Amosun Lauds African First Doctorate Holder in Architecture, ex-Oba Odeleye

Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has lauded the contributions of the late Architect Olawale Adisa Odeleye, the former Olowu of Owu, to the development of Nigeria. Dr Odeleye, an ex-President of the Commonwealth Association of Architects, was the first Nigerian and African to obtain a PhD in Architecture.

Speaking at the African Church Cathedral, Totoro, Abeokuta during the 10th Year Remembrance Service for the late monarch, Amosun described Dr Adeleye as "a scholar, an achiever par excellence, a highly cerebral leader and an epitome of courage."

As an architect, Amosun said Adeleye was involved in the planning, design and development of landmark projects all over Nigeria, including the New Surulere, FESTAC Town and 1004 Housing Estate in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The governor noted that as a monarch between 1993 and 2003, Dr Adeleye was instrumental to the "completion of the Olowu's
Palace, development of Owu Central market, Apo, Abeokuta, Regional Market at Papalanto, restructuring of Owu Towns as well as fostering unity among the 13 Owu settlements across Yorubaland."

Amosun recalled that he enjoyed the confidence of the late monarch and "was one of the last people to be with Kabiyesi before he joined his ancestors." Dr Olawale Odeleye obtained a doctorate degree in Architecture in 1972 and became the 12th Olowu of Owu in August 1993.