Former Deputy Director of Defence Administration at the Defence Intelligence Agency(DIA), Dr Kunle Olawunmi, a retired Naval Commodore, turns 60 today, amid fanfare.
Dr Olawunmi who is currently an Associate Professor of Global Counter-Terrorism, had sparked controversy in August 2021 while featuring on Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily, where he alleged that the Department of States Security Service had information on persons sponsoring Boko Haram but refused to act due to lack of Presidential support under the outgoing Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
It would be recalled that, following the interview, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had invited Olawunmi for questioning, saying it was a friendly chat, to which he bravely honoured.
The Intelligence Czar has had a glorious military career spanning 35 years, retiring about five years ago. A career diplomat, he served for a number of years as the Nigerian Embassy’s Deputy Defence Attache and France Defence Adviser to Nigeria with concurrent accreditation to eight other countries in Europe.
At retirement, Dr Olawunmi now lectures at the Chrisland University, Abeokuta, where he is currently the Head, Department of International Relations and Diplomacy.
In May last year, he assumed the Generalissimo (warlord) title of Akogun in Yewaland, Ogun State, which the paramount ruler, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Olugbenle conferred on him. He is expected to use his rich military experience to enhance the security of his people.
Olawunmi hails from Imasayi, a town located within the Yewa vicinity. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, bagging a BSc in Economics.
He also earned a master’s degree from the Schiller International University in Paris, France
Olawunmi also obtained a second master’s degree in Strategic Studies and Diplomacy from the University of Ibadan, after which he earned a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy at the CEDS Paris in France in 2013.
He is married to Dr(Mrs) Abiodun Olawunmi, a renowned Media Practitioner, Broadcaster and Development Communication Scholar and are blessed with children.
In a congratulatory message to the Intelligence Czar on his 60th birthday, the Boiling Point Media group, a platform on governance and national development, has celebrated Dr Olawunmi, describing him as a rare gem, role model and a patriotic Nigerian who genuinely loves the country.
According to the letter signed by the Initiator of Boiling Point, Mr Ayo Arowojolu, a media professional and public relations Icon, Dr Olawunmi was lauded for his “uncommon courage, wisdom and unwavering passion to see Nigeria regain her full stature as the Giant of Africa”.
“I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to you on the occasion of your birthday. It is an honour to celebrate with a person who has made a remarkable impact in various fields of endeavour especially in the military and the academia”, Arowojolu concluded.
Dr Olawunmi is a key member of the Boiling Point group and in fact, member of its Council of Royals and Elders under the Chairmanship of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola.
