Royal Grandeur as Ife Remembers Oba Okunade Sijuwade II One Decade On

Ile-Ife, Osun State – A grand banquet was held on Friday, July 25, 2025, to honor the memory, impact, and legacy of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, the 50th Ooni of Ife, marking the 10th anniversary of his passing. The event saw an outpouring of tributes for a monarch widely celebrated for his pivotal role in unifying Yoruba traditional rulers and projecting Nigerian culture globally.

The commemorative gathering was not just a banquet but also featured the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Legacy Exhibition and The Oba Okunade Sijuwade Symposium, providing a comprehensive look into the life and times of the revered monarch. Speakers at the event lauded his integrity, influence, and distinctive style. Prince Akinade Adenekan Adebunyi of the Oshunkola Ruling House described him as “truly a king of kings,” emphasizing his efforts as a “builder of unity among the Yoruba Obas and across Nigeria.”

Another of his daughters, Princess Adenekan Adebunyi, spoke movingly about her father’s character and parenting, while Oba Dokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, remembered him as a role model with immense wisdom, style, and a passion for history. Oba Abolarin highlighted Sijuwade’s bridge-building across ethnic divides, referencing his close relationships with prominent figures like the late Emir of Kano and the Obi of Onitsha.

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A Background of Royal Splendor and Global Vision
Born on January 1, 1930, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II ascended the revered throne as the 50th Ooni of Ife on December 6, 1980. His reign, spanning nearly 35 years until his demise on July 28, 2015, was characterized by a blend of traditional authority and modern diplomacy. He was known for transforming the role of the Ooni into a global ambassadorial figure, meticulously building bridges between Yoruba culture and the international community.

Before his ascension, Oba Sijuwade had a flourishing career in business, notably as a manager at A.G. Leventis and later Sales Director of the state-owned National Motors in Lagos. His business acumen led him to form WAATECO, a company distributing Soviet-built vehicles and equipment, which formed the bedrock of a vast business empire. He was also recognized by Forbes as one of the richest kings in Africa.

Beyond his business success, Oba Sijuwade was a dedicated custodian of Yoruba tradition. Yet, he embraced modernity, becoming an open Christian and a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. His legacy, as echoed by countless voices at the remembrance event, remains one of unity, dignity, and an unwavering belief in the greatness of the Yoruba people and Nigeria as a whole.