*Falode
Barrister Leye Bunmi Falode, incumbent Global Vice President (South-west) is running for the position of the Global President of the Great Ife Alumni Association. The election holds at the forth coming 26th Biennial Global Convention of the Great Ife Alumni Association slated to hold between 23rd and 25th of this month of May at the Obafemi Awolowo University. Ile Ife.
An educationist, management professional and lawyer, Falode has several degrees from OAU, starting with a Bachelor of Education (History), Obafemi Awolowo University (1986-1989). He later bagged a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Obafemi Awolowo University, LL.B, Obafemi Awolowo University (2002) and LL.M, Obafemi Awolowo University (2012).
Apart from his legal practice and managing his hospitality business, he has a strong record of public service, including as former Senior Special Assistant to two Osun State Governors (Aregbesola & Oyetola); as former Chairman of the Osun State Rent Tribunal.
Falode has also played several leading roles in the Alumni Association. These include: Chairman, Great Ife Alumni Association, Osogbo Branch (2016-2020) L; Vice-President (South West), Great Ife Alumni Association; Chairman, Convention Organising Committee, Great Ife Alumni Association (2021-to date (April 30th, 2025); Chairman, Admission Committee (2024/2025) and Member, Alumni Centre Management Committee (2021-to date).
Leye Bunmi Falode is happily married to another Great Ife alumnus, Mrs. Ajibola Olubunmi Falode, former Global Publicity Secretary and Immediate Past Global Editor-in-Chief of Great Ife Alumni Association.
He spoke on the need to take the affairs of the Alumni Association to a higher level and why he believes he is the right person to do so. Excerpts.
I am contesting for the office of President due to a believe that we need to reinject more vigour into that office and make sure our impact is felt among all our stakeholders, but more especially on the campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
I have years of experience as a leader in our association and I stand ready to start making the necessary changes from my very first day in office.
Q: Why should members vote for you and not the incumbent president who is running for a second term?
Falode: My stewardship at the global level, as the V.P South West has been impactful, without a doubt. I effectively coordinated the branches in my Zone and have personally led the South West chairmen and the GEC Officers to all GEC Meetings held throughout the length and breadth of this country during my two year tenure.
I have facilitated and coordinated the establishment of two Upcoming new branches, at Omuo-Ekiti and Sango Otta. I physically attend the Programmes of branches under man as enshrined in our constitution.
Q: In which ways has your office as Global VP impacted the members of the Association that makes you confident of their support?
Faleye: I was nominated as the Admission Committee Chairman in 2024 and to the glory of God and my other committee members, all the candidates we pushed were given admission into the OAU.
As part of our interventionist project in our Alma matar, my branch (Osogbo), during my tenure as V.P South West renovated Block “O” Mozambique Hall.
Due to my organisational, administrative and financial acumen, I was nominated and served as Chairman, Biennial Convention Organising Committee Since 2021 to date, which is unprecedented.
My Hotel Facilities is made available, free of charge, for all branch chairmen under my jurisdiction as V.P South West of our Great Association.
From my tenure till now, Osogbo branch has always had the Highest Number of Contingent to all GEC-organised International retreats.
My Law Office was converted to Meeting Venue/Secretariat of our branch and my hotel has since become the Secretariat, free of charge, of Osogbo branch till today, and despite my not being the Association’s Legal Adviser, my law office has always been in the forefront of Defending the global Association in court since 2018 till date.
Q: What, as it were, are your plans for office?
Faleye: My vision, my mission, our pact includes the prioritization of the needs of the University that requires the intervention of the Alumni body.
We will introduce an Indigent Students’ Scholarship Scheme and an undergraduates mentoring programme in conjunction with the Students Union body. We will also facilitate reintroduction of decoration of all the First Class graduates of O.A.U during convocation.
There will be a constitution of Elders Forum, made up of elders from all zones and all Former Presidents as an advisory body.
I shall bring my wealth of Experience in the hospitality Industry to turn around our Guests House.
My otther plans include creation of more branches and enhanced engagement through regular events like Réunion and retreats to ensure every alumnus feels valued and connected. We will also engage the Diaspora branches with the support of the elder statesmen towards having a cohesive and intact alumni body.
More importantly, I will ensure a Transparent Financial Management by keeping EXCO Members the GEC informed about the association’s activities and finances. My Leadership shall be inclusive and Accountable to the Alumni Community. We will celebrate and showcase Alumni achievements with a view to inspiring others.
We will also deploy technology in our work. My leadership shall employ digital means to make the Alumni Association more visible to the larger population of Alumni all over the world thereby drawing them to participate in the Alumni Association activities and more importantly, giving back to our Alma mater.
I shall also ensure the deployment of adequate technological innovations to enhance the visibility of our Alumni Guest house for increase revenue generations.
