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The Board of Directors of the Yoruba Cultural Center is made of professionals and business owners who, with their expertise, knowledge, and experience, make sure that the Center continues to serve the needs of people of all ages who are interested in the unique language, art, and culture of the Yoruba people.
Get to know them better here!

DIRECTORS

Ajibola Fatokun

Ajibola Fatokun, PhD
Construction & Real Estate Executive
Director, Facilities & Fundraising, Yoruba Cultural Center.

Dr. Ajibola Oladipo Fatokun was born in Lagos Nigeria, although his family origins are in the ancient Yoruba town of Igbajo in the Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State. He started his college education in Nigeria and travelled to the United Kingdom in 2012 after obtaining a Higher National Diploma & Postgraduate Degree at the Yaba College of Technology and the Federal University of Technology Akure. Dr Fatokun holds a Bachelors of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.

A skilled and experienced construction and real estate executive, Dr. Fatokun is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Buildstruct International, LLC in Dallas, TX and Buildstruct International Services, LLC, Brooklyn, New York, in addition to many other business ventures. In his professional field of real estate and construction, he has made his mark in more than three continents. And over the years, he has received glowing testimonials from families, individuals and businesses with his focus on affordable housing and need-based insurance plans.. An astute scholar and academician who is recognized by many professional associations in Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States of America, Dr. Fatokun has published one book and over 20 papers in reputable construction journals and conference proceedings. He is happily married to Oluwaseyi Fatokun. They are blessed with two children, Nathaniel Oluwarotimi and Oluwadara Naomi.

Ajibola is very passionate about promoting and preserving the rich cultural legacy of his Yoruba people here in the United States and worldwide. He is determined to make a great impact in this area as the Director in charge of facilities and fund raising for the Yoruba Cultural Center.

Olatunde Feyisayo Oke

Olatunde Feyisayo-Oke. B.L., MSc, Projects Director, Yoruba Cultural Center.

Olatunde is an highly accomplished individual – a man of many parts. Born in Ibadan and growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, he was immersed from an early age in the traditions and culture of his Yoruba people. He trained as an attorney, obtaining a Bachelor in Law degree from the University of Ibadan, and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Lagos. After this, he worked as a Project Coordinator for Integrity in the law chambers of Prof Yemi Osibajo, who later became the Vice President of Nigeria, before going into business – with interests in real estate, agriculture, and petrochemicals. The guiding ethos of his entrepreneurial goals has always been to serve a social goal. He also has an interest and expertise in arranging cultural festivals featuring, dance, drum, and theater and in helping many nonprofit organizations attract funds to achieve their aims. After moving to the US, he studied cybersecurity at Western Governors University, Utah. His recent professional focus has been in Computer Science and management applications. He is very proficient as an IT Risk Management/Compliance Analyst with special expertise in FINRA/OFAC rule enforcement, risk assessment and risk reduction, control testing, audit review, and cybersecurity reporting

In his position as Projects Director at the Yoruba Cultural Center Dallas, Olatunde brings to his role his knowledge, skills and commitment to promote and advance the cultural legacy of the Yoruba people, not only in the DFW area, but worldwide, attracting funds and committed personnel for the organization as Patrons and Directors, and helping the Yoruba Cultural Center carry out its cultural and educational programs that will enable the organization achieve its desired goal of global cultural influence and relevance, in an atmosphere of community inclusiveness, accountability and integrity.

Olatunde is married with 3 children and lives in the Dallas Fort Worth area. His guiding motto is “If it is not good for all, it is not good at all.”.

Dr. Oladele Olusanya

Oladele Olugbeminiyi Olusanya, MD Writer, Physician and Artist, Emeritus President, Yoruba Cultural Center

Dr. Oladele Olusanya was born in Ibadan. Educated at Government College Ibadan and the University of Ibadan medical school where he graduated with Distinction, he underwent postgraduate specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the United Kingdom, and Family Medicine in the United States of America..
His academic accolades and professional awards include the National Merit Award, given to the best 10 undergraduate students entering all Nigerian universities in all disciplines in 1970; Dr Oluwole’s Prize in Preventive Medicine on graduating from the University of Ibadan in 1976, First Fellow by examination of the West African College of Surgeons, 1983; Teaching Exhibit Award of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians 1997, and a listing in “America’s top Family Physicians,” 2004. A gifted man of many parts, Dele is an accomplished writer and artist. His 3-volume “Itan – legends of the golden age” series, in particular Book 1: “Gods and heroes,” has been described as one of the best books ever written about the Yoruba people for Yorubas by a Yoruba author. Recognized over the years as a Yoruba cultural ambassador, Dele is an expert on Yoruba history, mythology and culture. He was one of the movers behind the formation of Omo Yoruba organization of Dallas Fort Worth, the Institute of Yoruba language and culture, and YorubaFest – the annual festival of Yoruba arts and culture. He is the founding President, Yoruba Cultural Center Dallas, and Curator of the Yoruba Art and Heritage Museum, the first of its kind in North America. For his endeavors in the cultural field, Dele was given the Presidential Award of the Egbe Omo Yoruba of North America in August 2022.
A married father of 3 children, Dele lives with his family in the Dallas area where he runs a busy medical practice while devoting most of his time to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba language, history, art and culture for the next generation.
www.oladeleolusanya.org
www.chartermedicalcenter.com
www.charterartcenter.com
Mr. Thomas A. Oyebisi

