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

Dr. Oladele Olusanya

Oladele Olugbeminiyi Olusanya, MD Writer, Physician and Artist 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.
Dr. Simon Olatunji

Dr. Simon Olatunji, Theologian, Writer and Speaker, Director, Yoruba Cultural Center, Vice President, Operations and Publicity

Born in Ijagbo, Kwara State, Nigeria, Dr. Olatunji is theologian and ordained minister, who has served as pastor and leader at several levels at the Nigerian and Southern Baptist conventions. Dr Olatunji is also a public speaker, writer and leader – an influential image-maker, columnist, and life coach – who has been quoted by leading journals on theology and other topics in many parts of the world. He is the recipient of numerous academic degrees from many reputable institutions including the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso, Boyce College, Louisville, Kentucky, University of Salford, Spurgeon’s College, London, Luther King College, Manchester, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Dallas Baptist University, and Newburgh Theological Seminary, Indiana.  He was a Faculty Scholar and Rector at International Bible College of Ministries; Pioneer Member, Strategic Implementation Council for the Formation of Precious Corner Stone University, Ibadan Nigeria; and Adjunct Professor of Biblical Preaching and Theology at Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso.

A man of hard work and dynamism, Dr. Olatunji is an active member of many international bodies including Hope School of Ministries and Discipleship and the Internet Society of Great Britain. He is a fellow of the Washington Internet Society; Member, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; Member, International Committee on Nigeria (ICON); Member, Restorative Justice and Peace Commissions of England; Member, American Society for Bioethics and Humanities; Member, International Society of Christian Apologetics, and Member, Christian Apologetic Association of America.
 
Apart from his work as a minister, Dr. Olatunji is the chief executive officer of many organizations including Alabaster Care Trust Foundation; Usher-Africa Initiative, and  ALFA Global Inc of the Simon Wale Olatunji Ministries worldwide.   He is the author of 53 titles, host of “The Host,” a seasonal analysis of the Nigerian State of the Nation; “Daily Oil,” a review of Christian world views, and “Kojomoonu,” which features Yoruba cultural heritage, language and other issues. 

With his passion for the revival of Yoruba language and culture, Dr Olatunji is a pillar on the Board of Directors of the Yoruba Cultural Center in his position as Vice President in charge of Operations and Publicity. Dr. Olatunji and his wife Ododoeye have three children, Ayanfeoluwa, Inioluwa and Oreoluwadamiloju.

Kehinde Obikoya

Kehinde Obikoya, MD Fellow, American Psychiatry AssociationDirector, Yoruba Cultural Center

Dr. Kehinde Obikoya graduated as a physician from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria. She had her post-graduate residency training in the specialty of Psychiatry in the United Kingdom and the United States. Board certified in General and Forensic Psychiatry, Kehinde is the medical director at a forensic psychiatry outpatient clinic in Dallas. A trail blazing educator who created the only forensic psychiatry fellowship training program in the state of Texas, she is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at a prestigious academic medical center in Dallas where she is the program director for the forensic psychiatry fellowship program.
Apart from being an accomplished and much commended physician and psychiatrist. Dr. Obikoya has an enduring interest in investing in the future of the next generation, especially in the education and training of young people interested in health care careers, and in the passing on of Yoruba culture and language for posterity. Dr. Obikoya is an avid artist and volleyball enthusiast. She has illustrated a children’s book, published numerous psychiatric articles in scientific journals, and is on the editorial board of the Journal of American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. Dr. Obikoya is a mother of two girls. She is particularly interested in the documentation and propagation of Yoruba language, history, and culture in the modern age.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Sesan Alade

Alade Sesan, BSc, MScArt and Creative Director,Yoruba Cultural Center

Popularly known as Mr. Sox, Alade was born in Ibadan, the ancient capital of Yorubaland. He had his primary education at the Army Children School, where he discovered his passion for sketching at the tender age of 5. He excelled in the Fine Art class at Government College Ibadan, and continued his art vocation during his college years at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he graduated with a BSc. in P&H Science. He later obtained his Masters in Financial studies from Osun State University.

