The serene community of Isoyin Ijebu was aglow with celebration on Friday as His Royal Highness, Alaiyeluwa Oba Abdulrasheed Omotayo Cossy Salami, the Saderiren of Isonyin, conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Isonyin on Tunde Tony Sokan, a distinguished son of the town and a United Kingdom–based financial services professional.

In his address, Oba Salami described the honour as a recognition of Sokan’s unwavering commitment to the development and progress of Isonyin.

“I am marveled by your love and unwavering dedication to the growth of Isonyin community,” the monarch said, adding that he was proud to celebrate Sokan as a true ambassador of the land.

He further praised the new Asiwaju’s vision for the town: “Your commitment to Isonyin is top-notch, and your aspirations for its future are truly inspiring.”

The Saderiren also paid tribute to the ancestors of Isonyin, acknowledging their foundational role in shaping the community’s legacy. He noted that honouring their memory requires continued investment in the town’s future.

Although born in London, United Kingdom, Tunde Tony Sokan’s formative years were spent in Nigeria. He attended Government College Ibadan, completing both his secondary and A-Level education, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan.

His early career began in Nigeria’s banking sector, where he trained with the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) and the Nigerian Arab Bank. In 1989, he returned to the UK, where he has since built a thriving career spanning more than three decades in financial services.

Sokan is a respected member of the British Chartered Insurance Institute and a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the international organisation that recognises top-performing professionals in life insurance and financial services.

Despite living abroad for many years, the new Asiwaju maintains strong ties to his hometown. He currently leads the Isoyin Health Centre Renovation Project, coordinating efforts from the diaspora and mobilising indigenes to support the project. His contributions, the monarch noted, exemplify true leadership and community spirit.

The installation ceremony drew several traditional rulers, including:HRH Abdumojeed Adetoye Alatise, Gbegande of Ososa, HRH Kunle Dehinbo, Okemu of Ala Ijebu, HRH Adedotun Oduneye Odusanya, Olu of Odosenlu, HRH Olusanu Olaniyi, Ajalaye of Ilugun, HRH Adebisi Onafuwa, Oliworo of Iworo, HRH Oluremi Abayomi, Elese of Ilese, HRH Bar. Johnson Adebayo Okubena, Eleruwon of Eruwon, HRH Bar Olusegun Ogunye, Ojotumoro of Abigi, HRH Abdurasak Adenuga, Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye.

Friends, family members, and community leaders—including Mrs. Bose Pitan, Prof. Mrs. Olaleye, Dr. Lanre Adeloye (USA), Princess Pauline George, Dr. Okocha, Akinrogun Tunde Odoyin, Mr Sakiru Omoyele, the Odusote family, Olori Adebanke Salami, Arch. Debo Aina, market women, and all chiefs of the land—were also in attendance.

Though the event showcased rich cultural elements through drums and traditional performances, the prayer and installation rites were conducted in a Christian atmosphere, offering a unique blend of tradition and faith.