Family announces events for 10th anniversary
The family of the late Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, has announced a series of events to mark the 10th anniversary of his passing and honour his legacy as one of Nigeria’s cultural icons and unifiers.
The Sijuwade family, in collaboration with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, announced the commemorative plans during a press briefing at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, on Tuesday.
The events include a three-state Inter-School Debate Tour featuring students from King’s College, Lagos; Abeokuta Grammar School, Sijuwade’s alma mater; and Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife. Themed “Traditional Governance vs. Modern Democracy: Which Best Preserves Cultural Heritage?”
Another major feature of the event is the Grand Memorial Exhibition will showcase rare photographs, personal artefacts, and archival materials from Sijuwade’s life, many displayed publicly for the first time.
Curated by cultural historian Dr. Oludamola Adebowale, the lead consultant for the celebrations project, the exhibition draws from collections at the National Archives of Nigeria, the UK National Archives, the Horniman Museum & Gardens (UK), and the African American Research Library and Cultural Centre in Florida, which houses the Dr. Niara Sudarkasa and Sijuwade Personal Collections
A national symposium, “Unifying and Securing Nigeria’s Future Through Traditional Institutions,” will bring together traditional rulers, scholars, and policymakers to discuss the role of indigenous leadership in fostering peace, national identity, and governance.
The grand finale of the memorial will take place in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilisation. It includes a church thanksgiving service and solemn prayers at the late Ooni’s mausoleum, concluding the memorial in dignity and grandeur.
Other legacy projects include a Nubian Jak Blue Plaque at his former London residence to recognise his global cultural influence, a commemorative book chronicling his life and leadership, and the establishment of the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall and Museum in Ile-Ife to preserve Yoruba heritage.
Representing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the event, Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, the Asoya of Isoya, described the late monarch not just as a traditional ruler but as a global statesman.
“Oba Sijuwade taught us that true leadership is measured not by power or wealth but by one’s ability to uplift others, to create a legacy that will transcend generations,” he said.
“His life was a testament to selflessness, compassion and dedication to the welfare of our people. In commemorating his legacy, we honour not only the one who won the crowd but also the spirit of resilience and greatness that he instilled in each one of us.
“Let us carry forward his vision for a united and prosperous place where our cultural heritage is shared by our community’s tribe. Let us celebrate his life by committing ourselves to the principles he championed through history.”
Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, a member of the planning committee and former associate of the late monarch, described Oba Sijuwade as a rare breed of leader whose doors were open to all, regardless of background or belief.
“Baba wanted unity in Nigeria, and he worked very, very hard for it. He welcomed Nigerians and foreigners from different walks of life; whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, Baba made sure everyone was welcome,” Momodu said.
Momudu praised the family for keeping the monarch’s legacy alive and urged young Nigerians to learn their history, noting that “They don’t manufacture people like Baba in heaven anymore.”
Prince Aderemi Sijuwade, son of the late monarch, revealed that the exhibition will feature letters, documentation, and never-before-seen photos and it will be open on July 5 at Harbour Point, Lagos, with plans to digitise all the memorial exhibitions and archive them and make them accessible for educational use in Nigeria and the diaspora.
