OTUNBA

Col. Tomi Asenuga (RTD)

OTUNBA ATUNLUTO OF IJEBU

Otunba Col (Rtd.) John Marcus Oreoluwatomi Asenuga’s maternal ancestry is from Ojafowowe, Nawo-Ola family of Ishasa in Ijebu Ode. Ojafowowe Nawo-Ola is one of the Children of Oba Ijasi “Elelemele”. Deaconess Ayanfoluke Odulana who is mother to Cecilia Aduke-Asenuga, is one of the Children of Ojafowowe.

Otunba OreOluwatomi was born to Papa Anthonio Adetola Asenuga and Mama Cecilia Aduke Asenuga both of blessed memory during the Second World War in Lagos. His parent stock is from Ijebu; they are pioneers of Christian religion in Ijebuland.

His primary education was at Saint Patrick Catholic School, Idumagbo, Lagos, and his secondary education at Ijebu Ode Grammar School. Thereafter, his first work experience was at Customs and Excise Headquarters, Tinubu, Lagos, after which he travelled to United Kingdom for further studies.

He received a Diploma in Architecture from Canterbury College of Art, School of Architecture in 1966. Then went on to get a Master of Architecture in Urban Design and Master in City Planning from Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A. (1969 and 1970).

He served the Nation as the first Architect Commissioned Officer in the rank of Captain in the Army Engineers, pioneering the commencement of Planning, Design and Construction Supervision of Post War Barrack Development Projects all over Nigeria.

Otunba retired from the military meritoriously in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after ten years’ service. He then set up a Consultancy Firm as Architect and Town Planner; he designed many landmark buildings including Churches, Hospitals, Educational Institutions to mention a few.

He was member of the Awujale New Palace Building Committee and was graciously appointed by Kabiyesi Oba Dr. Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland to design the New Palace Extension which now serves as venue for celebrating the annual “Ojude Oba Festival”.

Otunba Tomi Asenuga has served as President Nigerian Institute of Town Planners 1985 – 1988; Vice President for Africa Region of Commonwealth Association of Planners; and Chairman of Committee to amend Building and Town Planning Laws for Lagos State Government.

Otunba also served for 13 years on the Board of an International Catholic Organization “Serra International”. He became the first African to serve as two-term President in the history of the organization.

Otunba OreOluwatomi is married to Christine Adebisi (nee Degun of Ijebu Ode) and blessed with children and grandchildren.