Alade is a Creative Designer, Servant Leader, Facilitator, Agile Coach, and Mentor. He serves as the Art Director for Soxx n Boxx Art Productions, and at various times, has served on the boards of numerous companies, including Lilburn Oil and Gas Co., Paradise City Projects, Vikings Industrial & Marine Services, Mayflower Oil & Gas Co., Masters Energy, Nigeria, and Quant Capital Limited, where he worked as a Business Development Partner. He has also held leadership positions, including Executive Director for Lilburn Group and Consultant at Ben TV, UK. As a creative artist, his works have been showcased at multiple locations in the USA, Nigeria and other parts of Africa. He has had his works exhibited at the French Cultural Heritage Center, Ikoyi, the American Embassy in Lagos, Didi Museum, and the illustrious Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos. As the Creative Art Director for the Yoruba Cultural Center, Alade uses his skills to extend the reach of this cultural organization into the art and cultural community not only in the Dallas area, but worldwide

“Art is a language that communicates without uttering a single word. It bridges gaps without physical contact, and allows the artist to positively influence people’s lives without ever meeting them in person.”

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.
Bolanle Fasehun

Bolanle FasehunProfessional Yoruba MC “Alaga”, Educator, Singer and Registered NurseDirector, Yoruba Cultural CenterMusical Director and Impresario of the Youth Choral Group

Bolanle is the daughter of the famous Dr Frederick Fasehun, the late Yoruba nationalist and founder of the Oodua People Congress. Born in Lagos Nigeria, she was educated at Muslim College, Egbe, College of Education, Oro, Ondo State University, Akungba, and the University of Ilorin. Her academic fields of training and accomplishment were in modern languages (English and Yoruba), Educational Management and Administration. After moving to the United States, Bolanle studied Nursing. She now works as a Registered Nurse at various local hospitals, although her real passion is her activity in the cultural and social scene in the Yoruba community not only in Dallas but all over the United States. She is an accomplished and much sought after “alaga” (chairlady) and master of ceremony at events such as traditional weddings and other formal occasions. She also runs a private Yoruba language school in the Dallas area.
Despite her busy professional life which takes her all over the country and abroad, Bolanle (also known as Mama Gold) cherishes her unique creative and administrative role within the Yoruba Cultural Center organization. This is the development, training and management of a talented youth singing group “CHORAL CULTURE” to complement “AFRO CULTURE,” the adult performing troupe of the Yoruba Cultural Center.
“Oriki:
“Arike ademo ni segi
Omo segi ni uleke obun.””
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.
Lanre Kuponiyi

Lanre Kuponiyi, IT Specialist / Media Publicity Coordinator,Yoruba Cultural Center.

Olanrewaju Omoniyi Kuponiyi was born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. He attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Ogun State Polytechnic, Ambrose Alli University, and Harvard University. Most of his adult life was spent living, working and doing business in Lagos and many other parts of Nigeria, and in Cape Town, South Africa.
Before moving to the United States, Lanre was a C-Suite Marketing Communications Executive and an Entrepreneur for two decades before branching into Information Technology. Currently, he is a Digital Transformation Specialist, holding the Agile/Scrum Leadership position at Revenue Solutions Inc. He is a Certified SAFe®5.1 Program Consultant (SPC) and Certified ICP-CAT® (Coaching Agile Transformations) Practitioner. He also has Cybersecurity, EU GDPR, Software Testing and Business Analysis experience and certification.
As Associate Director and Media Publicity Coordinator of the Yoruba Cultural Center, Mr Lanre Kuponiyi is in charge of the organization’s events postings and digital publicity and marketing on Eventrite and other public information sites.
Lanre is a married father of five children. He lives with his family in the Dallas Area.
Nosimot Adetutu Adepegba

Nosimot Adetutu Adepegba A Nurse Practitioner Business owner and Minister

Tutu Adepegba possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye, Nigeria. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Chamberlain University, Illinois. She is a family-oriented person who places high importance on positive family dynamics. She is a passionate mother who believes in raising a “total child”, one who is physically, spiritually, socially, and culturally sound. She is a teacher and a leader of the Children’s Ministry of a growing local church.
“Dream it, Pray it, and achieve it.”
Nosimot12@yahoo.com
Focushousecall@gmail.com
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.