The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday led dignitaries, traditional rulers and members of the public in honouring the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the 50th Ooni of Ife, at a grand memorial marking a decade since his death.
The remembrance event, held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, was organised by the Sijuwade Royal Family in collaboration with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN).
It featured an exhibition, symposium and banquet, all dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of the late monarch.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi described Oba Sijuwade as a revered icon whose influence transcended his reign.
“Our iconic father—for all the great things. He came, he saw, he conquered, and we’re all the result of his handiwork,” the Ooni said.
He explained that although the memorial could have been held in Ife, Lagos was chosen for its convenience and accessibility to family and guests.
“We debated about it amongst the family and we concluded on Lagos,” he added.
Oba Sijuwade, who reigned from 1980 until his death in 2015, was widely regarded as a visionary monarch who modernised traditional rulership, promoted cultural diplomacy and championed African unity on the global stage.
One of the major highlights of the memorial was “The Life & Times of Oba Okunade Sijuwade,” an exclusive exhibition showcasing royal heirlooms, personal artifacts and rare memorabilia that offered a glimpse into the monarch’s private and public life.
The event also featured a symposium with the theme “Securing and Unifying Nigeria through Traditional Institutions,” delivered by Professor Jacob Olupona of Harvard Divinity School.
The panel discussion, moderated by media scholar Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, brought together notable voices including, Emir of Lafia Sidi Mohammed, Orangun of Oke-Ila Oba Adeokun Abolarin, Tor Tiv James Ayatse, Dein of Agbor Benjamin Ikenchukwu, former director general of the state security service Kayode Are (Rtd.), publisher of Ovation International Dele Momodu.
The day’s events culminated in a grand banquet with tributes, music and cultural performances attended by traditional rulers, government officials, diplomats and business leaders.
Oba Sijuwade’s reign is remembered for his efforts to modernise the Ife palace, reconcile royal institutions and promote interethnic cooperation.
Ten years after his death, the commemoration stands as both a tribute to his impactful leadership and a reminder of the relevance of traditional institutions in national development.
