Another Royal Feather: Chief Dr. Sir. Okelue John Okpoli, FCIA, Honoured with Prestigious Chieftaincy Title in Ekiti

There was celebration and admiration as Chief Dr. Sir Okelue John Okpoli, FCIA, added another feather to his cap with his installation as the Otunba Aderoju of Gbomina Ekiti, Ekiti State. The revered title was conferred by HRM Oba Rufus Olarenwaju Ajayi on December 11, 2024, in a colourful traditional ceremony.

Chief Okpoli, a distinguished investment banker and former Managing Director/CEO of Asteric Asset Management Ltd, already holds the titles of Olorogun Oriro of Olomu Kingdom and Akpe of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, both located in Delta State. His most recent honour marks his third chieftaincy title across different regions of Nigeria.

The honorary chieftaincy certificate presented by HRM Oba Rufus Olarenwaju Ajayi

At the event, HRM Oba Ajayi described him as a man of vision, character, and deep-rooted commitment to community development. He lauded the new Otunba as a bridge between tradition and modern excellence, referring to him as a “Kingmaker in the making”—a figure widely respected among monarchs and deeply connected within Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

The monarch further highlighted Chief Okpoli’s contributions to economic development, philanthropy, and cultural preservation, noting that he is a respected investment professional whose impact spans both industry and society.

A Fellow of multiple professional bodies, Chief Okpoli’s accolades include honours from the Chartered Institute of Administration, National Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Corporate Administration, and the Chartered Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria. His professional accomplishments have earned him prestigious awards such as:

• Most Astute MD/CEO for Innovation and Tactical Management
• Excellence in Cost Management Award

He has also been knighted by the Catholic Church as a Knight of St. John International (KSJI).

Chief Okpoli officially robed as Otunba Aderoju of Gbomina Ekiti

Chief Okpoli comes from a lineage of remarkable individuals. His father, Dr. Sir Felix Uzor Okpoli, was the first engineering graduate from Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, a proud alumnus of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He served as a General Manager at the defunct PHCN and was honoured with a merit award by HRM Obi Ofulue III Agbogidi of Ubulu-Uku.

His mother, Lady Dorothy Okpoli, hails from the Nwabuoku royal and priesthood dynasty of Okpanam. Her father, Ven. Stephen Nwabuoku, was one of the early Anglican clergymen in Mid-Western Nigeria and established St. Andrews Anglican Church in Okpanam in 1934. Her lineage traces back to Obi Tukpa of Okpanam.

Chief Okpoli's cousin, the late Chief Dr. Nnamdi Nwabuoku, was the Odoziani of Okpanam and the Medical Director of May Clinic, Obiaruku.

His wife, Chief (Barr.) Mrs. Oberhiri Okpoli, is a princess with deep royal and legal roots. Her father was the late High Chief M.P Ohwovoriole, SAN, who served as the Akpile/Akpohor (Traditional Prime Minister) of Olomu Kingdom. Her grandfather, HRM David Ohwovoriole, was the Ohworode (king) of Olomu Kingdom.

CONCLUSION

Join us in celebrating a man whose legacy continues to grow across Nigeria’s traditional, corporate, and philanthropic spaces—Chief Dr. Sir Okelue John Okpoli, Otunba Aderoju of Gbomina Ekiti.