By Bolaji Okunola
The 10th remembrance of Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, the 50th Ooni of Ife, will be held in July in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ile-Ife, Osun State.
At a press briefing in Lagos, the family unveiled a series of cultural, intellectual and commemorative events. The programme is a tribute to his enduring legacy as a custodian of culture, a bridge-builder across Nigeria and a global advocate for African heritage.
Organised in partnership with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the memorial activities will be spearheaded by the Co-chairmen of the Council, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.
Addressing journalists, Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, Asoya of Isoya, who represented the Ooni of Ife said the late Ooni carved a niche for himself by promoting the sustenance of Yoruba culture and tradition, just as he recalled that he earned international recognition for the throne of Oduduwa and the entire Yoruba race.
Key highlights of the programme will be a three-state inter-school debate tour featuring students from King’s College, Lagos; Abeokuta Grammar School (Oba Sijuwade’s alma mater) and Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife. Themed, ‘Traditional governance vs. modern democracy: Which best preserves cultural heritage?’ The grand memorial exhibition 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 features collections from the National Archives of Nigeria, the UK National Archives, Horniman Museum & Gardens (UK), and the African American Research Library and Cultural Centre (Florida), home of Dr. Niara Sudarkasa collections and also the Sijuwade personal collections.
The exhibition is curated by renowned cultural historian and archivist, Dr. Oludamola Adebowale.
A national symposium titled, “Unifying and Securing Nigeria’s Future Through Traditional Institutions,” will gather traditional rulers, scholars and policymakers to examine the evolving role of indigenous leadership in peace-building, 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.