Twenty-five years ago, the royal drums of Ilogbo rolled out with solemn authority as Oba Samuel Ojugbele ascended the throne of his forefathers as the Onilogbo of Ilogbo (Ashowo). What began as a youthful and challenging reign has, over the years, blossomed into a remarkable era of peace, enlightenment, and purposeful development. Today, as the monarch prepares to mark his 83rd birthday and 25th Coronation Anniversary, his story stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and people-centered leadership.
The monarch recently disclosed that preparations are in full swing to commemorate these twin milestones during a press briefing with journalists at the Ilogbo Palace on Saturday, January 17, 2026. According to him, his 83rd birthday, coming up on April 27, 2026, will be observed alongside the 60th remembrance service of his late father, making the occasion deeply symbolic for the royal household and the entire Ilogbo community.
Looking ahead to the 25th Coronation Anniversary slated for October 20, 2026, Oba Ojugbele revealed that the celebration will be marked by a grand ceremony featuring the conferment of merit awards on deserving individuals, scholars, religious leaders, and corporate organisations whose contributions have positively impacted his life and supported the development of Ilogbo.
Reflecting on his journey on the throne, the monarch recounted that his early years were fraught with stiff opposition, prolonged legal battles, and even threats to his life. Yet, guided by patience, faith in God, and an unshakeable belief in dialogue, he weathered the storm and gradually united the people under a banner of peace and progress. The palace, once seen by some as distant, became a house of counsel, reconciliation, and hope.
One of the defining moments of his reign, according to the monarch, was the restructuring of traditional administration in the area. While Ilogbo was once under a single traditional authority, it now has five Obas—a development he said has reduced administrative pressure and strengthened harmony across the domain.
Among his many achievements, Oba Samuel Ojugbele described educational enlightenment as his most fulfilling legacy. He recalled that when he ascended the throne, education was not a priority in the community. “Today, parents deliberately ensure their children go to school. That change in mindset gladdens my heart more than physical infrastructure,” he noted.
The physical and economic transformation of Ilogbo over the past 25 years also tells a compelling story. From a time when an acre of land sold for about ₦48,000, a single plot now goes for between ₦4 million and ₦5 million. To the monarch, however, the true measure of development goes beyond buildings to the growth and confidence of the people themselves.
True to his foresight, Oba Ojugbele deliberately positioned Ilogbo as a commercial hub rather than an industrial zone, citing environmental sustainability. While neighbouring Ota hosts industrial estates, Ilogbo has attracted banks, insurance firms, traders, and merchants, creating a thriving commercial environment without compromising the future.
In education, his impact remains profound. From having just one primary school with fewer than 100 pupils, Ilogbo today boasts revived and reputable institutions. Through advocacy and partnerships, the monarch facilitated the reopening of a long-abandoned secondary school and the establishment of schools such as the Catholic Boarding Secondary School and Anglican Grammar School, Ilugba. He also introduced adult education programmes to improve literacy among older residents.
Infrastructure development during his reign was driven by strategic engagement with corporate bodies. He cited the construction of the Oju-Ore Junction–Iwoye Road by Shell Gas as a response to his request during his 80th birthday, while the same company earlier built classroom blocks to mark his 70th birthday.
On inter-traditional relations, Oba Ojugbele described his relationship with the Alake of Egbaland as cordial and mutually respectful, commending the Alake’s administrative acumen and leadership.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, long-serving palace staff will be specially honoured, including Mr. Taliat Adegboyega, fondly called “Oba n ki o,” who has served the palace meritoriously for 25 years. Speaking at the briefing, the Palace Secretary, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Akofiranmi, praised the monarch’s compassionate leadership and commitment to staff welfare, revealing that Oba Ojugbele personally sponsored the education of her two children from elementary school through higher institutions—a gesture she said reflects his consistent generosity to palace staff and the wider community.
After 25 years on the throne, the story of Oba Samuel Ojugbele is clear and enduring: a monarch who turned trials into triumphs, tradition into progress, and kingship into service. As Ilogbo counts the days to his silver jubilee on the throne, the crown of the Onilogbo rests not only on his head, but firmly in the hearts of his people.
