Ooni of Ife Launches Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus, Dedicates Institution to Humanity
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The Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has officially unveiled the Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus, dedicating the institution to the service of humanity.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Saturday at the university grounds, was one of the major events commemorating the Ooni’s 10th Coronation Anniversary.
In his remarks, Ooni Ogunwusi stressed that legacy remains the truest measure of impact, noting that wealth and positions are transient. “There is nothing in this world if you don't create a legacy for yourself. Wealth and positions can fade, but legacy lasts forever,” he said.
He urged education stakeholders to view the establishment of universities not as profit-making ventures but as generational legacies capable of transforming society and uplifting humanity.
The monarch also expressed appreciation to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, acknowledging his longstanding support and guidance. Responding, the Sultan praised the Ooni for his visionary investment in education. “This university has been built by the Ooni for humanity. I am grateful to Almighty Allah that in our time, we have a leader like you that is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of our people,” he stated.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Lere Baale, described Ojaja University as a cultural and intellectual powerhouse. “Ojaja University is not just an educational institution; it is a cultural embassy, a place where knowledge, heritage, and innovation meet,” he said, adding that the institution aims to nurture a new generation of African leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, creatives, and cultural scholars.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Jeleel Olasunkanmi, noted that the Ooni has broken new ground by taking direct institutional ownership of a higher education centre dedicated to empowerment and socio-cultural rejuvenation. He said the monarch’s model sets a new standard for traditional rulers across Africa.
The event drew a distinguished gathering of traditional leaders, cultural figures, and dignitaries, including the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode Adedeji; Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; Iyalaje Oodua, Chief Toyin Kolade; and Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, among others.
