If KWAM1 were asked to sum up his achievements in a CV, he might jokingly say, “I tried to stop a taxing airplane… and I sang Omoge Sadiat!” 😆 But in the race for the prestigious Awujale stool in Ijebuland, his contender is no joke.
Dr. Otunba Adekunle Hassan, an internationally acclaimed ophthalmic surgeon and respected community leader, has officially declared his interest in the Awujale throne. He made his announcement before members of the Jadiara branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House at the historic Igboburo compound in Ijebu Ode, with princes, princesses, chiefs, and prominent citizens witnessing what many are calling a formidable bid for the revered stool.
A Leader in Medicine and Community Service
Dr. Hassan is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to ophthalmology in Nigeria and beyond. His expertise spans vitreo-retina surgery, glaucoma treatment, cataract surgery, ocular plastics, and anterior segment surgery. He is the founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital, Nigeria’s first private postgraduate training institution for ophthalmology, and has trained over 100 ophthalmologists, nurses, and allied personnel.
He has also pioneered Nigeria’s first private group practice in ophthalmology and championed public-private partnerships to improve eye care delivery. Currently, he is spearheading “Alliance for Sight,” a program aimed at transforming ophthalmic care across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Education and Career Highlights
Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa & Ijebu Muslim College, Ijebu-Ode
College of Medicine, University of Lagos
Fellowships: Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow; Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK; West African College of Surgeons
Served as senior consultant in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria
Founder and Board Member of multiple hospitals and healthcare organizations
Global Influence and Memberships
Dr. Hassan holds key positions in numerous international and regional medical bodies, including the International Council of Ophthalmology, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB-WHO), and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has published over 100 scientific papers and received more than 30 academic and professional awards, including the ICO Mark Tso Golden Apple Award—the first African recipient.
Tradition, Chieftaincy, and Philanthropy
A proud scion of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Dr. Hassan holds the title Otunba Obaruwa (Ba’mole) Akile Ijebu, bestowed by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Known for his quiet philanthropy, he is deeply involved in community development and embodies the values of integrity, professionalism, and service.
Married with children, Dr. Hassan is described as a cosmopolitan gentleman and consummate Omoluabi—a true blend of tradition, excellence, and service.
As the race for the Awujale throne heats up, all eyes are on this distinguished prince whose track record in medicine, leadership, and philanthropy makes him a serious contender.
