It was a rich mix of monarchs, policymakers, academics and community leaders from across the country who gathered last Friday for the 10th year remembrance of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the 50th Ooni of Ife, in Lagos. The high networth guests converged on the City of Excellence to celebrate the revered monarch and visionary bridge-builder whose reign illuminated time-honoured customs and modern governance.

Organised in his honour by Sijuwade Royal Family in collaboration with National Council of Traditional Rulers, the event featured a symposium, a memorial exhibition, which was curated by Dr. Oludamola Adebowale (Consultant to the Family on the memorial celebrations) and reception.

Guests included the Amanayambo of Twon Brass, Alfred Diete-Spiff; His Royal Highness Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila; His Royal Highness Dr. Haliru Yinusa Ndanusa, Emir of Shonga; Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor; Nasir Ado Bayero, representatives of Oba of Lagos, and Olu of Warri.

Others were representative of Secretary to Federal Government, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel; former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Segun Mimiko; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Prince Julius Adeluyi and Dr. Sunny Kuku.

His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II expressed gratitude to guests, saying: “I’m fulfilled that you can all be here for this event.”

He disclosed that the anniversary event would have been held in Ile Ife, but for the convenience of all, the family agreed to host it in Lagos. While urging the guests to rise for a minute silence in honour of the late Ooni, he said it should not be one minute of silence but one minute of joy and clapping in honour of Oba Sijuwade.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Akume, who was represented by Prof Babatunde Bolaji Benard, SA (Technical) to SGF, said as custodians of culture, history, and moral authority, the traditional rulers in the country serve as anchors of stability and sources of communal strength across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural landscape.

This gathering, he noted, aims to highlight how leveraging the influence and authority of these institutions can promote peaceful coexistence, facilitate conflict resolution, and reinforce national unity.

He noted, “as we commemorate the 10th anniversary, we recall that his reign was beacon of wisdom, tradition and progress. His profound leadership left an indelible mark on history.

He dedicated to the preservation of heritage. His unwavering commitment to peace and unity continue to inspire generations.”

Speaking further, he added as “we remember his invaluable contributions, we celebrate a life well lived in service to the Yoruba nation and beyond.”

Saying President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional leaders towards building cohesive national identity, he added this would secure the nation and drive economic progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Speaking in a similar vein, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by the former Governor of Osun State Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said, “today is about reflecting the enduring legacy of Oba Sijuwade. The throne Oduduwa is no ordinary. It carries the weight of history, spirituality and leadership of the Yorubas. When Oba Sijuwade ascended that throne in 1980, he ruled with dignity and charisma. He was a bridge between the old and the new. He played significant role in the peace and stability of Nigeria.

“I recall he invited me to Ile-Ife just about 10 days before he passed on to discuss national and community matters. He was an industrialist of distinction who inspired all of us. It was his commitment to selfless nation that he was conferred with national honour by former President Shehu Shagari.”

He represented one of the finest blends of African tradition and global diplomacy. He was a great gift to Yoruba land, Nigeria and Africa. Whether it was managing delicate ethnic tensions, advising elected officials, he did not play defence. I can testify to his subtle yet diplomatic moves. He taught us it is possible to wear the crown of Oduduwa and still play the role of a global citizen.

“As we celebrate here today, we must not let the moment pass as a mere ritual remembrance. The 10th anniversary of Oba Sijuwade must serve as a moment of national introspection.”

Noting the values of honour, cultural continuity, dignity and truth in leadership must be upheld, he added Obas are not relics of the past but anchors for the future.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hudeyin, observed that Oba Sijuwade’s reign was marked by profound commitment of the preservation of Yoruba’s rich cultural heritage and fostering of unity among diverse people.

To him, his leadership demonstrated indispensable roles traditional institution play in safeguarding peace, promoting social cohesion and advancing development in the country.

He added, “that Oba Sijuwade so eloquently championed while he was with us to build a Nigeria that is peaceful, united and prosperous for all. As we reflect on his legacies, let us be inspired to deepen the partnership between traditional leadership and modern governance for the advancement of the country.”

The keynote speaker, Prof. of African Religious Traditions, African, and African American Studies at the Harvard University, Jacob Kehinde Olupona, noted that with Oba Sijuwade, the nation lost one of its most distinguished personalities and leader.

