Tinubu’s ADC to become monarch

In a coming change, Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf, President Bola Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), is expected to be named the next Elemona of Ilemona in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State. 

This decision awaits confirmation from the state government, Daily Trust reported.

If appointed, Yusuf will succeed his late father, Oba Yusuf Omokanye Oyekanmi, who passed away in May at the age of 95.

According to sources within the palace and key community stakeholders, Yusuf’s selection has generated significant enthusiasm.

A former council chairman, speaking anonymously, noted Yusuf’s transformative impact on Ilemona. He highlighted Yusuf’s initiatives, such as establishing a college of education and reclaiming lands previously sold, as reasons for the community’s support.

“Yusuf’s efforts have visibly revitalized Ilemona. His consistent contributions have led to unanimous support from all ruling houses for his ascension,” the former chairman remarked.

A government insider confirmed that Yusuf’s name has been forwarded by the kingmakers to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for the governor’s approval.

On Wednesday night, Abdullahi Bata, the commissioner for the ministry, stated that the appointment process is ongoing. “Nothing is final yet. The government will make an official announcement once the process is complete,” he said.

As of this report, no official statement has been issued by the government.

Who is Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf?
Lt. Col. Nurudeen Yusuf’s career is distinguished by extensive military training and service. After earning an Ordinary National Diploma in Computer Science from Offa Polytechnic in 2000, Yusuf joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, graduating with a B.Sc. in Engineering (Electrical-Electronics).

He furthered his training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK, Nigerian Army Intelligence School in Lagos, and through various military courses in Nigeria and abroad, including Mali, Pakistan, China, Israel, and the UK.

Yusuf holds a master’s degree in Defence Studies from King’s College, London, and a postgraduate diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

His military career includes roles such as officer in charge (Technical) for 119 Intelligence Group in Lagos, Operations Officer at HQ 4 Brigade in Benin, and Officer Commanding at State House Military Intelligence Group. He was also promoted to Officer Commanding, Presidential Body Guard, State House, Abuja, in 2015.

From 2020 to 2022, Yusuf served in Paris, France, as the Defence Section Librarian. Before becoming Tinubu’s ADC, he was a Staff Officer at the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) headquarters in Abuja.

Yusuf’s multilingual abilities and extensive training underscore his readiness for both military and leadership roles, making his potential appointment as Elemona of Ilemona a notable development for the community.