Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi, the Nigerian motorcyclist who rode an impressive 12,200 kilometres alone from London to Lagos to generate support and awareness for global polio eradication, marked his return with a rousing welcome in Ibadan.
Okedeyi completed the journey between June 12 and July 7, and was received at his ancestral home with widespread admiration from traditional authorities, local community leaders, members of Rotary, fellow bikers and many supporters, all hailing what they described as an uncommon display of bravery and devoted service to humanity.
The celebrations opened at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where the monarch extended royal blessings and praised Okedeyi for turning his passion for motorcycling into a platform for a cause of global significance.
As part of the momentum for the wider campaign, the Olubadan pledged £1,000 to back the rider’s fundraising efforts aimed at accelerating polio eradication.
Later, the programme moved to the headquarters of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), where Okedeyi was presented with an award plaque acknowledging his humanitarian contribution.
CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, said the ride stood out as an exceptional accomplishment that brought pride not only to Ibadan, but also to Nigeria as a whole.
Ajewole commended Okedeyi’s courage, resilience and determination to protect children’s lives through advocacy for vaccination, and he wished the captain even more success in whatever he chooses to pursue next.
