It was a colourful and culturally rich celebration of Yoruba heritage on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as Prince Segun Teniola, a seasoned estate surveyor and CEO of Segun Teniola & Co, was officially installed as the Olori Odo I (Overall Youth Leader) of the Yoruba community in Kaduna State.
The historic event, which took place at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Gymnasium Hall, marked the first of its kind in Kaduna State is a milestone in the formal recognition of a structured youth leadership within the Yoruba community.
The youth wing of the Yoruba Community Council (YCC) was also officially inaugurated under the new executive team during the ceremony.
Prince Teniola, an indigene of Ilesha, Osun State, is widely respected both professionally and within the Yoruba community. He previously served with distinction as the Yoruba Youth Leader in Kaduna State from October 2023 until his elevation on May 31, 2025, demonstrating exceptional leadership, unity-building, and commitment to cultural values.
The ceremony drew esteemed dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders from across the state and beyond. Among those present were:
Oba Adeyinka Kazeem Abulesowo (Oba Chikun)
Oba Adeniyiba Ibrahim Obimakinde (Oba Jaji)
Oba Tunde Jimo Ibrahim (Oba Buruku)
Alhaji Abdulrahim Sadiq, President of the Yoruba Community in the North (MCN)
Alhaji Idris Ogunjobi, Patron of the Yoruba Community Council (YCC)
Chief Victor Ayodele, known as Asiwaju Chikun
Alhaji Isiaka Asalaye, Asiwaju of Oba KD
Engineer Olufemi Osetan, the Oba of Gonin Gora
Prominent community stalwart, Olusesan Sani
In his passionate acceptance speech, Prince Teniola vowed to serve as a “servant-leader”, pledging to unite Yoruba youths in Kaduna, promote peaceful coexistence, and preserve cultural heritage.
“This is not just a title, but a sacred trust — one that demands integrity, unity, and service. I pledge to lead with wisdom, courage, and humility,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment, urging Yoruba youths to “build bridges, not walls” and to rise as catalysts for progress and pride in their cultural identity.
“Our generation must rise to build bridges, not walls — to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment,” he affirmed.
He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the kingmakers, elders, youth bodies, and the entire Yoruba community for entrusting him with the mantle of leadership.
The event was marked by traditional rites, cultural performances, and enthusiastic support from the community. Observers described his emergence as timely and inspiring, especially as the Yoruba community in Northern Nigeria strengthens its structures for youth involvement and cultural renaissance.
With the baton of leadership firmly in his grasp, Prince Segun Teniola is now poised to steer the Yoruba youth in Kaduna State toward unity, cultural pride, and purposeful development.
