Preparations are underway for a grand memorial in honour of the 50th Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who reigned from 1980 until his passing in 2015.
The 10th-year memorial commemoration, jointly organised by the Sijuwade Royal Family and the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, is scheduled to take place on July 25, 2025, at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to a statement from the organisers, the event will reflect the life and enduring legacy of Oba Sijuwade , a monarch remembered for his diplomacy, cultural leadership, and contributions to national and continental unity.
A major highlight of the commemoration is an exhibition titled “The Life & Times of Oba Okunade Sijuwade.” The exhibition will feature personal artefacts, royal heirlooms, and rare memorabilia chronicling the late Ooni’s journey and reign.
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“This carefully curated display will offer guests an intimate glimpse into both the public and private life of a king who helped redefine traditional leadership in modern Africa,” the statement noted.
The centrepiece of the day will be the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Symposium, set to begin at 3:30 PM on the same day. The symposium will feature keynote addresses by prominent African and international figures.
Harvard Divinity School’s Professor Jacob Olupona is expected to present a case study on the theme: “Securing and Unifying Nigeria through Traditional Institutions.”
A panel discussion, moderated by veteran journalist and media scholar, Chief (Dr) Yemi Ogunbiyi, will include contributions from traditional leaders such as the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Mohammed (retd); the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adeokun Abolarin; and the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse.
The event promises to celebrate the legacy of a revered monarch and spark meaningful dialogue on the evolving role of traditional institutions in contemporary governance.
