Okunade Sijuwade family unveil events to mark 10th anniversary of monarch’s passing

The family of Okunade Sijuwade, the late Ooni of Ile-Ife, has unveiled a series of events to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his death.

Sijuwade died on July 28, 2015, aged 85.

In his opening speech at the press conference held on May 6, at the Civic Centre in Lagos, Adejuwon Sijuwade, grandson of the late monarch and son of the Ooni, said the programme is a tribute to the monarch’s legacy as a custodian of culture, bridge-builder and global advocate for African heritage. 

The prince said the briefing was organised in partnership with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

He added that the memorial activities are being spearheaded by the co-chairmen of the council — Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; and Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the sultan of Sokoto.

According to the prince, a key highlight of the event lineup is a three-state inter-school debate tour featuring students from King’s College, Lagos; Abeokuta Grammar School, the monarch’s alma mater; and Oduduwa College in Ile-Ife. 

Sijuwade said the theme of the debate — ‘Traditional governance Vs modern democracy: which best preserves cultural heritage?’ invites students to explore the relevance of indigenous leadership in the modern world, adding that the final debate presentation will be held on July 25, 2025. 

“Another major feature is the grand memorial exhibition which will be a showcase of rare photographs, personal items and archival materials from the late monarch’s life. Many of these are being displayed publicly for the first time,” he noted. 

“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 the Niara Sudarkasa Collection and the Sijuwade Personal Collection. 

Aderemi Sijuwade, another prince and son of the monarch, who gave the closing remarks, added that the exhibitions would be digitalised so that they can be accessed by everyone, including Nigerians in the diaspora. 

“The essence of these events are to foster dialogue, especially through the exhibition which will be held on the same day as the symposium in Lagos,” Aderemi said. 

SYMPOSIUM

On the symposium titled ‘Unifying and securing Nigeria’s future through traditional institutions’, Adejuwon said it will bring together 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. It will include a church thanksgiving service and solemn prayers at the late Ooni’s mausoleum to round up the memorial in dignity and grandeur,” the prince added. 

“The Sijuwade family will also introduce a series of legacy projects including a Nubian lak Blue Plaque at his former London residence to recognise his global impact in cultural diplomacy. 

“In addition is the launch of a commemorative book detailing his life, leadership and international engagements and also the development of the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall and Museum in Ile-Ife to preserve his legacy and Yoruba heritage.”

On the initiatives, Adejuwon noted that they reflect the far-sighted vision of the monarch, an imperial 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 diaspora,” he said.  

“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.”

Among those who attended the briefing are Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, the Asoya of Isoya who represented the current Ooni; Oludamola Adebowale, renowned cultural historian and archivist who is the curator and consultant of the memorial celebration; Dele Momudu, publisher of Ovation magazine and member of the planning committee; Funmi Odunsi; and Yemi Adejuwon.