By Exponent, 10th January, 2024

It was glitz and glam in the ancient kingdom of Idoani on Saturday 23rd December, 2023 as who-is-who in Nigeria stormed the installation ceremony of Rear Admiral Oladele Bamidele Daji (Rtd) as High Chief Daji of Idoani Kingdom.

Idoani is an ancient kingdom in Ose Local Government Area Council of Ondo State, South West Nigeria. The Retired Naval Officer is the Aare Jagunmolu of Idoani Kingdom before the conferment of Daji Chieftaincy Title on him.

The installation which took place at the palace of Alani of Idoani was witnessed by families, friends, associates, senior military officers both serving and retired, community people, captain of industries among others.

Speaking during the installation, the Alani of Idoani Kingdom, Oba Maj Gen. (Dr) Olufemi Olutoye (Rtd), Oluwatomiloye 1 congratulated High Chief Daji for not only putting Idoani in the world map alone but also making the town proud always.

Alani said the Rear Admiral Oladele Bamidele (Rtd) was first Installed as Aare Jagunmolu alongside his wife, Yeye Jagunmolu based on his impactful contributions to Idoani and Nigeria at large.

The Monarch added that through his efforts, Idoani has witnessed tremendous development using his connection to attract good thing to the ancient kingdom.

” We are well pleased with our son, Real Admiral Oladele Bamidele (Rtd), a shinning light of our community. While in active service, we felt his impact and outside the service, he has not relent in bringing needed development to Idoani. I congratulate you as you become one of my High Chiefs”.

Aare Jagunmolu now Daji of Idoani Kingdom thanked the revered monarch for the consideration of installing him Aare Jagunmolu and now Daji of Idoani Kingdom, saying the Chieftaincy conferment is the beginning of more development to Idoani Kingdom.

He promised not only to cooperate with the king and other Chiefs but also use his wide connection to further bring development to Idoani Kingdom.

High Chief Daji also appreciated families, friends, associates that honoued him with their presence, promising not to disappoint the confidence reposed in him as he took mantle of leadership as Daji of Idoani Kingdom.

He thanked his loving wife, Dr (Mrs) Feyisayo Daji, the Aare Yeye Jagunmolu of Idoani Kingdom for her love, support and cooperation in all his endeavors, saying her prayers and support has kept him going.

Rear Admiral Oladele Bamidele Daji was born at Idoani, Ose Local Government Area Council of Ondo State on 24 October, 1966. He was admitted into Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna in September 1984 as a member of 36 Regular Combatan Course and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science (Hon) Degree in Chemistry.

He was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Nigerian Navy as Sub Lieutenant in September 1989. He attended various military and civil institutions within and outside Nigeria in the course of his military service. His post graduate qualifications includes MSc Global Security (Cranfield University, UK, 2003) and MPHIL in Defence and Strategy Studies (Madras University India, 2013).

As a seasoned professional Naval Officer, Real Admiral Daji contributed significantly to the development of the Nigerian Navy and the nation.

He takes keen interest in the development and progress of his community, especially contributing to provision of social amenities such as portable water, solar powered street lights and support to the church in evangelism.

Rear Admiral Oladele Bamidele Daji is a member of the following bodies: Fellow Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management, Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria, Member Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), Member United States Naval Institute.

He is an Alumnus of the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, a Distinguished Alumnus of the National Defence College India and a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College Nigeria.

He is a well decorated Officer with several Awards which includes Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and Grand Service Star (GSS). He was also a recipient of the Chief of the Naval Staff Commendation in 2018.