The Agunsebi area of Ijebu-Ode, the ancestral home of the prestigious Fusengbuwa Ruling House, came alive on Saturday as top traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the royal lineage gathered for the inauguration of the newly renovated Ule Obanlefa Administrative Centre, Library, and Archive.
The historic building, once the residence of the late Prince Oduwole Obanlefa and ancestral home of former Olori-Ebi Prince Adebisi Adeyemi (Obanlefa), has been transformed into a modern archival and administrative hub. The entire renovation was funded by his first grandson, Barrister Prince Olawale Oriola Adeyemi, an international corporate lawyer based in the United States.
Prince Oriola described the project as a personal mission to preserve the cultural legacy of the Fusengbuwa dynasty and honour the decades-long leadership of his grandfather, who served as Olori-Ebi from 1988 to 2013.
“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,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of the restoration, he noted that the centre was rebuilt as “a resource centre, an office space, and a library where the family can preserve its records and hold important meetings and gatherings.” He added that his gesture was driven by a desire to use his global experience to contribute meaningfully to Ijebuland.
Prince Oriola reflected on his early years in Ijebu-Ode, especially his formative education at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, which he said shaped his values and sense of responsibility.
“As a son of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, it is my interest and my right to contribute,” he said, referencing his ancestor Olufadi, the first male Abidagba of Awujale Fusengbuwa during his reign from 1790 to 1819.
He emphasized that his international legal exposure has strengthened his resolve to give back.
“I felt it was important to return home to serve my people and do something tangible for them,” he said.
The Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Mufau Kasali, who graced the ceremony, praised Prince Oriola for “restoring a critical symbol of family heritage” and assured the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of his continued support.
Also speaking, the current Olori-Ebi of the ruling house, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, commended the project and described the late Prince Adebisi Adeyemi as “a father figure who demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout his 25-year tenure.” He offered prayers for unity, progress, and continued harmony within the extended Obanlefa and Olufadi families.
The inauguration attracted elders and notable members of the clan, including Alhaji Mutiu Adenuga, Alhaja Olohunosun, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, Princess Temilade Remi-Adeoye, among others. Traditional music and cultural performances added colour to the event, marking it as a moment of renewal, pride, and affirmation of the family’s rich heritage.
