s revenue and shareholder earnings, while also successfully growing the company’s capital base. He presided over the listing of the company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Between 1990 and 1998, Oba Adetimehin was the MD/CEO of AFN (Assureurs-Conseils) Insurance Brokers Limited. He pioneered the establishment of AFN Insurance Broking & Consultancy Company from licensing to commencement of operations. His professional engagements also included a stint as Controller (Oil & Energy) at Hogg Robinson Nigeria from 1979 to 1990.
Professional Affiliations
Oba Adetimehin has meritoriously served the financial services industry. He was the President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. His achievements included being one of the leading promoters in the establishment of the College of Insurance & Financial Management (CIFM); Founder of the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC); initiation of strategic alliances with the Insurance Institute of South Africa, Insurance Institute of India, and Malaysia Insurance Institute, among others. He also served as Treasurer, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (2000 – 2009); Governing Board member, the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (1995-1998); Governing Council member, the Nigerian Insurers Association (2000 – 2007), and Chairman, Board of Nigeria Liability Insurance Pool (2004 – 2006).
Honours & Awards
For a man who is dedicated to excellent service, awards have come in torrents. They include: Doctor of Philosophy, (Ph.D.) Theology (Honoris Causa); 4th Development in Nigeria Merit Award (2004); Merit Award of the Rotary Club of Apakun, Ajao Estate, Lagos; Rotary International District 9110 Merit Award for High Ethical Standards in Business and Profession; Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement by Quality Club, Ile-Oluji; Achievers Award by Ile-Oluji National Union, Akure Chapter, Ile-Oluji Times Eminent Persons Achievements Award, and the prestigious 2022 Ile-Oluji Merit Award.
Social Affiliations
Kabiyesi is a member of Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos Country Club, Ikeja Golf Club, and Abeokuta Golf Club.
Community Activities
Back home in Ile-Oluji, Oba Adetimehin was the Immediate Past Supremo (President) of the Supreme Club, one of Ile-Oluji’s leading clubs. Supreme Club initiated the idea of the annual Ile-Oluji Day with Oba Adetimehin serving as the first Chairman in 1991. He is a member of the Jimoko Ruling House.
Family
He is married to Olori (Dr.) Adetokunbo Olubunmi (nee Adewakun) and they are blessed with children. His hobbies include Music, Table Tennis, and Golf.
