By Prisca Sam-Duru

The family of the late Ooni of Ile-Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, during the week, unveiled a series of cultural, intellectual, and commemorative events marking the 10th anniversary of the passing of the revered monarch.

The activities include, a three-state Inter-School Debate Tour featuring students from King’s College, Lagos; Abeokuta Grammar School—Oba Okunade Sijuwade’s alma mater; and Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife; a Grand Memorial Exhibition, showcasing rare photographs, personal items, and archival materials from Oba Sijuwade’s life and reign; and a national symposium titled “Unifying and Securing Nigeria’s Future Through Traditional Institutions”.

The programmes were unveiled at a press briefing held at the Civic Centre Victoria Island, Lagos.

The commemorative event is a tribute to Oba Sijuade’s enduring legacy as a custodian of culture, a bridge-builder across Nigeria, and a global advocate for African heritage.

Organized in partnership with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the memorial activities are spearheaded by the Co-chairmen of the Council, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, alongside His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, the Sultan of Sokoto.

 The three-state Inter-School Debate Tour which is a key highlight of the celebration is themed, “Traditional Governance vs. Modern Democracy: Which Best Preserves Cultural Heritage?’

This aspect of the commemorative event invites students to explore the relevance of indigenous leadership in today’s world. The final debate presentation will be held on July 25, 2025.

 The Grand Memorial Exhibition, another major feature, will showcase rare photographs, personal items, and archival materials from Oba Sijuwade’s life and reign—many being displayed publicly for the first time.

The exhibition being curated by renowned cultural historian and archivist Dr. Oludamola Adebowale, features collections from the National Archives of Nigeria, the UK National Archives, Horniman Museum & Gardens (UK), and the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (Florida), home of the Dr. Niara Sudarkasa Collection and also the Sijuwade Personal Collection.

The national symposium aptly titled “Unifying and Securing Nigeria’s Future Through Traditional Institutions” is expected to gather traditional rulers, scholars, and policymakers to examine the evolving role of indigenous leadership in peacebuilding, national identity, and governance.

 The grand finale of the memorial will take place in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization. It includes a church thanksgiving service and solemn prayers at the late Ooni’s mausoleum—concluding the memorial in dignity and grandeur.

Looking ahead, the Sijuwade family announced a series of legacy projects, including: A Nubian Jak Blue Plaque at his former London residence, recognizing his global impact in cultural diplomacy; the launch of a commemorative book detailing his life, leadership, and international engagements; the development of the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall and Museum in Ile-Ife to preserve his legacy and Yoruba heritage.

 This far-reaching initiative reflects the far-sighted vision of Oba Okunade Sijuwade—an imperial figure whose reign was defined by grace, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to cultural excellence. These legacy projects are not only tributes to his memory but enduring pillars that will continue to inspire future generations in Nigeria, across Africa, and throughout the global diaspora.

Through them, the timeless values he embodied—dignity, unity, heritage, and leadership—will live on, shaping a future deeply rooted in the strength of tradition and the promise of progress.

 Speaking at the conference, the representative of the Ooni of Ife, the Asoya of Isoya, His Royal Highness, Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, described Oba Sijuwade as not just a custodian of tradition but a bridge between past and future, adding that “His leadership united us, and his legacy must be carried forward with dignity and vision.”

According to him, the late Oba was a “visionary leader who understood the importance of education, empowerment, and championed initiatives that fostered learning and skill acquisition among our youths, believing firmly that the future of our kingdom rested in their hands. Under his guidance, we witnessed significant advancements in education and cultural preservation, ensuring that our traditions were not only maintained but celebrated.”

Ace journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, also rendered profound personal reflections on the life of the late monarch. Momodu began by explaining his encounter with the late oba in the 80s. “I worked for Bada between 1985 and 1986. I was barely 25 years old then. I’ll be 65 next week, which means 40 years ago. I learnt a lot of lessons from him. Sometimes, as young people, you may not see what Bada saw, but Bada saw the future. Baba wanted unity in Nigeria. He worked very, very hard for it. So, what I learned in the palace was that it doesn’t matter whether you are Muslim, a Christian, Baba made sure that everybody was welcome. And I was one of those small boys of those days serving them.”

 He emphasized that it was high time we went back to the good old days. “I think there is no time better than now to go back to our history and learn how they did it. Because today everything is chaotic. A is fighting, B is fighting, and it cannot continue because in an atmosphere of confusion there can be no progress. So, I’m very delighted to join the family in honoring the memory of this great traditional ruler.”

 In his opening remarks, the grandson of the 50th Oni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba okunade Shijuade Olubushe II, Prince Adejuwon Sijuade said, “Today marks not merely the commencement of a series of memorial events, it marks a reaffirmation of a profound legacy, a legacy built on unity, leadership, tradition and foresight. His Imperial Majesty was not only a traditional ruler, but he was a bridge builder, cultural diplomat and global statesman who dedicated his life to uplifting his people and forging lasting bonds across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.”

“These memorial celebrations organized by the Sijuade family in close collaboration with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria are not only a tribute to his extraordinary life but also a call to reflect on the enduring values he embodied: dignity, diplomacy, cultural pride and progressive leadership,” he added.