Mr. Thomas A. Oyebisi Chartered Accountant, Chartered Stockbroker, Entrepreneur, Business Consultant & Preacher Financial DirectorChairperson, Finance Committee

Thomas Abiodun Oyebisi studied Accounting at The Polytechnic, Ibadan Nigeria & Devry University, Texas, US. He holds a master’s degree in Accounting & Financial Management. A certified accountant & stockbroker who is also a dealing clerk on the trading floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He has over twenty-two (22) years of work experience in banking, accounting, Audit, tax practice, FOREX dealing & business consulting. He manages a tax & accounting practice in city of Dallas, Texas, United States. A lover of Yoruba cultural heritage & a preacher of the word of God.
“We owe the future generation a duty to do our part in making the world a better place.”
www.excellefinancial.com
Deinde Peters, BA, M.Sc.

Deinde Peters, BA, M.Sc. Technology Professional Chairperson: Yoruba Community Outreach

Deinde Peters is the CEO of CENTRIS Commerce, a technology services company located in the Dallas area. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Staffordshire University, U.K., and a Masters in Computer Science from University of Birmingham, U.K. He is the General Secretary of Omo Yoruba Dallas.

Olaleye

Olaleye Olowookere, MSN, RN, CRNI.Director, Yoruba groups liaison & Activities Coordinator Yoruba Cultural Center.

Olaleye Augustine Olowookere was born in Jebba, Kwara State, Nigeria, to Yoruba parents who hailed from Igbomina area of southern Kwara state. He studied Medical Laboratory Sciences at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, specializing in Chemical Pathology. Endowed with a deep artistic talent from childhood, he was popularly known as ‘Olowo Art’ during his school days in Ile-Ife. After emigrating to the U.S. Olaleye earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) from Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing, St Louis, Missouri, and a Master’s degree in Nursing Health System Management (MSN) from Texas Woman’s University, Houston, Texas. He is happily married to Yetunde Morenikeji Olowookere, and they are blessed with three children: two boys and a girl. Currently, he manages with his wife a behavioral health agency for people coping with serious mental illness, as well as a home care agency for seniors.

Olaleye’s roles and focus as a Director of the Yoruba Cultural Center are to liaise with the various Yoruba social cultural organizations in the Dallas Fort Worth area, working with them to promote our rich Yoruba culture and traditions to Yorubas and non Yorubas through shared community events and programs. Working with all engaged ‘omoluabis’ in the Dallas Fort Worth area and other parts of the Yoruba Diaspora, his broad vision is to help preserve Yoruba heritage for generations to come.

Olaleye Olowookere is very proud of the language, arts, and culture of the Yorubas. “Oodua a gbe wa o!” is his motto and rallying cry.

Tokunbo Ogundele

Tokunbo Ogundele, MBA Event Planner & Corporate Marketing Executive Director, Events & Programs, Yoruba Cultural Center

Tokunbo, a proud daughter of Yorubaland, was born in Cleveland, TN. She was educated at Western Illinois University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Science after majoring in Premedical Studies, and at the Keller Graduate School of Management where she obtained her MBA. Her professional career path has led to accomplishments in many areas of business and commerce, including being a much sought-after Events Planner and Products Marketing Executive. She has recently moved from California to the Dallas Fort Worth area of Texas where she is the Area Sales Manager for Cutera Aesthetics.

Beyond her achievements in the corporate world, Tokunbo is the founder and Creative Director of Events Reimagined, a company dedicated to curating luxury events and experiences. In this milieu, Tokunbo shows her special skills for creating meaningful experiences that inspire joy, connection and cultural pride. As a Director at the Yoruba Cultural Center, Tokunbo’s forte is to showcase the richness of Yoruba culture through innovative programs and events that blend traditional Yoruba culture with contemporary taste.. By merging her expertise in Events Planning with her passion for promoting the rich cultural legacy of the Yoruba people, Tokunbo invites us to envision the Yoruba Cultural Center Dallas as a bridge that fosters artistic and cultural appreciation and understanding across communities in the Dallas Fort Worth area and throughout America.

