Renowned Surgeon, Adekunle Hassan, Declares Interest In Awujale Stool

A globally celebrated ophthalmic surgeon and respected community leader, Otunba (Dr.) Adekunle Hassan, has formally declared his interest in ascending the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland stool in Ogun State.

Dr. Hassan, who holds the traditional title of Otunba Obaruwa (Ba’mole) of Akile Ijebu, made his declaration before members of the Jadiara branch of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House at the historic Igboburo compound in Ijebu-Ode. The event drew princes, princesses, traditional chiefs, and prominent sons and daughters of Ijebuland, who gathered to witness what many described as a “strong and credible bid” for the revered throne.

In his address, Dr. Hassan reaffirmed his deep commitment to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Ijebuland. “My desire to serve in this sacred capacity is born out of love for my people and the enduring legacy of the Awujale institution. I stand here, not merely as a prince, but as a son of Ijebu who has been privileged to gain global exposure and professional experience which I now wish to bring home,” he declared.

Dr. Adekunle Hassan is internationally recognised as a pioneer in modern ophthalmic practice in Nigeria and beyond. A specialist in Vitreo-Retina Surgery, Glaucoma Treatment, Cataract Surgery, Anterior Segment Surgery, and Ocular Plastic Surgery, he has served as a consultant ophthalmic surgeon in the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria.

He is the Founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital, Nigeria’s first private postgraduate training institution for ophthalmology, and the Deseret Community Vision Institute, both of which have become benchmarks for eye care delivery in Africa. Through these institutions, Dr. Hassan has trained over 100 ophthalmologists and community ophthalmic nurses, nurturing a new generation of eye-care specialists across the continent.

A firm believer in partnership and innovation, Dr. Hassan also pioneered the first private group practice in ophthalmology in Nigeria and has been instrumental in promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) aimed at improving access to quality healthcare. He currently leads the “Alliance for Sight” initiative under the Ophthalmology Leadership Group, focused on eradicating preventable blindness across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Hassan attended Ilesa Grammar School, Ijebu Muslim College, and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. He obtained advanced professional qualifications as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Glasgow, Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK, West African College of Surgeons, and the Nigerian Institute of Cost Management. His specialist training was completed at the Tenneh Institute of Ophthalmology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland.

Beyond his professional exploits, Dr. Hassan is widely admired for his devotion to faith, philanthropy, and community development. His humanitarian outreach through medical missions and educational initiatives has earned him recognition as a religious and community servant leader dedicated to improving lives within and outside Ijebuland.