A new community platform for people of Ondo State origin living in the United Kingdom, Èkímògún Leicester, has been inaugurated in Leicester with a call for stronger diaspora participation in the development of the state.
The initiative was founded by Dr Oluseyi Ogunfusika and formally unveiled on August 29, 2026, with professionals, community leaders and other members of the Ondo community gathering to celebrate their heritage and discuss ways of strengthening their collective influence.
The launch, held under the theme, “Our Roots. Our People. Our Future,” was convened by Aretha Akinluyi, Chief Executive Officer of Aree Events and Stieklan Group, and Ay Love, popularly known as Don of Microphone.
The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Kulwinder Singh Jopal, attended the event as the Special Civic Guest and delivered a civic address before joining the organisers for the official unveiling and presentation of awards.
A key feature of the programme was the Èkímògún Roundtable Dialogue, which focused on leadership, professional networking and the role of the Ondo diaspora in creating opportunities for members of the community.
Participants at the session stressed the need for successful members of the diaspora to deploy their experience, contacts and expertise in mentoring younger people and opening doors for professional and personal advancement.
The event also featured the maiden Èkímògún Excellence Awards, through which outstanding individuals were recognised for their achievements and contributions to the Ondo community.
Among the award recipients were businessman and philanthropist, Dr Tola Awosika, who was also a former Ondo Central Senatorial aspirant; Dr Michael Akintomide Ajilo, an APC House of Representatives candidate; and Hon. Moyinoluwa Ogunwumiju, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly representing Ondo West Constituency I.
The organisers said Èkímògún Leicester was established not merely as a social association but as a platform for building stronger relationships among Ondo indigenes in the UK while preserving their cultural identity and supporting their welfare.
They added that the initiative would seek to harness the skills, knowledge, professional networks and resources of Ondo indigenes abroad to support social and economic development initiatives in their homeland.
The launch, according to the organisers, marked the beginning of a broader effort to connect the Ondo community in Leicester with opportunities in the UK and create sustainable channels through which diaspora members can contribute to the growth of Ondo State.