New Daily Prime sits down with the newly selected traditional ruler of Sango, Kabiyesi, Dr. Oba Olusanjo Adebola Olurebi, to discuss his journey to the throne, the rich history of Sango, and his vision for the town’s future.
The Asiwaju Egba, Manchester, UK
Sir, may we have the pleasure of meeting you?
I am Prince (Dr.) Olusanjo Adebola Olurebi, an indigene of Abeokuta, specifically from the Owu Kingdom, and a member of the Lagbedu Ruling House. From a young age, I was raised in Sango before moving to Lagos, where my father had earlier relocated to serve as the first Paymaster of Lagos Island Local Government.
I spent most of my childhood with my grandfather and uncles in Sango, where my family, the Olurebi family, had migrated decades ago. To this day, our family compound remains in Sango. I have deep-rooted connections and an extended family presence in Sango, and I rarely stay away for long without visiting.
My educational journey began in Lagos, where I completed my primary, secondary, and university education. I attended the University of Lagos and Ogun State University. In 1986, I joined First Bank Nigeria Ltd as a Bank Clerk and worked my way up to the position of Senior Banking Officer.
In the year 2000, I relocated to the United Kingdom with my family in pursuit of further academic and professional growth. I attended several professional courses in Business Management and Management Consultancy and also pursued a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship. I later established my first consulting firm in the UK, focusing on helping struggling businesses recover and thrive.
In addition to my consulting work, I also owned a healthcare staffing agency that employed multiple staff members, including healthcare assistants (HCAs), support workers, administrative staff, and nurses. Furthermore, I run a charity organization that provides educational support to disadvantaged individuals in the UK.
I am blessed with a loving wife and three beautiful daughters.
Tell us about your journey to the throne
Becoming the Onisango of Sango is a responsibility I have always prepared for, though I did not anticipate it happening so soon. My dedication to service, community development, and leadership made me realize that when the time came, I had to step up.
As Kabiyesi-Elect. What was the traditional process for selecting you as the new ruler?
There has been some curiosity about how an Egba indigene can become an Oba in Sango. Historically, Sango was predominantly inhabited by the Egba people, particularly the Owu clan. The town is located in the Ado-Odo Local Government Area, Ogun State.
The selection process begins with the people—it is initiated by the grassroots because, without their confidence and trust in both God and the chosen candidate, nothing can be done. Once selected by the people, the name is forwarded to the relevant authorities for approval and confirmation.
Following the passing of the most recent Onisango of Sango, a new selection process was conducted with great care and adherence to tradition. The first step involved eminent chiefs consulting the Ifa oracle, which plays a sacred role in Yoruba culture. Initially, I did not take the result seriously, but when another Ifa oracle from a different town confirmed the same outcome—choosing my name—I began to realize the weight of the calling.
Since my life has always been dedicated to service and the betterment of my people, I embraced the call to leadership. The chiefs then formally introduced me to the people of Sango, who overwhelmingly accepted my selection.
The Asiwaju Egba, Manchester, UK visiting Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta , Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola in his Oke Ago Owu palace in Abeokuta.
Following this, my name was forwarded to:
- The Alake of Egbaland, who holds prescribed authority over the region, and
- The Olowu of Owu, under whose jurisdiction Sango falls, as the Owu people have a dominant presence in the town.
Both revered Obas endorsed my selection, further affirming the legitimacy of my appointment.
Have all the traditional rituals been completed?
The next step in the process is to formally communicate my appointment to the Governor of Ogun State, which I believe is ongoing. I trust that our hardworking and resilient Governor, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, will do the right thing in due course.
However, what matters most to me is that the people of Sango have accepted my leadership. I have already begun engaging with various groups within the town to understand their concerns and aspirations.
You mentioned that you have met with various groups within the town to understand their concerns and aspirations. Can you highlight some of them?
Yes, Sango faces several critical challenges, but the most pressing issues include:
1️⃣ Decline in Economic Activity – Sango was once a thriving business hub, but many businesses have relocated to other areas due to infrastructural deficiencies and a lack of support.
2️⃣ High Unemployment Rate – Many young people in Sango lack job opportunities, leading to frustration and economic stagnation.
3️⃣ Lack of Infrastructure Development – There is an urgent need for better roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and security.
To address these issues, I intend to:
- Leverage my global network to attract investors and businesses back to Sango.
- Engage with government and private sector stakeholders to create employment opportunities.
- Ensure infrastructural development projects that will transform Sango into a model town in Ogun State.
We must revive Sango’s economy, and I am fully committed to making this happen.
I want to assure the great people of Sango that this is a new dawn. The moment my inauguration is completed, expect to see positive changes take place.
I urge everyone to come together as one—this is not just about me, but about our collective future. Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful Sango.
I appreciate the overwhelming support and acceptance I have received so far, and I promise to serve with honor, integrity, and commitment.
Final Thoughts
With a clear vision for economic revitalization, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment, Kabiyesi-Elect, Prince (Dr.) Olusanjo Adebola Olurebi, is set to usher in a new era for Sango.
His leadership represents a blend of tradition and modernity, promising progress for the town and its people. The coming months will reveal how his reign transforms Sango, but one thing is certain—a new chapter has begun.
