Meet Oladotun Hassan, Ooni’s Newly Installed Sooko Agoriesin Of Ile-Ife

• By Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace 

Prince Barrister Akanni Jamiu Oladotun Hassan is a respected lawyer, Yoruba cultural advocate and public affairs commentator whose voice has remained prominent in conversations surrounding the unity, peace and progress of the Yoruba nation.

His installation as the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife by the Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, on May 1 and 2, 2026, marked another important chapter in his lifelong connection to Yoruba heritage and service to humanity.

Born into the Wanikin section of the Ogboru Amodo Royal Dynasty of Ile-Ife, Prince Oladotun Hassan comes from a lineage with deep traditional roots and historical relevance in the ancient city. The Sooko Agoriesin title, regarded as one of the principal titles in the Amodo Dynasty, has been preserved within the family lineage for generations.

Prince Hassan attended Methodist Boys High School, Lagos, where he graduated with the Class of 1998 before proceeding to Lagos State University to study Law. After obtaining his LL.B degree, he attended the Nigerian Law School and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar.

Over the years, he has built a reputation for speaking passionately on issues affecting the Yoruba people, national development and human rights. His dedication to promoting Yoruba interests across the world earned him the position of President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye), the umbrella body for Yoruba indigenous organisations in the diaspora and at home.

Beyond his legal practice, Prince Hassan has served in several leadership positions. He was formerly the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Epe Branch, Lagos, and also served on the NBA Security Agencies Relations Committee. He equally worked as Secretary General of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Leaders Council Worldwide, Convener of the Nigeria Youth Coalition and National Youth Stakeholders Forum, as well as Legal Adviser to the Frederick Fasehun-led OPC Worldwide.

Known for his outspoken nature and commitment to justice, he has continued to play active roles in cultural and socio-political gatherings aimed at strengthening Yoruba unity and preserving the values of the race.

His emergence as Sooko Agoriesin followed the recommendation and approval of the Ogboru Traditional Council of Sooko and the Ife Traditional Council, with the royal endorsement of the Ooni of Ife.

For many who know him, Prince Oladotun Hassan’s installation is not only a recognition of his contributions to society, but also a reflection of his loyalty to culture, tradition and the service of the Yoruba people.

Today, as Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife, he stands as one of the notable sons of the ancient city carrying forward the legacy, values and history of the revered Amodo Dynasty.

By Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace