The wife of the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Olori Adejumoke Adeleye, has received the Olori of the Year (Queen of the Year) award from Sunshine Standard Magazine in recognition of her humanitarian service and leadership qualities.
The award was presented on Sunday at a ceremony attended by dignitaries from within and outside the state at the OSDPC Multipurpose Hall, Ijapo, in Akure.
Speaking as Royal Father of the Day, the Olubaka of Oka Kingdom, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on his wife, describing it as a recognition of the entire Oka-Akoko community.
The monarch, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Akogun Gbenga Omole, said the award reflected the culture and aspirations of the people.
“This recognition is not just personal; it is communal. It reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of our people,” he said.
The traditional ruler emphasised the critical role of women in societal advancement, noting that their contributions to peace, growth, and stability remain indispensable. He maintained that meaningful development would be difficult to achieve without empowering women.
“As the African proverb says, ‘If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation,’” he said.
He called for sustained efforts to expand opportunities for women to participate actively in governance and national development, stressing that their resourcefulness and resilience drive progress.
He emphasised that "society cannot realise its developmental dreams without giving due attention to the unique and brilliant contributions of women", affirming that their wisdom, resilience, and enterprise are the bedrock of progress.
“We must continue to appreciate them, empower them, and create platforms for them to contribute their brilliant efforts,” he added.
The monarch also urged greater inclusion of women in leadership roles across Ondo State and the country, noting that sidelining them would hinder development. He commended Sunshine Standard Magazine for recognising individuals making positive impacts and encouraged journalists to uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
The event featured a lecture titled “Building the Ondo State of Tomorrow: Innovation, Enterprise, and Good Governance,” which he described as timely. He appealed to residents and indigenes of the state to support government initiatives aimed at development, stressing that progress requires collective effort.
In his opening remarks, the organiser, Mr Oludaisi Adetarami, said the recipient’s charity work and initiatives distinguished her among her contemporaries. He cited her annual Christmas carols and children’s funfair as programmes that have benefited many vulnerable children in Oka-Akoko.
In his words: “Olori Adejumoke Adeleye shines as a paragon of grace, wisdom, and compassion. Her harmonious interfaith marriage exemplifies unity, love, and respect.
“Enterprising, prayerful, and cerebral, Olori Adejumoke is a beacon of hope and a role model for generations. Her legacy of service, faith, and humanity continues to catalyse peace, progress, and development. A jewel of royalty and a blessing to all, she is truly a Queen for all seasons whose impact will inspire for years to come.”
Responding, Olori Adeleye described the recognition as a motivation to intensify her humanitarian efforts, noting that the honour came as a surprise.
She dedicated the award to her late father and appreciated the Olubaka for his support.
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