Oyeteju Oyewo

Oyeteju Oyewo, BSc, MSc .Environmental Health Manager & Social Media Content Coordinator; Media and Publicity Director, Yoruba Cultural Center.

Oyeteju Oyewo hails from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a Master of Science from Trident University International. He is currently an Environmental Health and Safety Manager in the manufacturing industry, where he brings his dedication, experience and penchant for solving problems to the area of safety management in the workplace..

Oyeteju has served in the United States Army for six years – he is currently a Reserve Office – an experience and service which has instilled in him a disciplined approach to problem solving and a strong sense of personal and group responsibility. Outside his primary career, Oyeteju works as a disc jockey, in a role in which he strives to create a lively ambience with different types of music. He also promotes businesses on social media. He is very proficient in boosting corporate visibility and public engagement for his numerous clients.

In his role as a Director of the Yoruba Cultura Center, Oyeteju focuses on promoting the programs of the organization and its mission of preserving the rich cultural legacy of his Yoruba people through managing all the media presence of the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube. He also oversees the publicity promotions of the organization. In his social medial postings and blogs, Oyeteju never fails to expound the importance of teaching of Yoruba oral forms such as songs, folk tales and “owe” (proverbs) as cultural tools to engage young people.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Bayo Bankole

Bayo Bankole, BADramatist and Producer, Co-Drama Director,Yoruba Cultural Center

Bayo Bankole is a consummate practitioner of the dramatic arts with over 36 years professional experience. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts as a graduate of one of Africa’s greatest citadels of learning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Over his illustrious career, Bayo has taken part as an actor, director and producer in many successful and critically acclaimed stage plays, television series and major movies.

As an actor on television, he played the part of Boy Alinco in Papa Ajasco and Company, the longest running television comedy series in Africa. His TV credits also include “Tinsel” a daily TV series on African magic.

His stage plays include:

  1. Playing the part of the Old man in THE CHAIRS by Eugene Ionesco
  2. Giles Corey in THE CRUCIBLE
  3. THE ENGAGEMENT by Femi Osofisan, produced and performed by the National Troupe of Nigeria in Tel Aviv, Israel, to celebrate Nigeria Independence
  4. The Oba of Benin in Langbodo, directed by Ojo Bakare, the first African professor of Dance

His movie credits include the following iconic roles:

  1. Jeje in *Owoblow* the highest grossing and most watched Yoruba language movie to date
  2. Ibinu Elewon by Ogogo
  3. Oloja Ere by Bayo Bankole

In addition to his role as an actor on the big screen, Bayo is a movie producer (OLOJA ERE) and Director (MACABRE)

Having already become a household name in dramatic arts in Nigeria, Bayo feels it is time to explore even greater avenues in the United States, using the platform of the Yoruba Cultural Centre Dallas to showcase the greatness of contemporary African arts and culture to an audience that may not be aware of it.

Let us do it together…Ase!”

Babajide Oladipupo

Babajide Oladipupo (Ologundudu)Community Outreach Director,Associate DirectorExecutive Coordinator, YORUBAFEST

Babajide Olumide Oladipupo was born in Lagos, Nigeria to Yoruba parents who hailed from Ekiti and Oyo States. He received his tertiary education at the Kwara State Polytechnic where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration. With an avid passion for arts and traditional culture, and in his capacity as Director of Impeccable African Image Concept, a company dedicated to introducing traditional African cultural trends to a western audience, Babajide, nicknamed “Ologundudu,” has been involved over the years in sponsoring cultural troupes from Africa to participate in international cultural festivals, not only in Dallas and other parts of the United States, but all over the world. His organization has also honored many celebrities considered to be custodians of African culture.
As an Associate Director of the Yoruba Cultural Center Dallas, Babajide’s area of activity is in Community Outreach, reaching out to the various Yoruba and non-Yoruba socio-cultural groups in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex to get involved in the programs and activities of the Yoruba Cultural Center. Most importantly, he is the Executive Coordinator of the Yorubafest – the annual Festival of Yoruba Arts and Language that is organized annually in summer in the Dallas area. He is married and has 3 lovely girls.
Favorite Yoruba saying: “The chewing of a kolanut would always last long in the mouth of someone who cherishes it..”
Ola Ogunkoya (Double O)

Ola Ogunkoya (Double O)Ola OgunkoyaBA, Actor, Producer & Choreographer.Associate and Music Dance & Theater CoordinatorYoruba Cultural Center.

