A renowned mining engineer, business executive, and community leader, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde \u201cBabs\u201d Alatise, has formally joined the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, promising a transformative era of economic development, industrial growth, and global recognition for the Ijebu nation.<\/p>\n
Otunba Alatise, a distinguished member of the Bubiade Royal Family of Fusengbuwa ruling House, Agunsebi, Ijebu Ode, the next in line to produce the new Awujale following the passing of the revered Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, after an illustrious 65-year reign.<\/p>\n
Speaking on his vision for Ijebuland, the 45-year-old technocrat said his plan is rooted in economic diversification, anchored on mining and tourism, two sectors he described as \u201cthe twin engines of sustainable growth\u201d for the Ijebu nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIjebu is richly endowed with natural resources that can power our prosperity for generations,\u201d Alatise declared. \u201cIf chosen as the Awujale, I will ensure that every mining company operating within Ijebuland signs and implements a Community Development Agreement (CDA) \u2014 contributing at least five percent of their annual turnover directly back into our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He added that part of his agenda includes advocating for tax credit schemes that will allow mining companies to channel a portion of their taxes into road construction and infrastructure development within Ijebuland.<\/p>\n
On tourism, Otunba Alatise pledged to build upon the legacies of the late monarch, especially by transforming the globally renowned Ojude Oba Festival into a major international cultural and economic event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will elevate Ojude Oba to global prominence by inviting international dignitaries, investors, and cultural enthusiasts,\u201d he said. \u201cWe also plan to establish a Polo Club and Training Centre for horse breeding, to host an annual international polo tournament that will attract tourism and stimulate local businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Born on August 12, 1979, Otunba Alatise is the son of the late Otunba Sikiru Olatunji Alatise, former Alagbala-Adinni of Lagos and Ijebuland, and Mrs Oluyemisi Alatise, a retired magistrate and the first African President of the International Inner Wheel (2016).<\/p>\n
A product of Corona Schools, Lagos, and Lagos State University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Alatise later obtained a Master\u2019s in Computer Science and Information Systems from London Metropolitan University, UK, in 2004. He is also an Oracle Certified Database Administrator.<\/p>\n
Professionally, he has excelled in both the mining and technology sectors, beginning his career with Sage UK before returning to Nigeria in 2007 to join the family enterprise, Tuntise Investments Limited. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Tuntise Investments Ltd, Yemlat Farms Ltd, and Tuntise Properties Ltd.<\/p>\n
Under his leadership, Tuntise Investments expanded across multiple regions of Nigeria, providing mining logistics, civil explosives, and engineering services to quarry and construction firms nationwide.<\/p>\n
Leadership and Global Engagement<\/p>\n
Otunba Alatise has represented Nigeria on several international platforms, including INTERPOL\u2019s Global Congress on Chemical Security, UNDP\u2019s Development Minerals Workshop, and the U.S. State Department\u2019s Chemical Security Program.<\/p>\n
He has also served as Chairman of the Mining and Solid Minerals Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and holds memberships with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE), among others.<\/p>\n
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administrators (FCIA) and a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club, Alatise has received numerous awards for leadership and social impact, including Icon of Societal Development (Arewa Peace Ambassador Forum) and Outstanding Leadership Award (Nigerian Youth Peace Action Network).<\/p>\n
Traditional and Religious Recognition<\/p>\n
In 2015, he was conferred with the title Otunba Otutubiosun of Ososa, and in 2022, he was turbaned as the Alagbala-Adinni of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Ijebuland, further solidifying his deep-rooted connection to the cultural and spiritual life of his people.<\/p>\n
A Commitment to Progress and People<\/p>\n
Beyond his royal aspirations, Otunba Alatise is a philanthropist, aviator, and advocate for youth empowerment, known for promoting education, peacebuilding, and economic inclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy reign, by the grace of God, will focus on development, innovation, and unity. Ijebuland will stand as a model of progress \u2014 blending our proud traditions with modern governance and enterprise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
He is married to Princess Awo Alatise, a Ghanaian royal, and they are blessed with three children \u2014 Zahir, Zahirat, and Zahra.<\/p>\n
As the race for the Awujale Stool intensifies, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde Alatise\u2019s candidacy stands out \u2014 not just for his royal lineage, but for his rare blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and visionary leadership \u2014 qualities many believe could usher Ijebuland into a new era of prosperity and global relevance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A renowned mining engineer, business executive, and community leader, Otunba (Engr.) Babatunde \u201cBabs\u201d Alatise, has formally joined the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool, promising a transformative era of economic development, industrial growth, and global recognition for the Ijebu nation. Otunba Alatise, a distinguished member of the Bubiade Royal Family of Fusengbuwa ruling House, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7286,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n