His Royal Highness, Oba Dele Odugbemi, the Olu of Lisa Kingdom in Ifo, Ogun State, stands as one of the most developmental-minded traditional rulers in contemporary Nigeria. Born on 23 October 1957 into the Odugbemi Ruling House of Lisa, he carries a lineage steeped in history and responsibility. As the fourth Olu of Lisa from his royal house, his ascension to the throne reflects both heritage and the trust of his people in his leadership.
Oba Odugbemi’s early life was shaped by the values of service, integrity, and community responsibility that defined the Odugbemi family. These values continued into his adulthood and influenced the leadership style for which he is now widely respected. He received a sound formal education, studying Public Administration and Computer Science—an unusual but significant combination for a traditional ruler. This background shaped his reputation as a “digital Oba,” someone who embraces modern knowledge, technology, and administrative systems in the service of his community.
His journey to the throne began formally in 2006 when he was installed as the Baale of Lisa by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, on 21 September 2006. His leadership was later recognised at the state level when he was elevated to the status of a crowned Oba by the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2019. This elevation acknowledged not only the historical stature of Lisa Kingdom but also the remarkable developmental work Oba Odugbemi had championed over the years.
Before and during his kingship, Oba Odugbemi established himself as a major player in the fields of petroleum products marketing, vehicle sales, and estate development. In these sectors, he built a reputation anchored on integrity, refusing to cut corners and maintaining high ethical standards. His success in estate development, especially, allowed him to invest heavily in community-centred projects that transformed Lisa from a quiet community into a promising and steadily developing township.
One of the defining features of his reign is his deep commitment to education. Most students from Lisa today benefit from his scholarship schemes, which have eased the financial burden on families and opened doors of opportunity for young people across the kingdom. Beyond formal education, Oba Odugbemi is also dedicated to vocational empowerment. Under his guidance, many residents of Lisa have been trained in various self-employment skills, giving them the means to build sustainable livelihoods.
Long before conversations around palliatives became common in national discourse, Oba Odugbemi had already created local solutions. He provided loans to women across Lisa, supporting their small businesses and giving them the financial stability needed to support their families. His approach reflects a leadership style rooted in proactive governance rather than reactive intervention.
Under his reign, Lisa has witnessed significant infrastructural growth. Oba Odugbemi has funded and facilitated the building of markets that boosted local commerce, as well as a healthcare centre that expanded medical access for residents. His support was instrumental in the establishment and partial financing of the Lisa Police Station, enhancing community security. He also contributed to the development of the Central Mosque, showing his commitment to both social and spiritual well-being within the kingdom.
The Odugbemi Foundation, an institution he established, has become one of the most impactful community-support organisations in the region. Through the foundation, countless residents receive assistance ranging from educational support to economic empowerment. The foundation stands as a symbol of the king’s dedication to service and long-term community upliftment.
Oba Odugbemi’s style of leadership reflects a blending of tradition and modernity. Fondly referred to as a “digital Oba,” he uses his knowledge of public administration and computer science to bring innovation to traditional governance. His reign continues to demonstrate that traditional leadership can coexist with modern development strategies, and that the throne can serve as a platform for transformation rather than mere ceremony.
As he continues to rule, Oba Dele Odugbemi remains one of the most respected figures in Ogun State’s traditional hierarchy. His legacy is visible not only in the structures he has built but also in the lives he has improved. For the people of Lisa, he represents progress, stability, and a future that continues to grow brighter under his guidance.
Sources
Ogun State traditional institutions’ public records
Statements and historical information from the Odugbemi Ruling House
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