Ola was educated at the Lagos State University where he earned a degree in Theater Arts. Over the years, he has excelled as an actor, producer, choreographer, radio host, MC, and fashion model. He is the founder of Double O Productions, an African dance crew that performs in cities all across the United States. He has acted in a number of Nigerian films produced in the United States. In 2016, ACI Awards nominated him for Best Lead Actor in the Diaspora. His feature film, “Majemu America,” won the OGO Yoruba Award as the Best Movie in the Diaspora and was nominated for an African Oscar Award in Hollywood, California. Ola was also the winner of the Afro USA Best Dance Artist in 2001. In 2014, he won the MBE Improver Award for Best Radio Segment, London, 2014; the Custodian of African Culture Award, 2017; and the TAMPAN USA Achievement Award, 2018. He was named a Yoruba Cultural Ambassador at the Oodua Image Awards in 2018. Ola lives in Dallas with his wife and 2 children. He hosts several radio shows including “Make una thank God” on Distinct Radio Texas, “Orita faaji” and “Lunch Break with Double O” on DNC Radio Texas.
Oluwatosin Amure, BA.

Oluwatosin Amure, BA.Music Director and PerformerAssociate: Music and Technical CoordinatorYoruba Cultural Center

A gifted and seasoned public performer and music director, Tosin Amure studied Accounting at Osun State College of Technology and Lagos State University, Nigeria. A Dallas resident for the last decade, he is an entrepreneur with a passion for music arrangement and performance. Multitalented and adept in vocals, guitar, drums, and the keyboard, Ola has, over the years, organized music performances at private, corporate, and public events, including at his church. His particular interest is in the interpretation of traditional Yoruba music for a modern audience.
Tosin lives in Dallas with his wife and children. He is in charge of the technical and organizational aspects of music teaching and production for the Yoruba Cultural Center, Dallas.
David AyanladunAlayande

David AyanladunAlayande Master Talking Drummer Drum, Dance, & Theater InstructorAssociate Director, Yoruba Cultural Center

David AyanladunAyanwoleAlayande was born in the town of Otu, in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State in the heartland of the old Oyo Kingdom. He comes from a family where the art of playing the talking drum has been passed down through the generations from father to son in a quaint corner of Yorubaland, a place where time appears to have stood still for a hundred years. His father, Amos AyanwoleAlayande, was Chairman of the Talking Drummers Association of his district, while his mother was a trader in farm produce. After receiving his primary and secondary education in his hometown, he moved to Ondo where he attended the Government Technical College. However, David never lost the familial talent and skill with the talking drum that he had learned at the feet of his famous father. He became a member of Sunny Ade’s juju band, where he then rose to become the lead talking drummer in 2004. Over the years, he came to be recognized as one of the leading practitioners of the talking drum in Yorubaland in our modern times.
After emigrating to the US in search of greener pastures, David trained professionally as a nurse at Concord Career Institute, Grand Prairie, near Dallas, Texas. But despite his busy life as a nurse, taking care of geriatric and pediatric patients, he continues to practice the art bequeathed to him as a birthright in his native Yorubaland. And he is now universally acclaimed as a master of the talking drum.
Multi-talented in traditional Yoruba music, dance, and theatre, David has performed and given public lectures all over the US. He takes his jobvery seriously, instructing our students at the Yoruba Cultural Center in the complex art of playing many different African drums, and not just the Yoruba talking drum, but also traditional dance and drama. Apart from being a much sought-after instructor in the talking drum, David manufactures, sells, and repairs all manner of African traditional drums. He is married with children.
Hope Hart

Hope Ireti Hart, MA Director, Yoruba Cultural Center, African-American Community liaison.

Hope was born in Wichita Falls, although she spent most of her childhood years in Dallas, Texas. Her dad was the first black civil engineer in Dallas, while her mom was a teacher. Scholarly and inquisitive from a very early age, she spent her undergraduate years at Vassar College majoring in African Studies and Urban studies. She went on to acquire a Master’s degree in City Planning from Cornell University. She then studied African Art at Spellman College. Her professional experience started in City Planning and Urban Revitalization in Detroit and Atlanta. Lately, she has been involved in administrative and legal advisory work for the African Chamber of Commerce in Dallas and the Small Business Administration. Hope has always yearned to understand and reconcile the African legacy implicit in her African-American ethnicity. Hence, her adoption of the Yoruba name Ireti, which means “Hope” in Yoruba. As a measure of this commitment and passion, she studied African dance, art and religion; and she has also learnt a few African languages including Mandinka. Always a part of her community, she has been involved in various community projects over the years, including the “Africa Newark” project in New Jersey, the Holistic Health Festival, “Acts of Change” of Dallas, and several Kwanza celebrations. She is active in many social causes and organizations in the Dallas area and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Hope brings to the position of Director of the Yoruba Cultural Center Dallas Inc her passion for the realization of a cultural identity for black people in America, based on emphasis on the cultural bonds of music, art, dance and worship that unites black people on the two continents of Africa and America.
Adeneye Adebulugbe

Adeneye AdebulugbeDrama & Theatre DirectorYoruba Cultural Center.

