NIESV confers honorary fellowship on Ooni of Ife, inducts 300 fellows

The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) has conferred its highest honour, Honorary Fellowship, on Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, while inducting a 300 members into the fellowship cadre at its 2026 Fellowship Induction Ceremony held in Abuja.

The event, the 2026 Fellowship Induction and Honorary Fellowship Conferment Ceremony, drew senior government officials, traditional rulers, industry leaders and professionals from across the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Victor Alonge, President and Chairman of Council of NIESV, described the occasion as a defining moment for the institution, noting that the calibre and number of inductees underscored renewed confidence in the profession and its leadership.

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“This year’s fellowship induction is unique. It brings together distinguished professionals and a foremost traditional ruler who, through passion, innovation and persistence, have pushed the boundaries of real estate practice and national development”, Alonge said.

Alonge announced that the Ooni of Ife was being honoured in recognition of his contributions to real estate development, inclusive governance and nation-building, as well as his revered spiritual, cultural and leadership role rooted in centuries of Yoruba heritage.

“This is the first time a Nigerian of His Imperial Majesty’s status and position is being so honoured by the institution,” he said, describing the Honorary Fellowship as NIESV’s highest distinction, reserved for individuals of acknowledged eminence who embody exceptional standards and service.

He noted that Ogunwusi’s leadership exemplifies the ability of traditional institutions to bridge ancient values with modern realities, adding that his influence and involvement in development initiatives set him apart within the community of Honorary Fellows.

Addressing the newly inducted Fellows, Alonge said their elevation reflected years of professional excellence, dedication and service, but warned that fellowship marked the beginning of greater responsibility, not the end of a journey.

“You are now role models and ambassadors of this institution. The honour conferred on you today demands absolute compliance with professional ethics, integrity and standards of practice”, he said.

He stressed that ethical conduct remained the foundation of trust and credibility in an increasingly complex real estate and business environment, urging Fellows to uphold competence, honesty, loyalty to the institution and active participation at both national and branch levels.

Alonge also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, training and upskilling, noting that the estate surveying and valuation profession was evolving alongside global trends and digital innovation.

“Knowledge and skills will continue to be deepened through our Mandatory Continuous Professional Development Programme. Only by remaining committed to learning can you project this institution as the premium brand of choice”, he said.

In a major highlight of the ceremony, Alonge revealed that 300 members were inducted as Fellows in 2026, the highest number ever recorded in a single year by the institution.

“This shows renewed interest in the profession and confidence in the leadership of the institution,” he said, thanking members for embracing the fellowship process and overcoming what he described as past apathy.

In his acceptance speech, the Ooni of Ife expressed deep gratitude to the institution, describing the honour as both humbling and historic.

He pledged his continued support for NIESV and the real estate profession, saying the throne of his forebears remained dedicated to service.

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“You can count on me any day, any time. The profession has honoured me, and I am committed to giving back to society and supporting this great institute”, the monarch said.

Drawing from his over 26 years of involvement in estate surveying and real estate development, Ogunwusi reflected on his professional journey, including his participation in major housing projects and long-standing collaborations within the industry.

He also used the platform to advocate stronger collaboration between NIESV and allied professional bodies, particularly in engineering and the built environment, to improve building safety, energy efficiency and sustainability.

“An energy-efficient and future-ready building is critical in today’s ecosystem,” he said, adding that interdisciplinary cooperation would strengthen public confidence, protect investments and support the Federal Government’s power sector reforms.