By Bolaji Okunola
The Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife, Osun State, showed class last Friday at the second phase of debate competition in honour of the late Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade (Olubuse II), who was also an alumnus of the school.
The debate, themed, “Traditional Governance vs Modern Democracy: Which Best Preserves Cultural Heritage?, served as part of the 10-year memorial celebration of the legacy of the late monarch.
Oyewole Ruqoyyah, Onitiju Moses, Gbache Philomena, and Obajobi Dolapo represented the institution.
The principal, Bode Akinola, hailed the organising committee for staging a debate capable of bringing out the best from students.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Ooni, he said: “The legacy he left behind is what we are celebrating today. In fact, when we talk about history and those who build on the history of monarchy in modern times, the first person we’d talk about is Oba Olubuse Okunade.”
“Oba Sijuwade sat on the most ancient throne in Africa, and when it comes to the radiance and civilisation he brought to the throne, you will find out he was unique among the class of Obas in Africa. That is why he was referred to as the ‘Ooni of Africa.’”
Prince Adegbite Sijuwade charged students to focus on their studies while defining education as the best legacy a child deserves.
Presenting a plaque of honour to the college and certificates to the students, curator and consultant to the Sijuwade family on the memorial celebrations, Dr. Oludamola Adebowale urged the students to see the certificates as a badge of honour and recognition from the royal family.
He, however, explained the plaque is a token of appreciation to the school for hosting the debate. He further stressed that Oba Sijuwade, during his reign, was passionate about education.
Obajobi Dolapo who bagged the premier prize expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the Sijuwade family for giving me this opportunity, and my school for the privilege to participate in the debate. Also, I thank God for giving me the ability and confidence needed to show my worth.”