A prominent traditional ruler in Ekiti State and Onimesi of Imesi Ekiti in Ayekire Local Government Area, Oba Olatunji Olatunde, Olaibiyemi II, was a cynosure of all eyes at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday, as the respectable traditional ruler hosted some traditional rulers across Yorubaland.
Onimesi became the centre of eye contact, as a his crown adorned with modern cowry ornaments, drew the attentions of high profile individuals at the event, including traditional rulers and the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who commissioned some highbrow projects she donated to the Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile Ife.
His Imperial Majesty, Ogunwusi, Ojaja II (CON), later hosted traditional rulers, academics, and students of Obafemi Awolowo University at the official commissioning of major projects donated by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Oba Olatunde saluted the Nigeria’s First Lady for her exemplary generosity and donations to the university, describing the gesture as not only pro-people, but will propel functional and excellent academic delivery among the country’s ivory towers, as well as boosting webometric ranking.
The commissioned projects included the 50 buses to enhance student transportation, several tricycles for intra-campus mobility, and the commissioning of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu DREAM Centre, a landmark facility dedicated to youth empowerment, innovation, skills development, and the realisation of dreams.
The event drew a large and appreciative audience, celebrating Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s sustained presence and support for her alma mater.
Oba Olatunde was among the invited dignitaries and also an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, who attended in full traditional regalia.
What actually triggered his being a centre of attraction, was his royal crown uniquely adorned with cowries* (owó eyo/ ẹ̀gọ́, which became a magnetic force that elicited keen interest from journalists and photojournalists.
Speaking with journalists about the symbolism of the cowry- laced crown at the event, the Onimesi traced this to his progenitor, HRM Oba Olaibiyemi I, a deeply traditional monarch, whose reign was shaped by regular consultation with the Ifa oracle, with cowries serving as both a spiritual instrument and a medium of exchange in the pre-colonial era.
The monarch added that the cowries laced crown, uniquely symbolised wealth, generosity, and justice, alongside palace traditions such as pot-sherd flooring that predated modern tiles.
Oba Olatunde explained that incorporating cowries into his crown reflects a deliberate effort to revive ancestral values and preserve Yoruba cultural heritage.
He acknowledged that the public regalia of the Ooni of Ife continues to inspire traditional rulers to reconnect with their roots.
Onimesi showered encomiums on Ooni for posing as a modern day unifier in Yoruba land, not only among the traditional rulers, but to political and business classes.
The monarch further clarified that cultural expression in royal attire should not be mistaken for fetishism, but should rather be understood as an affirmation of history, identity, and continuity.
Oba Olatunde applauded the Nigeria’s first lady’s exemplary philanthropic gesture, urging well meaning Nigerians to emulate such sacrificial giving to the society like Nigeria, that is in serious need of functional education.
“This donation is not just about fanfare, it taught a lesson of giving and philanthropism. All well meaning Nigerians must learn from Senator Oluremi Tinubu and give generously in building our universities and our heritage.
“Nigeria is in dire need of functional university system that can boost Nigeria’s ranking on webometrics as well as imbued our graduates with experiences that can fight unemployment, boost industrialisation and combat the menace of poverty of ideas and finances”.