The Unauthorised Biography: Oba Okunade Sijuwade in the eye of history

It is important to note that in February 2009, Oba Sijuwade helped mediate in a dispute over land ownership between the communities of Ife and Modakeke Ife, which resolved in part through the elevation of the Ogunsua of Modakeke Ife as an Oba. The new Oba, Francis Adedoyin, would be under the headship of Oba Sijuwade.

In July 2009, Oba Sijuwade said he was concerned that Yoruba socio-cultural groups such as Afenifere and the Yoruba Council of Elders were taking partisan positions in politics and warned about the harm this might cause the Yoruba nation.

Towards the end of 2009, a more local dispute between the Ooni, the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Alake of Egbaland was finally resolved. Oba Sijuwade traced the dispute back to a falling out between Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola during Nigeria’s First Republic, which had led to a division between the traditional rulers.

He noted that the traditional rulers were an important unifying force in the country during the illness of President Umaru Yar’Adua
Furthermore, in January 2010, Oba Okunade Sijuwade showed the world his commitment to Nigerian unity by conferring Nigerians from different tribes titles, which to many historians and writers has been describe as one of the reasons fostering unity in the country, little wonder the affable General Gowon described the Ooni as a bridge builder and a detribalized Nigerian, who has worked for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the ceremony which saw to the conferment of chieftaincy titles on 18 prominent Nigerians, including Chief Muyiwa Ajibola and his wife, Oreyomi, who bagged the titles of Agbaakin and Yeye Agbaakin of Ife respectively was chaired by former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), as the Chairman.

Other dignitaries who bagged titles include Chief Muyiwa Omisade and his wife, Toyosi; retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Chief Tunde Alapini, and his wife, Ibipo; then Osun State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Matters, Prof Muib Opeloye; then Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Chief Ropo Oyewole; a former Senator, Chief Segun Bamgbetan-Baju, and his wife, Yinka. Popular actor, Prince Babajide Kosoko, and actress, Chief Rachael Oniga, Chief Mrs Ololade Owolabi, Chief Mrs Funmilayo Adedoyin, Chief Mrs Jumoke Olatunbi, Justice Adewuyi Oyeyemi, and his wife, Amoke, and Chief Yomi Afolabi-Oloja, all bagged various titles. Described as generous, accessible, humorous, and humble, Oba Sijuwade also has the propensity to build bridges across ethnic, religious and political divides.

Critics have questioned the criteria for the numerous chieftaincy titles he confers on politicians, business persons and professionals from different parts of the federation, but those close to him believe that his sole motivation is the ‘promotion of culture and love’ in diversity.

In January 2010, he attended a meeting of the Atayese pan-Yoruba group, which issued a call for a truly federal constitution in which the different nationalities in Nigeria would have greater independence in managing their affairs.

Furthermore, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and Oba Okunade Sijuwade were like Siamese twins, almost inseparable. Their friendship was palpably solid and it extended to their children such as Prince Nasiru Ado Bayero (currently the Turaki Kano and one of the strongest contenders to the throne) and Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade, the eldest child of the Ooni and his Crown Prince.