Celebrating Wasiu Olatunbosun: The cultural architect of Oyo state’s renaissance
By Olufemi Timothy Ogunyejo
In the grand orchestra of Oyo state’s cultural rebirth, there exists a conductor whose baton does not merely cue performances but awakens history, dignity, and destiny.
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Dr Wasiu Adewale Olatunbosun marked another year of purposeful living; it is only fitting that we pause, not in silence, but in celebration, to honour a man whose life has become a living archive of service, culture, and people-centred leadership.
Dr Olatunbosun is not just a public office holder; he is a phenomenon of commitment. As the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, he has transformed a portfolio often mistaken for a ceremony into a powerful engine of identity, economy, and pride.
Where others see festivals, he sees futures. Where others see tradition, he sees transformation.
If leadership were a language, Dr Olatunbosun would speak it fluently in humility, action, and results. He is the talking drum of Oyo, articulate, resonant, and deeply rooted.
His rhythm does not seek applause; it seeks alignment. Alignment between the past and the present, between the people and their government, and between heritage and opportunity.
Across palaces and public squares, from coronations to carnivals, from sacred rites to global summits, his presence has become synonymous with excellence.
At the historic installation of the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, at the coronation of the Eleruwa of Eruwa, and at the installation of every king in Oyo state, including Ibadan, where he hails from, everywhere he stood not merely as a commissioner but as a cultural custodian, bridging royalty, governance, and global media with grace and precision.
Under his stewardship, iconic festivals, such as the Egungun celebration, have not only survived, but they have also soared. Oyo State now stands confidently as a global reference point for Yoruba culture, attracting tourists, scholars, creatives, and investors who now see culture not as nostalgia, but as capital.
What distinguishes Dr Olatunbosun most is his servant-leadership. He leads from the front but walks with the people. A grassroots politician in the purest sense, his politics is not loud; it is lived.
He understands that governance is not about occupying space but about filling gaps, not about titles but about touch. As a media strategist, one cannot ignore the unprecedented visibility and vibrance of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under his watch.
He understands a timeless truth of our age: “what is not documented is easily forgotten. With an agile, professional, and visionary media team, Oyo’s story is now told boldly, beautifully, and globally.”
Yet, beyond achievements and accolades lies the man himself, calm, composed, thoughtful, and deeply human. A brother, a mentor, a bridge-builder. A man whose quiet strength speaks louder than noise and whose integrity has become his signature.
None of this would flourish without an enabling environment, and credit must be duly given to His Excellency, Engineer Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde, whose leadership philosophy empowers performance rather than stifles it. By entrusting culture and tourism to a man of competence and conviction, the Governor has reaffirmed that good governance thrives where vision meets capacity.
Today, as candles are lit and prayers whispered, we do not merely mark a birthday; we celebrate a legacy in motion.
Happy birthday to my dear lecturer, Dr Wasiu Adewale Olatunbosun.
A man of vision, service, and quiet strength, your life speaks eloquently where words often fall short. As you add another year, may your days be wrapped in grace, your nights guarded by peace, and your path continually illuminated by divine favour.
May God, who crowns purpose with honour, grant you long life, enduring health, and prosperity that flows without measure. You are a blessing to Oyo State, a pride to your people, and a brother dearly cherished.
Happy birthday, sir. Today, and always, we celebrate you.
