“True royalty is not in the crown one wears, but in the light one brings to others.”
— Engr. Tajudeen Adigun Raheem, Ataiyese-Designate of Isan-Ekiti
When the people of Isan-Ekiti heard that their illustrious son, Engr. Tajudeen Adigun Raheem Omo Siyanbola Onikoyi, would soon be installed as the Ataiyese of their ancient town on Saturday, November 15, 2025, jubilation filled the air. The town, celebrated as the cradle of artistry where “the first pot in the world was moulded,” prepared for festivities. Yet, even before the drums of celebration could echo across the hills of Oye Local Government, the Ataiyese-designate had already chosen a nobler path — to make his people see the light.
Following the divine command of creation — “Let there be light” — Engr. Adigun declared, “Let there be light in Isan-Ekiti, the land where clay becomes gold.” Without hesitation, he ordered a shipment of 100 supersonic solar-powered streetlight poles from China, destined for his hometown. And like a prophet of progress, he turned resolve into reality. Today, from the royal palace to the market square, from the township arteries to the gathering points of commerce, Isan-Ekiti now glows with brilliance, a luminous testament to visionary leadership and selfless service.
In a world where many wait for titles before they act, Engr. Adigun acted before his title. His gesture, silent yet symbolic, has redefined the very essence of leadership — not through rhetoric or ritual, but through result. “Leadership,” he once remarked, “is a torch to guide others, not a throne to sit upon.” That torch now burns brightly in the heart of Isan-Ekiti, illuminating both streets and souls. The project, quietly executed ahead of his installation, has sparked admiration, gratitude, and imitation — proof that true leaders do not wait for the staff of office before they serve.
Engr. Tajudeen Adigun Raheem Omo Siyanbola Onikoyi is not a man of mere words but of depth, discipline, and distinction. A consummate professional and global project management expert, he combines technical brilliance with cultural consciousness. Born on 15 December 1969, he descends from a noble lineage of honour and industry. His father, Alarape Raheem Siyanbola Onikoyi, and his mother, Chief (Mrs.) Folake Folaranmi Adigun, the Iyalaje of Isan-Ekiti, endowed him with the virtues of hard work, integrity, and compassion — virtues that continue to define his every endeavour.
His academic path was marked by brilliance and determination. From Oro Nursery and Primary School to Benevolent Secondary School, Obbo Aiyegunle, young Adigun distinguished himself early. His thirst for knowledge took him to Ghent University, Belgium, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Thereafter, in the United Kingdom, he pursued higher studies, earning both a Master’s Degree in Business Management and an MBA in Project Management, graduating with distinction. These academic feats armed him with the tools to navigate the global engineering and business landscape with excellence.
Professionally, Engr. Adigun has left indelible footprints across Europe. His expertise has been sought by leading infrastructure and energy giants, including Transport for London (TFL – London Underground), Network Rail, Crossrail, HS2, Siemens Energy, Thales Group, and Mace Group. His mastery of project lifecycle management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement has earned him recognition as a Fellow of Project Management and an active Member of the Association for Project Management (APM) — the United Kingdom’s chartered professional body for project professionals. Through precision, accountability, and innovation, he continues to exemplify what it means to be a true professional of global repute.
Yet, beyond engineering and enterprise lies another dimension of this illustrious son — that of a passionate custodian of Yoruba culture. Engr. Adigun is the Convener of the Yoruba World Congress (YWC) in the United Kingdom and Europe, a pan-Yoruba diaspora organisation devoted to uniting Yoruba people across the globe and projecting their values, language, and legacy. Under his leadership, YWC has become a formidable voice for cultural diplomacy and educational advancement, giving Yoruba sons and daughters abroad a renewed sense of identity and purpose.
His creative foresight also birthed Ekiti Rising Magazine, Eko Rising Magazine, Osun Rising Magazine, and Kwara Rising Magazine — innovative media platforms that document development stories, celebrate cultural excellence, and rekindle community pride across Yoruba land.
In character, Engr. Adigun is modest yet majestic — a man who wears humility like a crown and service like a garment. He believes that success without service is vanity, and titles without transformation are empty honours. Married and blessed with promising children, he lives a life of balance — between global exposure and local devotion, between modern science and ancestral wisdom. His leisure pursuits — travelling, reading, and exploring historical landscapes — mirror his intellectual curiosity and cultural rootedness.
As Isan-Ekiti prepares to honour him with the revered title of Ataiyese — “The Restorer of the World” — his name has already been engraved in gold through action. His light has come before his coronation, and his deed has spoken louder than any title could.
For in him, Isan-Ekiti has found not only a son of destiny but a bearer of divine light — a leader whose brilliance will continue to radiate across generations, long after the ceremonies are over.
The Onisan of Isan in Council has not gone wrong in their wisdom for making Engineer Tajudeen Adigun Raheem Omo Siyanbola the Atayese of Isan Kingdom of Ekiti State.
