Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, on Wednesday received Captain Ademilola 'Lola' Odujinrin, the first African pilot to fly solo around the world, at his palace in Sagamu, Ogun State, in a historic visit that highlighted the aviator’s roots in Remoland.
The royal reception, held at the Akarigbo’s palace in Ita-Oba, drew attention to Captain Odujinrin’s remarkable aviation feat and his ancestral ties to Iperu Remo.
A globally recognised Nigerian aviator and aerospace professional, Captain Odujinrin has over 27 years of experience in aviation. The British-born Nigerian, whose roots trace to Iperu Remo, began his aviation career in 1999 and has since logged over 8,000 flying hours across aerobatic, racing and commercial aircraft.
In 2017, he made history as the first African pilot to fly a single-engine aircraft solo around the world, an achievement that earned him international acclaim and positioned him as an inspiration for young Africans pursuing careers in aviation and STEM-related fields.
Captain Odujinrin was accompanied to the palace by Abiola Ogundeko, Chief Executive Officer of First Heritage Culture and Hospitality Limited, and Afolabi Steve Ogunmekan, Chief Executive Officer of Gateway Polo and Racecourse Limited, both sons of Remoland.
During the visit, the aviation pioneer expressed appreciation to the Akarigbo for the royal audience and briefed the monarch on his aviation journey, ongoing initiatives and a forthcoming global project scheduled for October 2026. He also reaffirmed his commitment to youth development through capacity building in aerospace and engineering.
In his remarks, Oba Babatunde Ajayi commended Captain Odujinrin for bringing honour to Remoland and Nigeria, expressing pride in his achievements and assuring him of continued royal support.
In a related development, Captain Odujinrin paid a heritage visit to his ancestral town of Iperu Remo, where he was received by Oba Lukman Oluwadamilare Adebambo Salami, the Ebi-Idena of Idena, Iperu Remo.
The visit, described as culturally significant, was witnessed by Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, Chairman of the Iperu Akesan Development Association, who joined the monarch in welcoming the distinguished son of the soil.
Oba Salami commended Captain Odujinrin for maintaining strong ties with his roots and offered royal blessings for his continued success, while Otunba Oyebanjo reaffirmed community support for his future initiatives.
Captain Odujinrin also shared details of his upcoming global project with the monarch and community leaders, receiving assurances of support from the people of Iperu Remo.
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