Ile-Ife – The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), has officially launched the Ojaja University Ile-Ife Campus, dedicating the institution to the service of humanity.
The historic inauguration took place on Saturday at the university grounds, as part of activities marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the monarch.
The announcement and details of the launch were released by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife.
Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized that legacy remains the most enduring contribution one 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 to view university establishment not as a profit-driven venture, but as a generational legacy for national development and the upliftment of humanity.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the Ooni for his transformative educational vision.
“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.
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.
“Ojaja University is not just an educational institution; it is a cultural embassy, a place where knowledge, heritage, and innovation meet,” he said.
Prof. Baale 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.
The Vice Chancellor of Ojaja University, Professor Jeleel Olasunkanmi, noted that the Ooni has broken new ground among African monarchs by taking direct institutional ownership of higher education as a tool for generational empowerment and socio-cultural revitalisation.
He stressed that the Ooni’s model sets a new benchmark for traditional rulers across the continent.
The event drew an 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; and Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, among many others.
