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Opinion:
BY ABU-SATAR IDOWU HAMED
Some individuals are destined for greatness from the moment they are born, while others strive and achieve greatness through their efforts. Then there are those upon whom greatness is bestowed.
This adage perfectly describes His Royal Highness Oba (Rotn) Lukman Olamilekan Kuoye, PhD, who, despite his esteemed position as the Olu of Imasayi in Yewa North local government area of Ogun State, he diligently pursued his academic ambitions.
Renowned as a reliable and trustworthy first-class monarch in Ogun State, Nigeria, Oba (Dr) Kuoye is celebrated not only for his traditional leadership but also for his personal qualities and academic achievements. On Thursday, June 6, 2024, he was awarded a PhD at the 27th Convocation Ceremony of Lagos State University, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in his life.
Oba (Dr) Kuoye who is also the Secretary to Yewa Traditional Council was among the recipients of various academic degrees of the institution.
Born on April 18, 1970, to Prince/Alhaji Rafiu Oladele Kuoye and Princess Suliyat Kuoye of blessed memory, Oba (Dr) Kuoye’s educational journey began at UMC Primary School, Eleja, Ado-Odo in 1973. He continued his education at St. Stephens Commercial High School in September 1979, completing his studies there in 1984.
Oba (Dr) Kuoye’s path to academic success was not without challenges. His first attempt at the Senior School Certificate Examination saw him fail Mathematics, necessitating a retake at Alamu Grammar School, Ado-Odo, in 1985. Unfortunately, these results were not released, prompting him to learn plumbing instead of remaining idle at home.
However, one of his brothers, now an Architect, insisted he not abandon his education, recognizing Oba (Dr) Kuoye’s brilliance and potential.
With no funds to continue his education, Oba (Dr) Kuoye worked as a bus conductor until 1988 when he enrolled at Ado-Odo High School to retake the SSCE, ultimately achieving good grades.
Between 1988 and 1989, he gained admission to St. Andrews College of Education, Oyo, to study Political Science and English. However, financial difficulties in his third year forced him to leave school just before graduation.
He then returned to the transport business, and fortunately for him, he did well and was able to raise money to go back to school. He then went to Lagos State University to study Social Work Administration at the Diploma level.
After finishing his Diploma, he enrolled for his first degree. Encouraged by his academic friends, Oba (Dr) Kuoye completed his first degree and then proceeded to earn his Master’s degree.
After obtaining his Master’s, his friends continued to pressure him to pursue a PhD. Responding to their encouragement, he applied to several universities. He was in the middle of his PhD programme when the issue of becoming a monarch arose.
Before his ascension, Oba (Dr) Kuoye worked as a Commercial Manager for a transport company and later established his own transport business. His political career began at a young age, starting with the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP).
He later joined the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), becoming the Youth Leader for Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. Eventually, he moved to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when it was founded, at a time when the PDP was considered adversarial to the Yoruba-dominated Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Despite the challenges, Oba (Dr) Kuoye and about 14 others ensured that the PDP won five wards in his constituency, marking the beginning of his political ascent. He worked for the party for several years and served on the PDP National Convention Planning Committee in 2005/2006.
Oba (Dr) Kuoye played crucial roles within the government, serving as the Vice Chairman of Ado-Odo Local Government Area from 2003 to 2007. Afterward, he was appointed Secretary to the Local Government Transitional Committee.
In 2010, following the loss of his wife, Oba (Dr) Kuoye considered quitting politics. At the time, he was still pursuing his Master’s degree and completing a mandatory nine-month internship at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. After his convocation in 2011, he left the Government House, contemplating his next steps, as he did not want to become a professional politician.
Subsequently, he saw a job advertisement by the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC). He applied for a position using his Master’s degree, and about two years later, he received a text message to appear in Abuja for screening and later at the University of Lagos for a CBT examination.
Three months later, he was shortlisted for the job and employed, and initially posted to Niger State. After working there for a few weeks, he was transferred to Ogun State. In 2014, he was posted to Ipokia to establish the Idi-Iroko and Ipokia centers of NIMC.
From Ipokia, he moved to Owode-Yewa, Idi-Iroko and then to Ilaro-Yewa. Later, he became the Ogun State Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, NIMC Unit, a position he held until he had to heed the call to become an Oba in his hometown – Imasayi-Yewa.
These qualities laid the foundation for his extraordinary journey toward becoming a notable leader in his community. He was presented with the staff of office on August 26, 2021, after the traditional process, spent a month in Ipebi, and thereafter wore the traditional crown, which came from Oyo in about 1776 as the Olu of Imasayi-Yewa, Ogun State.
Oba (Dr) Kuoye who possesses the unique ability to share problems, spread joy, and bring smiles to the faces of those around him once told StarTrend Int’l magazine about his experience during his lectures as a PhD student, saying, “I told my lecturers, ‘Please, I have dropped my position as an Oba at the entrance of the lecture room. If you want to send me an errand, go ahead.’”
He added, “That is why I don’t go to the lecture room as a king but as a student. I don’t wear my crown to school; I just put on my small cap. Sometimes, I go in there with just Buba and Sokoto. That is why I am accorded the status of a student of the University.”
Oba (Dr) Kuoye’s extensive career showcases his diverse talents and unwavering dedication. His journey encompasses pivotal roles and contributions across various sectors.
Apart from his professional engagements and community involvement, Oba (Dr) Kuoye finds solace and joy in his personal life. A devout Muslim, he enjoys a fulfilling family life, relishing the blessings of a happy marriage, and cherishing moments with his children and grandchildren.
On behalf of myself and the StarTrend Int’l magazine and online team, we congratulate Oba (Dr) Lukman Olamilekan Kuoye PhD on the occasion of earning a Doctorate degree.
Congratulations, Kabiyesi. Wishing you continued good health and a peaceful reign in the land. Kaaaabiyesi ooo!
*Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed is the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, StarTrend Int’l magazine and online. He is also the Coordinator of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP).
