By Modupe Abiola

Despite being a republic, Nigeria has a strong royal tradition like most other African nations, with virtually every community boasting a king or other traditional chiefs. While these traditional rulers are not directly involved in national politics—though politicians sometimes seek their advice and blessing—they are recognized for their moral and spiritual authority and their much-valued contributions to society.

Arole Oodua Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ọjájá II is the 51st and current Ooni of Ife, an ancient Yoruba city in south-western Nigeria founded in the 6th century. The 49-year-old young monarch rose to the throne in 2015. His name at birth, Adeyeye Enitan, means “the crown fits the throne.”

His Imperial Majesty Ọjájá II was born Prince Adeyeye Enitan of Giesi, one of the four royal families of the House of Ọ̀rànmíyàn, the legendary Yoruba king who founded the powerful Oyo Empire that dominated much of the West African region from mid-17th to late 18th century—that is prior to Britain’s brutal conquest.

Less than nine years after ascending to the throne at the youthful age of 40, Ọjájá II is credited with numerous impressive achievements, which include promoting peace with the Alaafin of Oyo—thereby reducing tension between the two thrones—and initiatives to empower women and the youth, not to mention urban redesign to attract tourists to the landmark that is Ile Ife.

According to ooniofife.com, the young, charismatic king employs over 300 indigenous youths at the Inagbe Cocowood Factory-Essential Homes Furniture brand, which the website bills as the first of its kind in Nigeria, using 100% indigenous raw materials for production. A shrewd entrepreneur who graduated as an accountant from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, he is said to have over 450 direct employees across his various companies and over 3000 indirect employees. Also, much is said about the generosity of the monarch who serves as Co-Chairman of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria.

All things that earned the Ooni of Ile Ife the Bridge Builder Award bestowed on him on April 22 by the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), in Lagos.

The prestigious Bridge Builders Award recognizes, honors and appreciates key personalities and individuals who have contributed to bridging the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora. The award was presented by H.E. Ambassador/Dr. Erieka Bennett, DAF’s Founder and Head, and the organization’s co-founder, Dr. Toni Luck.

Previous recipients of the prestigious award include dozens of international luminaries such as Xernona Clayton, an iconic American Civil Rights leader; H.E. Joyce Banda, former president of Malawi; American actor Louis Gossett Jr.; H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia; Civil Rights activist and former U.S. presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson, to name only a few.

His Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi stands as the first and only great African king so far to be honored with the Bridge Builders Award. He said he was honored to receive the award and thanked Ambassador Erieka Bennett for the hard work she and her team continue to do to bridge the gap.

The award ceremony coincided, that same day, with the launch of Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric, flavored carbonated and energy drinks respectively, produced by Tingo B.V. PLC, a branch of Ojaja Pan Africa Limited owned by His Majesty.

In remarks quoted by ooniofife.com, the monarch, flanked by his queen, Olori Mariam Anako-Ogunwusi, stated during the unveiling ceremony: “It has been my dream from childhood to have a brand that will satisfactorily produce quality drinks that will serve Nigerians, present the country as a leader in the African market and at the global stage.” He went on to list other products that his company is currently making, including Tingo Twist (cucumber and cranberry) and Tingo Booze Fruit Mix. He added: “All these are produced and packaged in Nigeria with recourse to our values and standards. All to be properly integrated with Ojaja bitters, orange, lemon/ginger/orange drinks.

But there is more to the ooni’s involvement in business than business itself: “I have taken it upon myself to step into the market not as a businessman but as a pathfinder who will show our people how to add value for international standard in production to distribution and consumption. It is a new model which will be a win-win for everyone.”

Ambassador Erieka Bennett, founder of Diaspora African Forum, stresses the significance of honoring His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ọjájá II: “In Africa we need more leaders like the king who works tirelessly for the good of all Africans.”