The don recalled, “it would have been impossible for me to write the book, City of 201 gods, without Oba Sijuwade’s support. The final copy has his photograph adorned with his crown on the cover. I will always be grateful for his support during the process. He offered me access to all the places I wanted. I was never asked to come and perform rituals.”
Speaking further, he said, “we brought Oba Sijuwade to Havard University where he was the guest of honour at a conference on Ifa. He was welcomed to reception often given to heads of states and government.

“I ask how we can empower traditional institutions, especially institutions of Obas, Emirs and Obis to ensure the national integrity of this country. Our goal is to arrive at a place we can say with declarative confidence that aberrations will not take place because the Oba is in charge.

“It is time for a constitution review that will acknowledge the influence of traditional rulers that will advice the government on matters of policy.

“I believe the reconfiguration of the Nigerian society is needed to bring an end to violence, division and insecurity. So this constitutional reform will go a long way to achieve that.”

But constitutional reform is not the only way forward. We must begin to talk about the soft powers for Emirs, kings and Chiefs. This power can enhance national unity across the country. Cultural power takes place through education, and socio cultural engagement.

Fielding questions from journalists, one of the children, Princess Adenike Sijuwade, recalled, “my father was a lovely man and a father to many. He nurtured us to withstand everything. To him, education was very important, which we all excelled at. He touched so many lives. Today is a celebration of his life and the people he touched. We never forgot him and today, we are letting people see how impactful he was. As far as I’m concerned, there is nobody like him that I’ve met or will ever meet. We are keeping his memories alive.”

On his part, Prince Adenekan Adewuyi from Osinkola Ruling House in Ife described Oba Sijuwade as the king of kings.
He recalled, “the traditional ruler was a man of character, integrity and style. He fostered unity among the Yoruba obas and Nigeria in general. When Obasanjo wanted to be impeached, he reached out to the Emir of Kano and it was resolved.”

There was also an exhibition titled, Timeless legacy: A Visual Tribute. The highlights of the displays include rare photographs, personal regalia, video installations, artworks and archival materials.

According to the exhibition team, “this is an opportunity not merely to observe, but to educate and enrich your minds with an array of carefully curated information. These displays are powerful reminders that our heritage is not confined within the walls of a single palace or the pages of a local chronicle-they are a testament to cultural narratives that belong to global history. In encountering the private and public journey of Oba Sijuwade, you will discover how he, like Ile Ife itself, stood on the shoulders of history, to redefine what traditional leadership could mean in contemporary Africa.”

There was also a symposium themed, Unifying and securing Nigeria’s future through traditional institutions.

Born January 1, 1930 to the ruling House of Sijuwade, which is a fraction of the Ogboru Ruling House, Ilare, Ile-Ife, his paternal grandfather was Ooni Adelekan Sijuwade – Olubuse I the 46th Ooni of Ife who ruled from 1884 to 1910. While his father was Omo-Oba Adereti Sijuade 1895 to May 11, 1949 and his mother was, Yeyeolori Emilia Ifasesin Sijuwade (nee Osukoti Adugbolu), from the town of Akure. He was a Christian and in November 2009, he attended the yearly general meeting of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria accompanied by 17 other traditional rulers. He declared that he was a full member of the church and said all the monarchs who accompanied him would now become members.

At his birthday celebration two months later, the Primate of the Anglican Communion described Sijuwade as “a humble monarch, who has the fear of God at heart”.

He had his education at Igbedin School, Abeokuta from where he proceeded to Abeokuta Grammar School under the governance of the well-known educationist Reverend Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, who was the principal of the school.

Upon leaving Abeokuta Grammar School, Oba Okunade Sijuwade transferred to Oduduwa College in Ile-Ife before attending Northampton Technical College in the United Kingdom to study business management.

He was crowned on December 6, 1980 in a ceremony attended by the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; former governor of Oyo State, Bola Ige; Emir of Kano, Oba of Benin, Amayanabo of Opobo, Olu of Warri, as well as representatives of the Queen of the United Kingdom.

Until his death on July 28, 2015, he focused on promoting peace, connecting the Yoruba diaspora, and serving as a bridge builder as well as resolving conflicts like the Ife and Modakeke crisis.

He also engaged in international affairs, intentionally promoting Nigeria’s image and fostering relationships with leaders of other nations.