Adeneye Adebulugbe was born in the Campos area of Lagos Island, where he received his early education. Early in life, he was influenced by the actors and performing artistes of his day and became fascinated by acting and drama. He made his first professional appearance as an actor on stage at the age of fourteen when he landed a much coveted role in the historical play, “Madam Tinubu.” Determined to back his natural talent with academic training, Adeneye proceeded to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic Arts.
Over the years, Adeneye has made a mark in all areas of drama in Nigeria – in stage, TV and cinema – as an actor, director, teacher and producer. He was an active member of the “Collage Theatre Group” in the famed National Theatre Open Theatre slot, appearing in productions such as “Olu Omo” and “Grip-am.” He worked at the Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture for two decades, from 1983 to 2000, during which time he represented Nigeria in many international festivals and cultural exchange programs. Among the many shows and events he directed were the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 National Sports Festival and the Command Performance celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Lagos State. A much decorated performer, Adeneye won the Bronze Medal in 1988 and the Gold Medal twice, in 1991 and 1997, at the National Festival of Arts and Culture. He has also directed many contemporary Nollywood movies and stage plays.
Adeneye’s role in the Yoruba Cultural Center is to organize from scratch the organization’s drama group that will be authentic, world-class, and culturally relevant. He is the proud father of four children, all males, as well as many grandchildren.
Favorite saying,
“It is better to be called a fool for asking a question, than to be a fool forever by not asking at all.”
Olori Olaitan Opeloye

Olori Olaitan Opeloye , Women’s Liaison,Yoruba Cultural Center.

Olori Olaitan Opeloye was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but grew up in Ibadan. She received her education at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, after which she proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies. She obtained the HND Diploma in Secretarial Studies from Pitman’s College in central London. After settling in the United States with her husband, Sooko Alani Opeloye, Olaitan received a Pharmacy Technician certificate from Strayer University, Dallas. Over the years she has been involved in various professions and business enterprises including working in retail pharmacy and being Vice President of All-Safe Protection Services, Desoto, Texas. Olaitan is a former Women’s President of CAC Church, Dallas. She lives in Dallas with her husband and is very close to her adult children.
With her passion for the promotion of Yoruba tradition and culture, Olori Olaitan’s task is to organize women and families in the Yoruba community all over the DFW metroplex to participate in the activities and programs of the Yoruba Cultural Center.
Victoria Maku

Victoria Maku, BSc , Social Secretary,Yoruba Cultural Center.

Victoria Yetunde Maku is an accomplished public speaker, community leader and realtor who received her university education at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nigeria where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. She has also trained as a Public Health Administrator and attained certification as realtor. In this latter field, she has helped many families in the Dallas Fort Worth area achieve their dream of owning their own homes. Her skills in public speaking, event planning and community organizing has made her a much sought after personality at social and cultural events in the Dallas area. A proven leader in youth empowerment, Victoria is the Founder and CEO of Nurturelinks, an etiquette training and leadership program for young people of both sexes aged 9 to 16 years, with a mission of inspiring young people, many of them minorities, to stand out and make a positive impact on their community.
As the Social Secretary of the Yoruba Cultural Center, Victoria will use her talents and skills to connect our non-profit cultural organization with the community in order for it to place its stamp on the social and cultural calendar not only of Dallas but other parts of the world where Yoruba language, arts and culture are appreciated. Victoria is a wife and mother who lives in the Dallas area.
Elsie Mutsaka

Elsie Mutsaka, Social Media & Communications Associate,Yoruba Cultural Center.

Elsie Mutsaka was born in Zimbabwe, and received her university education at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Corporate Communications. She is a creative and technology enthusiast based in the DFW area. Over the years, she has acquired a sizeable knowledge and expertise in media communication and advertising. Her passion lies in building and growing brands, with other areas of interest being sustainability in fashion and empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
With her training and skills in media and corporate communication, Elsie will help the Yoruba Cultural Center in the coordination of its social media presence, especially on Instagram and Facebook.