Personality in Focus
South West CAN Confers ‘Knight of Faith’ Title on Aare Emmanuelking
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Conferred with First-Ever “Knight of Faith” Title by CAN South West Nigeria
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West Nigeria, on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, officially conferred its first-ever “Knight of Faith” title upon renowned business mogul and philanthropist, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, in recognition of his dedication to the Christian faith, nation-building, and exemplary leadership in business and community development.
The historic investiture, themed “Celebrating Distinction and Faithful Stewardship,” was held at the Garden of Faith, Abeokuta. The occasion also featured the induction of several eminent Nigerians as Distinguished Patrons of the association, including the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; the Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Barr. Olaniyi Alajogun; and legendary gospel music icon, Sir Evangelist Prof. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR).
The event was chaired by the CAN South West Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, and graced by His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Executive Governor of Ogun State, who serves as the Grand Patron of the association. The Governor was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tokunbo Talabi.
Also present were top dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya; Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo; Royal Fathers, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, His Grace Most Rev’d (Dr.) Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh; several CAN State Chairmen, and other influential figures from across the country.
The spiritually charged event featured soul-lifting gospel music performances, intercessory prayers, official decoration of all awardees, and a special empowerment program. In a remarkable gesture of generosity, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking donated a plot of land in one of Adron Homes’ prestigious estates to the winner of the empowerment program, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and community transformation.
In his acceptance speech, Aare Emmanuelking expressed profound humility and gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to God and the entire body of Christ. He emphasized that the conferment was a divine mandate to do more.
“This is a divine call, not just to me but to every Christian in leadership,” he said. “I charge every believer to uphold the values of our faith, integrity, love, excellence, and service. In these trying times, the world needs more light-bearers. Let us not shrink our influence, but shine boldly for Christ.”
He further urged fellow Christian brethren to remain unshaken in their commitment to godly principles and to be intentional in advancing the cause of the Kingdom in every sector of society.
The “Knight of Faith” sash, unveiled during the ceremony, now stands as a lasting symbol of spiritual distinction and kingdom stewardship. This momentous event marks a significant chapter in faith-based leadership recognition and affirms CAN South West’s mission to celebrate lives that embody Christ-like values and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa.
The monarch disclosed this in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the wellbeing of their mother.
“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again.
The announcement has drawn congratulatory messages from admirers and members of the Yoruba royal institution celebrating the arrival of the newborn princes.
After his marriage to Naomi Silekunola ended, the Ooni married several queens within a short period in 2022.
Among the queens are Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Akinmuda, Tobiloba Phillips, Ashley Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi and Temitope Adesegun.
During celebrations marking his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that his marriages were connected to the traditional heritage and responsibilities attached to the throne of Ile-Ife.
Nigerian entrepreneur, Femi Otedola, has reportedly acquired a mansion in London valued at £53 million, further strengthening the presence of wealthy Nigerian investors in the United Kingdom’s luxury property market.
According to a report by Bloomberg on Thursday, the property is located in St John’s Wood, one of London’s most exclusive residential districts situated close to Regent’s Park.
The report stated that the transaction was concluded late last year, citing a UK filing.
The mansion reportedly features 10 bedrooms alongside luxury facilities including a cinema, spa and cigar room. The property was previously placed on the market for £75 million in 2020, according to media reports.
Otedola is the chairman and majority shareholder of First HoldCo Plc, with business interests spanning finance, energy, shipping and insurance brokerage.
The acquisition comes amid sustained activity in London’s luxury real estate sector despite increased property taxes and adjustments to tax policies affecting foreign residents.
Prime areas such as St John’s Wood, Belgravia and Chelsea continue to attract ultra-wealthy buyers from across the world, with multimillion-pound transactions remaining common in the high-end housing market.
The latest purchase also adds to Otedola’s collection of luxury assets and reflects the continued attraction of London’s upscale neighbourhoods to affluent Nigerian businessmen and corporate executives.
In recent years, several Nigerian business figures have been associated with expensive property acquisitions in the UK capital.
In 2025, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, was also reported to have acquired a £15 million property in Hampstead, another affluent area in London popular among wealthy foreign investors.
St John’s Wood, where Otedola’s mansion is located, is widely known for its luxury detached homes, privacy and proximity to landmarks such as Regent’s Park and the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Bloomberg
Personality in Focus
Aare EmmanuelKing Congratulates Olofin of Ilisan Remo, Oba Sonuga, on 86th Birthday
The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary.
In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo.
According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people.
He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to community development and preservation of tradition remains highly commendable.
The Borokinni prayed for continued divine grace, sound health, long life, and greater wisdom for the royal father as he continues his impactful reign on the throne of his ancestors.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, on the joyous occasion of his 86th birthday. May Almighty God continue to strengthen Kabiyesi with peace, sound health, and many more years of fruitful reign,” he stated.
