A decade after the death of one of the most venerated monarchs in Africa, the preparations are in a march for a great monument in honor of its imperial majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II (Cfr), the 50th IFE OONI, which reigned from 1980 to its transition in 2015.
Organized by the Royal Family of Sijuwade in collaboration with the National Council of Traditional rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the commemoration commemoration of the tenth year will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 in Harbor Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Commemorative events are designed to reflect the imposing legacy of Oba Sijuwade, a monarch widely remembered for his diplomacy, cultural defense and implacable commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria and Africa.
One of the most prominent aspects is 'The Life & Times of Oba Okunade Sijuwade', an exclusive exhibition with personal artifacts, real reasons and rare memories that tell the story of the personal trip of the monarch, the reign and lasting influence.
This carefully cured exhibition will provide guests a rare and intimate window to the private and public life of a king who, in his life, helped redefine traditional leadership in contemporary Africa.
The centerpiece of commemoration is the Oba Okunade Sijuwade symposium, scheduled for the same place, on the same Friday, July 25, 2025, starting at 3:30 pm (Wat).
The Symposium will feature main directions of prominent African and international leaders, as well as a case study presentation by Professor Jacob K. Olupona of the Harvard Divinity School on the subject: “Ensure and unify Nigeria through traditional institutions.”
A convincing panel discussion, which will be moderated by the famous media chief Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, will gather a diverse variety of voices, including the justice of HRH Sidi Bage Mohammed (JSC, RTD.), Emir de Lafia; HRH OBA ADEOKUN ABOLARIN, OKE-ICA ORANGUN; HRH Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, Tor Tiv; HRH Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu, Keagborekuzi, Dein de Agbor; Colonel Kayode is (RTD.), Former General Director of the State Security Service (SSS); Head of Dele Momodu, editor of Ovation International.
This high -level dialogue is expected to reflect on the role of monarchs in conflict resolution, national unity, cultural diplomacy and global participation.
Commemorative events will culminate in a great banquet on the night of Friday, July 25, 2025, also in Harbor Point, starting at 7:00 pm (Wat).
Assisted by traditional rulers, government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the international community, the banquet will celebrate the life and times of Oba Sijuwade through tributes, music and cultural performances.
Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, amounted to the throne in 1980 and was widely considered a visionary monarch who combined real prestige with modern relevance. Foubted, diplomacy and business, traveled a lot, building bridges through cultures and defending African heritage on the global scenario.
His reign witnessed significant moments in Yoruba's history, including efforts to modernize the IFE Palace, reconcile traditional institutions and deepen inter -ethnic cooperation.
Ten years after his death, this commemoration promises not only a tribute to the legacy of Oba Sijuwade, but a reaffirmation of the lasting relevance of traditional institutions in the configuration of the future of Nigeria.
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