Ayomipo Olowu
Succession choice for the vacant Awujale stool, has birthed a growing strand of public discourse which frames the traditional institution not only as a custodian of culture, but as a potential driver of economic relevance for Ijebu Land. Within this context, attention has turned to royal sons whose exposure to global economic systems could strengthen Ijebu Land’s engagement with investment, policy, and development planning. Among those quietly drawing interest is Prince Oladapo Oluwatosin Ayodele Osunsanya of the Tunwase–Oduba royal family, whose professional career on Wall Street intersects with deep royal lineage.
Prince Osunsanya hails from the Fusenguwa ruling house, one of the formally recognised ruling houses of Ijebu Land, and is a direct descendant of Awujale Adesimbo Tunwase. Beyond ancestry, traditional observers note his understanding of the Awujale institution as a stabilising economic force, one capable of leveraging cultural authority to attract partnerships, encourage private capital, and promote long-term development initiatives across Ijebu communities. In an era where traditional leadership increasingly interfaces with government, investors, and development agencies, this perspective has gained relevance.
A native of Ijebu Ode, the 51-year-old prince maintains active participation in the cultural life of the kingdom, signalling an approach that links heritage with sustainability. As a member of Egbe Bobamayegun Okunrin Asiwaju Akile Ijebu, and a consistent participant in the annual Ojude Oba festival through his regberegbe age group, his engagement reflects a belief that cultural preservation can serve as an economic asset, strengthening tourism, creative enterprise, and community identity rather than existing solely as ceremony.
Prince Osunsanya has repeatedly underscored the need to reposition the Awujale institution as a platform for cultural preservation, economic advancement, and effective engagement with modern governance systems. He aligns this vision with the long-standing aspirations of the Ijebu people for stronger political voice, improved infrastructure, youth economic inclusion, and a more strategic role within Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape, objectives that mirror global models where traditional institutions function as partners in development rather than passive symbols.
Educated at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, where he trained as a cadet, Osunsanya later studied in the United States. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, as well as a degree in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from Regis University.
With over 25 years of professional experience, he has built a career across financial technology and capital markets in the United States. His background includes investment banking, founding and scaling brokerage and trading technology platforms, and executive leadership roles within regulated wealth and capital markets institutions operating across all 50 states.
He holds several senior regulatory licences issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), including Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 24 (General Securities Principal), Series 55 (Equity Trader), Series 3 (National Commodity Futures), and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law).
Beyond finance, Osunsanya has been involved in technology development and digital governance initiatives. He founded Credit Union WealthTech Connect, owns a software development company based in Cape Verde, and established an early artificial intelligence‑focused data centre initiative in Africa. He also co‑founded Odudu‑DAO, a blockchain‑based governance platform within the ECOWAS region, and previously served as an adviser to Google Digital Skills for Africa.
In addition to his professional engagements, Prince Osunsanya has supported orphaned and vulnerable children in Nigeria, privately funding education, learning materials, and basic welfare.
Sources say his vision for Ijebu Land emphasises collaboration with traditional institutions, preservation of cultural heritage, economic diversification, youth empowerment, education, digital skills development, and social cohesion.
As deliberations around the Awujale stool continue, observers view Prince Osunsanya as bringing a rare blend of royal heritage, global exposure, and institutional discipline into the evolving discourse.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
