The Yoruba Study Group has honoured the Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Professor John Okeniyi, with the Golden Leadership Excellence Award in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the advancement of the medical profession and his selfless service to humanity. The award presentation took place on Friday, 7th November, 2025, at the CMD’s office, with members of the hospital’s top management team in attendance.
In his address, the President of the Yoruba Study Group, Comrade Adeosun Williams, expressed his appreciation to the management of OAUTHC for their warm reception. Quoting the renowned American philosopher and statesman, Theodore Roosevelt, he said: “The measure of life is not in its duration but in its donation.”
Comrade Adeosun introduced the Yoruba Study Group as a socio-political organization founded in 2009 to promote Yoruba traditional values and cultural heritage through the Omoluabi ethos, which he noted, has distinguished the Yoruba people among civilized nations. He explained that the group decided to honour Professor Okeniyi for his exemplary leadership, professional excellence, and commitment to humanity.
Also speaking, the group’s Director of Programmes and Events, Comrade Adegboyega Rasak, commended Professor Okeniyi for his outstanding achievements in the medical field and his transformative leadership at OAUTHC. He urged him to continue his good work, noting that many youths look up to him as a mentor and role model. Comrade Adegboyega further emphasized the need for structured leadership within society and called for deliberate efforts to preserve the Yoruba language and culture from extinction. He described Professor Okeniyi as “a young, energetic, brilliant, innovative, and passionate leader an enigma and a colossus of our time.”
While presenting the Golden Leadership Excellence Award as the Icon of Excellence and Most Outstanding Physician of the Year 2025, Comrade Adeosun eulogized Professor Okeniyi as a reputable mentor, a worthy son of the soil, and an Akoni Omoluabi an embodiment of virtue, excellence, and leadership.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) of OAUTHC, Professor Akinwumi Komolafe, thanked the Yoruba Study Group for the honour bestowed upon the CMD. He encouraged the group to continue identifying and celebrating distinguished Yoruba personalities who exemplify integrity and leadership. He also advised them to remain steadfast in preserving the good name of the Yoruba race and discouraging actions or individuals that seek to tarnish its image.
