The ancient town of Ijebu-Ife was agog with celebration and reflection as traditional rulers, scholars, community leaders, and dignitaries gathered to commemorate the 30th coronation anniversary of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo.
The highlight of the anniversary symposium was the launch of Destined for the Throne: A Biography of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo and the Story of Ijebu-Ife, a book that chronicles the monarch’s life, journey to the throne, and three decades of leadership, while also documenting the history and cultural heritage of the ancient Ijebu community.
The book was written by Gbenga Osinaike, a veteran Nigerian journalist, biographer and publisher with over three decades of experience in the media industry. Osinaike rose to the position of Assistant Editor at Punch Newspapers before resigning in 2007 to establish Church Times Nigeria.
Through his work as a journalist and biographer, he has contributed to the documentation of notable personalities, institutions, and historical developments.
The book was formally launched by Chief Fola Adeola, who served as the chief launcher, while its review was presented by Adebayo Aina, who highlighted the significance of the publication as both a personal account of the monarch’s life and an important historical record of Ijebu-Ife.
In his remarks at the symposium, Professor Bankole Okuwa underscored the historical importance of Ijebu-Ife within Yoruba civilisation and the enduring relevance of the Ajalorun institution. He commended the effort to document the history of the community and the reign of its monarch, describing such publications as invaluable tools for preserving heritage and collective memory.
According to the professor, societies must take deliberate steps to record their histories, traditions, and experiences to ensure that future generations have access to accurate accounts of the past. He noted that biographies and historical records serve as enduring references and help prevent the distortion of historical facts.
Drawing from his experiences in academia and public service, Okuwa reflected on the importance of historical accuracy, mentorship, and legacy. He praised the author for undertaking the task of chronicling both the life of the monarch and the story of the community, stressing that written documentation remains one of the most effective ways of preserving history.
The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the reign of Oba Oguntayo, which many speakers described as a period of stability, cultural preservation, and community development. Over the past three decades, the monarch has played a pivotal role in promoting the identity and progress of Ijebu-Ife while strengthening the institution of traditional leadership.
For many attendees, the unveiling of Destined for the Throne represented more than the launch of a book. It was a celebration of history, identity, and continuity-an effort to preserve the story of a people and their traditional institution for generations yet unborn.
As the event drew to a close, participants agreed that the publication would serve as an important resource for historians, researchers, and future generations seeking to understand the legacy of Oba Adesesan Afolorunso Oguntayo and the rich history of Ijebu-Ife.- Story from NUJ Ogun-East Independent Chapel
