Kings are born and not made, so says a popular adage. Royalty embedded in a family will flow in the bloodline of its progeny even up to the unborn generations. The nobility in the Owalukare family dynasty distinguishes its sons and daughters in their character and personality from outsiders. This trait has, however, been exceptional in the personality of His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba (Alhaji) Akadiri Saliu Momoh IV. JP, CON, the Paramount ruler of Ikare –Akoko Kingdom, Ondo State.
Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh was born on the 20th day of June, 1938 into the Momoh family of the OWALUKARE Ruling House in Okela, Ikare Akoko. His father, Prince Saliu Momoh was one of the sons to HRM, Oba Momoh Ist, the 13th Olukare of Ikare (1922-1927) while his mother, Salamotu was from Arigidi-Akoko. His grandfather. Oba Momoh 1st was instrumental to the development of Ikare and is reckoned as the symbol of the modern-day unification of Akokoland. He was said to have facilitated the putting of Ikare Akoko and even Akoko at large on the world map by registering it under the then Regional Government of Nigeria in Lokoja.
Young Akadiri began his primary shool at St Stephens Primary School, Ikare in 1943. He was there till 1944 before attending Jubilee Central School, Ikare between 1946-1951. Upon completion of his primary school education, he proceeded to the prestigious Victory College, Ikare (VCI) between 1953-1958, where he was classmates with the likes of late Chief Gain Fawehinmi and the Sir (Dr) Joseph Sanusi (former CBN, Governor). After the completion of his secondary school education, the young Akadiri worked with the Judiciary Department of the Old Western Regio before he left the shores of Nigeria for the United States of America (USA).
While in America, the young Kabiyesi proved himself to be assiduous, focused, easygoing, and accommodating to all and sundry. He was also determined to improve himself intellectually and attended a number of institutions. He first attended the Rhodes School in Manhattan, New York City (1969-1970), the Central State University, Wiberforce, Ohio where he obtained a Bachelor degree in Economics (1970-1973). He also attended the Wright State University, Dayston, Ohio; the Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York City and the American Institute of Banking. As a scholar, he excelled brilliantly as he was passionate about his studies and also obtained a Master’s degree in Economics. (picture)
Due to him, being a man of great pursuits, his choice of a spouse was top-notch as he could settle for nonetheless but for a lady with panache, integrity and virtue, like the proverbial woman in the Bible (Prov. 31:10-31). His heart soon found solace and warmth in the heart of beautiful Ibiwunmi Joanna, a demure, reserved, brilliant young lady also from Okela, Ikare Akoko…….(Picture.) Their love struck, ignited and blossomed hence they were married in 1963. (pics.) On the ascension of the throne of his forefathers, Kabiyesi later married Olori Iyabo Folashade, another beautiful lady from Ishakunmi in Ikare. The synergetic cooperation of the duo Queens consort has been the cornerstone of the development of the reign of Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh IV.
As a young prince, Oba Akadiri Momoh was ebullient, optimistic and accommodating in nature just like his ancestors. He exuded an aura of positivism which would naturally magnetize those around him to a warm ambience. His smile was consoling and warm and this would always play across his lips. An unassuming dude but loaded with forthright ideas, coupled with his cool temperament.(su’uru). With royalty and regality flowing in him, he was already positioning himself in a vantage post for leadership duties as people found him approachable, attentive and assuring of a relief. He was thus, seen as an embodiment of succour. Being of a sturdy build and a handsome countenance to behold, Oba Akadiri Momoh possessed a warm charm that could make him pass for Mr Charming and this charm could tactically dispel any negativity noised in one but just to leave the person to embrace the positivity and peace reposed therein.
Upon his return to Nigeria in 1978, he worked with the Federal Inland Revenue Department in Lagos. While working here, he was always contacted for assistance in adjudication and payments of dues for some offenders. People thronged his office and home for enlightenment on one issue or another. Invariably, the exposure he encountered here further positioned him for future leadership roles. Oba Akadiri Momoh rose to become a senior inspector of taxes in the Federal Inland Revenue Department, Federal Ministry of Finance, Lagos. Throughout his service year, he lived above board and was without blemish.
Oba Akadri Saliu Momoh has not in any way been labeled as an arbitrary person. He has contentment in his heart; he doesn’t believe in amassing houses, cars or other material goods and even as an Oba, he is satisfied with just two wives who are of enormous assistance to him. He has always maintained a cool, calm and composed aura. This has earned him the cognomen, Oba Onisu’uru (the patient king). His sue for peace and development for his motherland cannot be traded for anything by him and this, his people and subjects respect and like him for. A man of not much verbose but just takes delight in rekindling the confidence imposed in him by his people; and his response would just be ” Wo yayi” meaning “you’re honoured”. Over the years, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and style which has made him to earn the trust, confidence and admiration of his people at home and in diaspora.
During his tenure as Oba, Ikare Akoko and even Akoko at large has experienced diverse and immense developmental strides. In the diaspora, the qualities seen in Kabiesi has got him to be trusted to some key posts and responsibilities by successive government in power. During the military administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, he was appointed to represent the Western Region in the Constituent Assembly. Between 1989-1990, he was appointed as the Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas by the then Military Administrator of Ondo State, Col. Ahmed Usman. Again, in the year, 2019-2021, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, a position sought after by many but which was bestowed to him because of his sterling leadership qualities.
During the administration of Late President Umar Musa Yar’adua, Oba Akadiri Momoh was honoured with the National Honorary Award of the Commander Of the Order of The Niger (CON).
At present, he is the pioneer Chancellor of Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State and also the Vice President General II, The Supreme Council Of Islamic Affairs (SCIA) in Nigeria.
Oba Akadiri is an avid reader and knowledge seeker. A devout Muslim with the fear of Almighty Allah (Taqwa) in him. He loves nurturing and tendering plants and this has endeared him into farming when not attending to community matters. He also enjoys the company of his wives, Olori Joanna and Olori Folasade. He is a father to many biological children amongst others too numerous to mention. Despite his advancement in age, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh is still going strong and healthy, with his eyesight still intact and his dress sense still commendable. His modest lifestyle is worth emulating. He attributes all his achievements as the Oba to God Almighty, his darling wives, subjects and the good people of Ikare Akoko, onile obi. Even though the achievements are remarkable and enviable and still counting, he doesn’t believe in itemizing them but still strives to do more and institute a lasting peace and development trend, eradicate hunger and poverty and ensure that love abounds amongst the people.
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