Otta unveils Muftau Olakunle Salako as new Bashorun of Otta, Awori Kingdom.

By Kayode Olopade 

The traditional process for the installation of the new Bashorun of Otta has reached a significant point following the approval of His Majesty, Oba Professor Adeyemi Abdukabir Obalanlege,  (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode), Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Otta Kingdom, Aworiland. 

On the 6th of December, 2024, the Salako Family formally presented Engr. Muftau Olakunle Salako as its candidate for the prestigious title. The ancient city of Otta was agog  as notable members of the Salako Family, including the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, H.E. Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, FNSE, gathered at Ipeti Royal Square for the formal presentation to His Majesty and the Kingdom at large.

Then, His Majesty lauded the Salako Family for the choice of Engr. Muftau Olakunle Salako, an internationally acclaimed engineer, patriot, and distinguished son of the soil, for the respected title. Alayeluwa urged the Bashorun-elect to see his nomination as a call to further service in advancing the greatness of the Otta Kingdom and Aworiland at large

Chief Mufutau Olakunle Akinwunmi Salako, born on July 8, 1963 is a distinguished professional in construction, project management, and building. He is the grandson of Abass Kusehin Salako, the first Bashorun of Otta in Awori land. 

Olakunle began his education in Lagos before attending Federal Government College, Enugu, for his secondary education. He later completed his A-levels at Concord College, Acton Burnell Hall, Shrewsbury, in the United Kingdom. He pursued higher education at South Bank University, London, earning a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Building, followed by a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Construction Management from Kingston University, Surrey.

A Chartered Builder, Surveyor, and Project Manager, Olakunle is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB), a Fellow of the Association for Project Management (FAPM), and a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

During his 25-year career in the UK, Olakunle worked with leading international construction firms, including Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, and Interserve Project Services Ltd. He played key roles in numerous high-profile projects in the City of London, earning recognition as one of the most successful Nigerian professionals in the UK.

The traditional conferment in line with the age-long traditions of the Kingdom will be conducted by His Majesty Oba Abdukabir Obalanlege on Saturday, 21st December, 2024. It is expected to be graced by respected Obas, distinguished members of the Olota-in-Council, revered Chiefs, Baales, youth leaders, and other respected stakeholders.