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Birth, early life and education
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, was born in Ondo, on November 11, 1953, to the family of Prince Gbadebo Adedoyin Kiladejo (Edilokun) and his wife, Prophetess Julianah Olusola Kiladejo (nee Ajayi). He is the eldest of the 22 children of his father, who was of the Okuta Ruling House; and a direct descendant of Púpùpú, the founding monarch of Ondo.

His Imperial Majesty had a sound preparation for life through his education and family upbringing. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Akure, and Ondo Anglican Grammar School, Ondo. In 1974, Oba Kiladejo gained admission to the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), to study Medicine. By reason of his very good grades, and leadership qualities, the future Oba became a Federal Government Scholar, with all the appurtenances thereto, including a Federal Government scholarship, for his education. He obtained B.Sc. (Hons.), 2nd Class Upper Division, in Health Sciences; as well as the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, in 1978 and 1981, respectively. Not yet done, Oba Kiladejo enrolled at Liverpool University, in the UK, for his postgraduate training, in Reproductive Health. He is a United States Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and Consultant to Liverpool Associate on Tropical Health (LATH).

It is interesting to note that Oba Kiladejo has always excelled; and demonstrated an uncanny outlook on leadership. Everywhere the Oba has sojourned in life, he turned out to lead. During his primary and secondary education, he was Health Prefect, and House Prefect respectively. In his university days at Ile-Ife, he was a member of the Students’ Representative Board; and served as Class Representative when he was on postgraduate training at Liverpool.

Work experience and professional practice
After his graduation from the University of Ife, the future Oba did his internship at the State Specialist Hospital, Ado Ekiti, and his mandatory one-year National Youth Service (NYSC) at Agbor General Hospital, Agbor, Bendel State (now in Delta State), where he excelled in commitment and dedication to service. The future Òsemàwé proved so outstanding that he earned a letter of commendation from, as well as an automatic appointment offered by the then Bendel State Government. His Imperial Majesty later took up appointment with the Ondo State Health Management Board, where he served in various capacities; rose to become a Principal Medical Officer; and was later appointed, even at that relatively young age, the Medical Director in charge of two Local Government hospitals – Ekiti South and Ekiti Southwest Local Government Areas, of present Ekiti State. After a fulfilled and unblemished career, he resigned in December 1989, to establish his own private practice – the Kiladejo Royal Hospital Limited, Lagos.

Oba Kiladejo is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association; Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria; Healthcare Providers Association; Society for Quality Healthcare in Nigeria; World Organisation of Family Doctors; American Association of Family Physicians; and American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, among others.

Before ascending the throne, and in his capacity as an investor, Oba Kiladejo chaired the Kiladejo Royal Hospitals; COVAC Investment; Julian Apartments; and Merit Diagnostics, among others.

Ascension of the throne of Òsemàwé
A very distinguished personality by every yardstick of measurement – distinctive and unmistakable in his natural aristocratic bearing – Dr Kiladejo ascended the throne of his forebears on December 1, 2006, as the 44th Òsemàwé and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, following a progressive tradition that remains unbroken for more than 500 years of Ondo’s dynastic history. He was the unanimous choice of the six kingmakers, and indeed, the entire community. It was the first time in modern history that such unanimity of opinion was seen vis a vis the choice of the kingmakers for the Òsemàwé stool.

Oba Kiladejo was formally crowned on December 29, 2008, after the completion of all the traditional rites, which had commenced at his appointment two years earlier; making him the third Òsemàwé in history, to come from the Jilo linage of the Okuta Ruling House.

Rallying point for development
Since ascending the Òsemàwé throne in 2006, Oba Kiladejo has been a rallying point for intellectuals and the business class, youths and elders, and men and women of goodwill in Ondo; demonstrating a robust capacity at organizing the different interest groups and constituencies into formal associations for the promotion of community development. Among these are the Òsemàwé Palace Forum (OPF), Òsemàwé Academic Consultative Forum (OACF), and Òsemàwé Youths Empowerment Foundation (OYEF). Oba Kiladejo has also consistently championed the development of his domain, by encouraging indigenes and non-indigenes alike to establish businesses in the Kingdom. To this end, the Òsemàwé initiated the accelerated and coordinated development of Ondo, through the Ondo City Vision initiative, which led to the formal proclamation of Ondo as a City, in December 2015. Earlier, in the year 2010, Àbáìyé presided over the celebration, with pomp and pageantry, of the 500th year of the Òsemàwé dynasty. One of the more important outcomes of the latter celebration was the production of a book, titled, The Evolution of Ondo Kingdom over 500 years, 1510-2010+, edited by the renowned Economist, Professor S. Ibi Ajayi, of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and published in Ibadan, by Spectrum Books, in 2013.

