This memorial exhibition celebrates the life and enduring legacy of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Adele Sijuwade (Olubuse II), the 50th Ooni of Ife, who reigned from 1980 until his passing in 2015. As a revered monarch and custodian of Yoruba culture, Oba Sijuwade embodied dignity, wisdom, and leadership, elevating Ile-Ife as the spiritual and cultural heart of the Yoruba people while fostering greater recognition of its heritage on a global scale. The exhibition brings together rare artifacts, archival photographs, personal objects, and multimedia storytelling to reflect on his impactful reign and the timeless traditions he upheld.
In 2025, Oludamola Adebowale was appointed Curator and Consultant for the Oba Sijuwade Memorial Celebrations, a year-long program dedicated to preserving and sharing the monarch’s legacy. Beyond the exhibition, the project will include cultural events, publications, and creative engagements designed to honour his memory while inspiring new generations with his vision of unity, heritage preservation, and cultural pride.
