The Agunsebi area of Ijebu-Ode, ancestral home of the prominent Fusengbuwa Ruling House witnessed a significant moment on Saturday as dignitaries, traditional leaders, and members of the royal family gathered to inaugurate the newly renovated Ule Obanlefa Administrative Centre, Library, and Archive.
The restored building, originally the residence of the late Prince Oduwole Obanlefa, grandfather of former Olori-Ebi Prince Adebisi Adeyemi (popularly known as Obanlefa), has been transformed into a modern family archive and resource hub.
The renovation was fully funded by his first grandson, Barrister Prince Olawale Oriola Adeyemi, who described the project as part of a broader commitment to preserving the cultural and historical legacy of the Fusengbuwa dynasty.
According to Prince Oriola, the initiative is a tribute to the decades-long stewardship of his grandfather, who served as Olori-Ebi of the ruling house from 1988 to 2013. He stated that the restored property would serve as a living repository for the family’s records, history, and administrative activities.
“This place is my origin where my grandfather and my ancestors come from. I believe it is important to understand your roots and when the time comes, to return to them.”
Explaining the purpose of the renovation, Prince Oriola said, “we rebuilt it as a resource centre, an office space, and library where the family can preserve its records and have important meetings and gatherings. My investment in the building stems from my commitment to leverage my skills and experiences for the benefit of the Ijebu people, and I trust by God’s grace, His will shall be done.”
Prince Oriola added that the project represents a bridge between the legacy of the past and the aspirations of the future.
“We look toward a more advanced future, guided by the legacy of our forefathers, the late Awujale and all the Olori Ebis who contributed greatly to this family, including my grandfather, who served as Olori Ebi for 25 years, and the esteemed Subomi Balogun, all of who used their talents to give back to the community.
“I felt a strong conviction to use some of the resources God has blessed me with to come back and give something meaningful to my family. This inspired me to invest in the legacy of my grandfather, Baba, the late Adebisi Adeyemi Obanlefa, and in the lessons he taught me when I lived with him many years ago.”
Recounting his upbringing in Ijebu-Ode, Prince Oriola highlighted how his journey from his days at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School to his current career as an international corporate lawyer in the United States shaped his sense of responsibility to his community.
“I am a proud product of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and the values I learned there have remained with me. As a son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, it is not only my interest but my right to contribute. Olufadi (or Olu), who is my ancestor, was the very first male Abidagba of Awujale Fusengbuwa during his rule from 1790 to 1819.”
Prince Oriola further emphasized that his global legal experience compels him to give back meaningfully to his roots.
“My intention is to uplift and actively participate in the Ijebu culture of which I am a part. With the experience I have gathered around the world as a practicing attorney working on international corporate matters for the largest global financial institutions, I felt it was important to return home to serve my people and do something tangible for them.”
“I went to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School. I lived in this city. I took a bike to school like everyone else. I grew up like everyone else. But God has blessed me, granted me good health, and placed me in a position to help. It is my desire to give back to my family and my community, particularly Ijebuland, especially in this important moment in our history.”
“In our family, we are one. This family has existed for generations, and we must preserve that unity and history. Everyone here from the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ile Nla Agunsebi are my brothers and sisters.”
In the same vein, His Royal Highness Oba Mufau Kasali, Moyegeso of Itele, commanded Prince Oriola’s dedication to restoring an important symbol of family heritage and pledged continued support for the ruling house.
Speaking more at the gathering, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, the current Olori-Ebi, also commended the gesture, describing the late Prince Adebisi Adeyemi as “a father figure who demonstrated exemplary leadership” between 1988 and 2013.
Ajidagba prayed for lasting unity and progress within the Obanlefa and Olufadi families.
The ceremony drew elders and prominent members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including Alhaji Mutiu Adenuga, Alhaja Olohunosun, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, Princess Temilade Remi-Adeoye, wife Prince Oriola and many others.
Guests were treated to traditional music and cultural performances, marking the day as a celebration of heritage, renewal, and collective pride.
