Dr. Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo (Jilo III)
Dr. Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo, known as Jilo III, is the 44th Osemawe and paramount traditional ruler of the Ondo Kingdom in Nigeria. He ascended the throne on 1 December 2006 and was officially crowned on 29 December 2008 at a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Governor Olusegun Agagu, the Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade, and Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
Birth, Early Life and Education
Kiladejo was born on 11 November 1953 in Ondo, to Prince Gbadebo Adedoyin Kiladejo (Edilokun) of the Okuta Ruling House and Prophetess Julianah Olusola Kiladejo (née Ajayi). He is the eldest of 22 children and a direct descendant of Púpùpú, the founding monarch of Ondo.
He attended St. Patrick's Primary School, Akure, and Ondo Anglican Grammar School, Ondo. In 1974, he was admitted to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study Medicine. He graduated with: - B.Sc. (Hons.), 2nd Class Upper Division in Health Sciences (1978) - MBChB, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (1981)
He later pursued postgraduate training in Reproductive Health at the University of Liverpool, UK. He is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) and a consultant to Liverpool Associates on Tropical Health (LATH).
Work and Professional Practice
After his university education, Kiladejo completed his internship at the State Specialist Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, and his NYSC at Agbor General Hospital, Bendel State. He was offered an automatic appointment by the Bendel State Government.
He later joined the Ondo State Health Management Board, rising to Principal Medical Officer and Medical Director in charge of hospitals in present-day Ekiti State. In 1989, he established Kiladejo Royal Hospital Limited, Lagos.
He also chaired: - COVAC Investment - Julian Apartments - Merit Diagnostics
Kiladejo is affiliated with various professional bodies, including: - Nigerian Medical Association - Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria - Healthcare Providers Association - Society for Quality Healthcare in Nigeria - World Organisation of Family Doctors - American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
He currently serves as Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED).
Ascension to the Throne
Kiladejo became the 44th Osemawe of Ondo on 1 December 2006 and was crowned on 29 December 2008. He is the third Osemawe from the Jilo lineage of the Okuta Ruling House.
Development and Vision
As a progressive ruler, Kiladejo spearheaded numerous initiatives: - The Ondo City Vision, culminating in Ondo’s proclamation as a city in 2015 - The 500th anniversary of the Osemawe dynasty in 2010 - Support for the establishment of three universities: Adeyemi Federal University of Education, University of Medical Sciences, and Wesley University - Establishment of Eki FM, one of Nigeria’s first community radio stations - Reconstruction of the Moferere Market and the city stadium - Support for the ICU project at UNIMED Teaching Hospital by the RCCG
Through the Oba Kiladejo Crown Foundation, he provides: - Free medical services to the aged and vulnerable - Annual cleft lip and palate surgery in partnership with the SMILE Foundation (USA) - A medical centre donated to Wesley University, where he was the pioneer Chancellor
Cultural and Civic Leadership
Kiladejo oversees: - 44 traditional festivals of the Ondo Èkímògún people - Weekly consultative court (Palace ùghà) - Ondo Development Committee (ODC), which he leads as Patron
Awards and Recognitions
Kiladejo is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and a Fellow of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners. His numerous awards and honors include: - African Leader of Integrity Award - Nigeria Merit Award in Human Medicine - Awards of Excellence from Ibadan Golf Club, National Healthcare Providers Association, Zenith International - Grand Commander of Peace and Security of Nigeria (NSCDC) - Most Impactful Royal Father of the Year (2017) - Listed among 50 Outstanding Traditional Rulers in Nigeria - Honorary Citizenship of Texas, USA (2015) - Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2015
He is the Southwest monarchs' representative on the Standing Security Committee of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NACTRN).
Honorary Degrees: - D.Sc. in Management Science, Wesley University (2011) - LL.D (Honoris Causa), Adekunle Ajasin University (2014) - Distinguished Alumni Awards, Obafemi Awolowo University (2015 and 2021)
Personal Life
In 1986, Kiladejo married Olori Comfort Olayinka Kiladejo of the Ojumu family in Owo. They have five children and several grandchildren.