Abiodun, Kebbi First Lady, others to attend Akinyele’s royal installation as new Rotary district governor

Leading Nigerian political figures and dignitaries will gather in Lagos this Sunday for the installation of Prince Henry Olubowale Akinyele as the new District Governor of Rotary International District 9111.

The ceremony, dubbed a “Royal Installation,” will take place at the Victoria Garden Event Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, on 13th July 2025, bringing together some of Nigeria’s most prominent personalities.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, will lead the distinguished guest list alongside Dr Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Ondo State, and Her Excellency Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, First Lady of Kebbi State.

The event will also feature the attendance of renowned industrialist Otunba Kazeem Odeyeyiwa, as well as the Ekii of Ifore, His Royal Highness Oba Raymond Akinyele, and veteran Rotarian Prince Julius Adewale Adelusi-Adeluyi, known as the doyen of all districts in Nigeria.

Five prominent Nigerians will receive Humanitarian Service awards during the ceremony. The recipients include the First Lady of Kebbi State, the Interior Minister, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, and media mogul Prince Bisi Olatilo. Philanthropists Hakeem Oyeneyin, Wale Adegbite, and Tola Awosika will also be honoured for their charitable work.

Prince Akinyele, who will serve as District Governor for the 2025-2026 Rotary Year, expressed his excitement about taking on the role as only the second person to hold this position in District 9111.

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“I am deeply honoured that my installation is being referred to as a Royal Installation,” he said. “Whilst that was not entirely my personal idea, a dedicated committee planning the event chose this theme.”

The new District Governor comes from royal lineage and is a direct prince, but he emphasised that the “Royal” theme represents more than just his heritage.

“The choice of the word ‘Royal’ for this event goes beyond title or heritage,” Prince Akinyele explained. “To me, it represents an aspiration for elegance, sophistication, and grandeur in the way the installation is presented.”

He promised that guests would experience something far beyond a typical district governor installation, with the event being thoughtfully designed to reflect Rotary’s core values whilst creating a memorable and significant occasion.

The installation marks a special moment for Rotary International District 9111, as Prince Akinyele takes up the mantle of leadership for the coming year. The ceremony is expected to showcase both the traditional values of Rotary and the cultural richness of Nigeria’s leadership.

According to the Media and Publicity Committee chairman, Rotarian Segun Adebowale, the event promises to be both impactful and reflective of the organisation’s commitment to service above self.