The very first community radio in Nigeria, “Eki FM,” debuted under His Imperial Majesty; just as the community witnessed the establishment of three universities, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, University of Medical Sciences, and Wesley University – federal, State, and private, respectively – under Oba Kiladejo. Same goes for the wholesale reconstruction of the Moférere Market, and the City’s Sports Stadium.

In his individual capacity, and as a medical doctor, Oba Kiladejo periodically provides free health services to the aged, inmates of correctional centres, diabetics, and hypertensive patients in the Kingdom, through his non-governmental organization “The Oba Kiladejo Crown Foundation,” which also organizes – in partnership with the US-based SMILE Foundation – an annual festival of surgery for children with cleft lips and palate, in the community. A philanthropist of no mean repute, Kábíyèsí also donated a well-equipped Medical Centre to Wesley University, Ondo, the institution where he served as the pioneer Chancellor, for some 10 years. The University is owned by the Methodist Church of Nigeria.

Peace in the Kingdom
It is a fact that Ondo Kingdom enjoys a level of peace that is uncommon in today’s Nigeria. This is due, in large measure, to Oba Kiladejo’s thoughtful engagement with the people, and organic collaboration with all the official security services. One critical landmark in this regard also, is the fact that, although a Christian by faith, Kábíyèsí embraces all faiths. He is, beyond mere rhetoric, a father to all.

Òsemàwé as family man
In 1986, His Imperial Majesty got married to Olori Comfort Olayinka Kiladejo, who was born into the family of Chief Joshua Aladejana and Madam Deborah Aladejana (nee Adetula) of the Ojumu family in Owo. She is a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in History/Religious Studies, and Masters in Public Administration (MPA), from the University of Ife, and Lagos State University respectively. The union is blessed with successful children, two boys and three girls, amongst whom are three medical doctors, one lawyer, and an Economist, who also holds a Master’s degree in Management and International Business. Àbáìyé is also blessed with several grandchildren.

Thoughts on role of traditional institution in governance
From a seminal paper he presented at the conference of traditional rulers in Africa, in Dakar, Senegal, in 2012, where he represented the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NACTRN), a glimpse is gotten of Oba Kiladejo’s outlook on the critical role of the traditional institution in modern governance. He reiterated the same perspective in an interview with Punch newspaper, of December 24, 2016, thus,

"“On the issue of constitutional roles, all we are saying is that those things (the traditional institutions) do should now be part of the Constitution, and the kings, obas, igwes, emirs, and others, should be appropriately recognised in that respect; … When we talk of constitutional role for traditional rulers, we are not saying we want to start competing with the politicians, neither are we advocating for political appointment or involvement in politics, I believe that our formal and informal responsibilities are so much that we should not be bothered with additional responsibilities of becoming quasi politicians.”"

On the often-divisive issue of ranking of Oba in Yoruba land, about which he was asked by the same newspaper during his 10th coronation anniversary celebrations, His Imperial Majesty declared unequivocally that as far as he was concerned,

"“… as the current Òsemàwé of Ondo, my current priority is not on the ranking, but to ensure the sustenance of peace in my Kingdom, to attract developmental projects to the Kingdom, as well as ensure that the culture and tradition of Ondo is maintained. However, as far as the title of the Òsemàwé is concerned, documents in the archive revealed that as far back as 1885, Òsemàwé of Ondo was one of the first five Obas to be given staff of office … by Her Royal Majesty, the then Queen Victoria of Britain. (The) other Obas were Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, Alake of Egba, and Awujale of Ijebu-Ode. In addition, the 1903 Obas’ protocol list of Sir Macgregor (a Briton who was the then Governor of Lagos Colony), which is now used as reference point, has Òsemàwé as number five (5) on the list. Again, the Òsemàwé was once the chairman of all the Yoruba Obas in Pelúpelú (meeting of Obas). But, like I said before, my priority is on the development of Ondo Kingdom and not on ranking.”"

Culture and development anchor
Oba Kiladejo coordinates the 44 traditional festivals celebrated by the Ondo Èkímògún people every year. He holds court at the Palace ùghà (traditional consultative assembly) once in a week, and provides inspirational leadership to the Ondo Development Committee (ODC), the Kingdom’s official anchor of the various developmental initiatives, to which every Òsemàwé has served as Patron since it debuted in 1986. But beyond these, Oba Kiladejo loves to read. He also engages in intellectual discussion with those with the depth of thoughts to relate at that level; and spends time in the expansive garden of the Òsemàwé Palace, which has existed on those grounds since 1510.

Awards and recognitions
Oba Kiladejo is a Paul Harris Fellow, of Rotary International. He also holds the fellowship of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners. Among the several recognitions he has earned are, African Leader of Integrity Award; Nigeria Merit Award in the Sphere of Human Medicines; Award of Excellence, by Ibadan Golf Club; Award of Excellence, by National Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria; Service of Humanity Award, by Rotary International District 9119; Grand Commander of Peace and Security of Nigeria (HCPSN), by National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Award of Excellence, by Zenith International, in recognition of Kábíyèsí’s selfless service towards sustainable growth and development in Africa; Most Impactful Royal Father of the Year 2017; and distinguished member of 50 Outstanding Traditional Rulers in Nigeria.

