The Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has officially launched the Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus and dedicated it to the service of humanity.
The historic ceremony, held on Saturday at the university’s ground, formed a major highlight of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of Ooni Ogunwusi.
In his remarks, the Ooni emphasized that legacy remains the most enduring contribution anyone can offer to society.
“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 stakeholders in the education sector not to view university establishment as a profit-driven venture, but as a generational legacy for national development and the upliftment of humanity.
Ooni Ogunwusi used the occasion to appreciate the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, acknowledging his consistent support, wisdom, and positive influence over the years.
Responding, the Sultan commended the Ooni for championing a transformative educational vision that will shape the future of countless young Africans.
“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,” the Sultan stated.
Delivering his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ojaja University, Prof. Lere Baale, described the institution as more than a centre of learning.
According to him, “Ojaja University is not just an educational institution; it is a cultural embassy, a place where knowledge, heritage, and innovation meet”.
He added that the university is designed as a hub for African leadership renewal and a nurturing ground for entrepreneurs, scientists, agriculturists, 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 grounds among African monarchs by taking direct institutional ownership of higher education as a tool for generational empowerment and socio-cultural revitalization.
He stressed that the Ooni’s model sets a new benchmark for traditional rulers across the continent.
The event attracted an impressive array of eminent personalities, 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; Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, among many other dignitaries.