[Profile Watch] Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola

”’Oba Morufu Adisa Adekunle Ojoola”’ (born c. 1950s), known as the ”’Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijan Land”’, is a Nigerian traditional ruler and community leader in Lagos State. As the paramount monarch of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Ijan Land, he has reigned for 27 years, promoting peace, economic development, and social harmony among diverse ethnic groups. Ojoola is celebrated for his role in fostering coexistence between indigenes, Igbo, and Hausa communities, while advocating for infrastructure improvements and ethical governance. His title, “Ojon” (or “Imakiyo II”), reflects his ancestral lineage in the Yoruba monarchy of Ejigbo, a historic town in Lagos known for its markets and cultural vibrancy.

Early life and education

Limited public details exist on Oba Ojoola’s early life, but he was born and raised in Ejigbo, Lagos State, into a royal Yoruba family with deep roots in the region’s traditional governance. Ejigbo, a bustling suburb with a population exceeding 200,000, has long been a center for trade and communal living, influences that shaped his commitment to unity and progress.

Ojoola’s formal education is not widely documented, but his leadership style suggests a blend of traditional tutelage and practical wisdom gained through community involvement. As a young prince, he likely participated in local chieftaincy training, emphasizing dispute resolution and cultural preservation, common in Yoruba monarchies.

Ascension and reign

Oba Ojoola ascended the throne in 1998 as the Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijan Land, succeeding his forebears in a lineage tied to the area’s founding obas. His coronation marked a new era of stability for the community, which spans Ejigbo LCDA and adjacent Ijan areas.

Key achievements and initiatives

Under his 27-year reign, Ejigbo has witnessed significant transformations:

• Economic and infrastructural development: Ojoola has championed the expansion of the Oba Moroof Ojoola International Market, increasing stalls to accommodate more traders and boosting local commerce. He highlighted these strides during his 20th anniversary celebrations in July-August 2018, noting “remarkable progress… with amazing infrastructure.”
• Peace and harmony advocacy: A cornerstone of his rule has been promoting ethnic integration. He has actively mediated relations among Yoruba indigenes, Igbo, and Hausa residents, fostering “peaceful coexistence” through dialogues and festivals. In 2013, during the safe return of abducted Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Kehinde Bamigbetan, Ojoola played a “fatherly role” in rallying community support and solidarity.
• Community events and celebrations: His reign features annual Ojude-Oba festivals, cultural extravaganzas with Fuji music icons like Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, drawing crowds for thanksgiving and unity. The 25th anniversary in 2023 included performances celebrating his legacy. In March 2025, a royal celebration marked another year on the throne, emphasizing his enduring influence.

Ojoola has also engaged in local governance, supporting initiatives like the 2024 reconstruction of Ifoshi Road after 26 years of neglect. At the commissioning, he was praised for his “unwavering commitments to the peace, unity and progress of Ejigbo Land.”

Controversies

Ojoola’s tenure has not been without challenges. In 2014, he was summoned by the Lagos State House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee investigating the Ejigbo sodomy and murder case, alongside the Iyaloja of Ejigbo Market, to provide insights on community security. More recently, in 2023, tensions arose with Ejigbo LCDA Chairman Alhaji Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (Obe) over control of markets and motor parks. The monarch disregarded local directives, deepening the rift and highlighting jurisdictional frictions between traditional rulers and elected officials.

Despite these, Ojoola remains a stabilizing figure, often mediating disputes and hosting dignitaries, including visits from fellow obas.

Personal life

Oba Ojoola is married to Olori Bukola Ojoola, a respected queen known for her celebrity connections and community outreach. They have children, including daughter Princess Opeyemi, whose 2022 traditional wedding to Toluwani Solademi drew over 15 royal fathers, underscoring the family’s influence.

The royal family resides in Ejigbo, maintaining a palace that serves as a hub for cultural events. Ojoola is described as “highly respected” for his low-key yet impactful style, blending tradition with modern community needs.

Legacy and influence

As of 2025, Oba Ojoola’s 27-year reign has solidified Ejigbo’s status as a model of multicultural harmony in Lagos. His efforts in market expansion and peace-building have economic ripple effects, supporting thousands of traders. Recent recognitions, such as his role in infrastructure unveilings, affirm his ongoing relevance. Ojoola continues to host Ojude-Oba festivals, ensuring cultural continuity for future generations.

References

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External links

• Ejigbo City Diary Blog (20th Anniversary Coverage)
• City People Magazine (Daughter’s Wedding)