Oba Kiladejo is a recipient of the Obafemi Awolowo University (Health Sciences) Distinguished Alumni Honourary Award; the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University; and Honorary Citizenship of Texas, USA, in 2015. He was conferred with the prestigious national honour of, Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, in the same year, 2015.

The Òsemàwé is a permanent member of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, a body which he gracefully chaired in the 2014 – 2016 period. He is also the sole representative of Southwest monarchs in the Standing Security Committee, of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NACTRN).

Oba Kiladejo was conferred with the honourary doctorate degree (D.Sc.) in Management Science, by Wesley University, Ondo, in 2011. In 2014, His Imperial Majesty became the recipient of yet another doctorate degree, LLD (Honouris Causa), of Adekunle Ajasin University (formerly Ondo State University), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

Testimonials
Significantly, those basic attributes that make Oba Kiladejo very well-liked by all and sundry everywhere fortune has taken him, remains with him even as the Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom. This much Olori Olayinka Kiladejo confirmed in an interview thus, his “… character has not changed as a king. He is still very much a family man who is committed to the welfare of his subjects and the progress of his Kingdom. He has remained friendly, generous and passionate about … his subjects. … He has remained honest, humble, hardworking, a good listener, a peaceful man, and a visionary leader.”

On July 25, 2021, Oba Kiladejo appeared on the platform, The Toyin Falola Interviews, where he spoke for more than two hours on his life, different aspects of the Òsemàwé stool, Ondo Kingdom, and state of the nation generally. More than 120,000 people joined in, and many more have since watched the video interview, conducted virtually from Austin, Texas, in the United States, by foremost professor of History, Professor Toyin Falola and his team. In his introductory remarks to the programme, published on July 19, 2021, Falola, himself the Bóbaìptàn of Ondo Kingdom, had this to say about Oba Kiladejo,

“Since time immemorial, wonderful things have been spoken about people who have excelled in different areas of life. Although some observant individuals might have noticed that this set of people has reduced in number, as it seems that the zeal to become outstanding is continually waning. Nonetheless, some great people would not drop the ball and succumb to the pressure of conforming to mediocrity. Kábíyèsí Alayeluwa, Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, is one of the exceptional individuals who, by their way of life and commitment to personal development, have made significant contributions to the course of humanity.”

The Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi), His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, noted Oba Kiladejo’s “life of service to humanity,” first as a top-class medical practitioner before ascending the throne, and as the Òsemàwé since 2006, in which latter position, he has “skillfully deployed modern management principles and digital technology to the traditional governance of (Ondo) Kingdom while upholding her rich and ancient culture and traditions bequeathed by her ancestors.” The Obi of Onitsha also celebrated Kabiyesi’s “forthright, warm and very approachable personality, natural leadership qualities, and high intellect,” all of which have made Oba Kiladejo “to succeed in every aspect of (his) life.”

While the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar, CFR, mni, referenced Oba Kiladejo’s “enviable role and contributions” to the development of Ondo Kingdom and Nigeria as “worthy of recognition and commendation,” the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Dr Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja III, referred to the Òsemàwé as a “monarch of inestimable worth.”

The opinion of the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at Oba Kiladejo’s 70th birthday anniversary, is an affirmation of the views held by many of the latter. According to the President, it was evident that 17 years after he was

"“… pulled out to mount the throne of (his) forefathers, as the Òsemàwé and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom, (Oba Kiladejo) has filled that expansive office admirably, thus proving that the kingmakers of Ondo, obviously operating under divine inspiration, did not make a mistake in their unanimous choice of (him) as the next Òsemàwé in 2006. … Today, no one needs to go too far to encounter the evidence of (his) impactful reign over the Ondo Èkímògún people. They are visible all over the community, and touch practically all aspects of human endeavour.”"

Oba Kiladejo has installed more than 50 honourary chiefs, at different times since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers in 2006. It is a mark of the high honour in which the Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom is held that these distinguished personalities from all works of life, accepted to be so honoured by the Òsemàwé. Some of them from outside of Ondo Kingdom are Chief (Sir) (Dr) Adebutu Kessington; Chief (Dr) Dele Fajemirokun; Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, mni; Senator (Dr) A.O. Mamora; Chief (Prof.) Friday Okonofua; Chief (Prof.) Tolu Odugbemi; Chief (Prof.) Olu Aderounmu; Chief (Prof.) Toyin Falola; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; Chief Kola Daisi; Chief Mrs Maiden Alex-Ibru; and His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State.