By Njideka Agbo
In this special edition, NJIDEKA AGBO explores the transformative vision of His Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, through his groundbreaking initiative, the Royal African Young Leadership Foundation (RAYLF). Celebrating the achievements of Africa’s future leaders, RAYLF bridges generational gaps and fosters innovation, empowering the continent’s youth to drive change and shape a prosperous future.
“It is the young tree that makes up the forest.” — an old African proverb
“Together we are stronger and can shoulder any responsibility for greatness.” — His Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ooni of Ife)
Olamigoke Samuel Ogayemi was introduced to the inner workings of Nigerian politics during his time as a senior special assistant to Yemi Akinwonmi, a former acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. As his aspirations grew, he mulled a desire to contest for a seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly. He shared this dream with the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi II. The youth-loving monarch opened Ogayemi’s mind to a bigger possibility. “Why aim small when you have the potential to lead the nation?” he asked the ICT consultant and aspiring politician. His Majesty’s words completely changed Ogayemi’s perspective.
“Inspired by our conversation, I opted for the House of Representatives and, thanks to the RAYLF, I became formidable in that race,” Ogayemi told Guardian Life. He was one of the young Nigerians conferred with the award in 2022.
“This experience ignited a spark in me, leading to the creation of the now-renowned #OgunWhatNext? project. With RAYLF’s help, this initiative was set up to encourage people with innovative ideas, bring them into politics, and introduce unique perspectives to better society over the next 15 years.”
Inspired by the Ooni’s words and actions, Ogayemi, himself, has become a force for positive change in his immediate community. His #Ogun, WhatNext? initiative has become so widely successful that, in secondary schools, young ladies are encouraged to aspire for office when they are older. “Our WhatNext programme has also integrated youth appointees with the Ogun state government and past governors such as Gbenga Daniels, chairmen, and secretaries of all political parties in the state,” he said.
Like Ogayemi, several young Nigerians have been buoyed and inspired by what the Royal African Young Leaders Forum (RAYLF) represents.
Since 2021, His Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has recognised 100 Nigerians who have significantly contributed to Africa’s standing through RAYLF. This prestigious award, with recipients like two-time unicorn co-founder Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and real estate guru Grace Ofure, is the first-of-its-kind award organised by a Royal African King.
Established to celebrate youth dominating various industries on the African continent, the award attempts to bridge the age-long chasm between the old and the young. With guiding principles rooted in the old African proverb, “It is the young tree that makes up the forest,” RAYLF invites the youth to embrace the justified sharing of ideas for Africa’s development.
A young king himself, sitting on a stool dating back to the beginning of time with Oduduwa as the first Ooni, His Majesty is determined to break the barriers between the young and the old. “There are so many black people doing great things around the world who are being paid no attention. It has, therefore, become important that there is a figure they can look up to and draw inspiration from,” he said
Interestingly, this year’s theme is “Africa of the Future: Better Together.” Unlike previous years, the 100 leaders who have reimagined Africa as change agents and have shaped the global space have been chosen from 39 countries.
On the order of His Majesty, the committee of RAYLF does not end its responsibility here. The committee reaches out to the kingmakers of the talents on the world’s platform. For instance, one of this year’s recipients, Tobi Amusan, is Nigeria’s first world champion and record holder in an athletics event. However, not many know that her opportunity to race among athletes was facilitated by her manager, Abiola Onakoya, who risked his economic standing by taking a $50,000 loan that allowed Amusan to participate in the race that shot her to world fame.
“There is a need to recognise people who have dedicated their lives to serve as a medium of inspiration to several others. Often, they are unknown, and what we see is merely the output in terms of talent and resources. For instance, Abiola’s belief in Tobi’s capacity has made us witness her greatness as she represents not just Nigeria but Africa on the world stage, delivering the pride of the continent and showcasing the spirit of Ubuntu. Each time I look at Abiola, who identified Tobi, I am reminded that it is important to celebrate those behind the success stories and say thank you to them. This is what it means to be African.”
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Already, awardees have shared intimate conversations and are tapping a wealth of knowledge and experience from several governors. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo even visited the Dangote Refinery, courtesy of Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s support of RAYLF. But the future looks more promising for the forum.
Looking ahead, His Majesty’s vision expands with the launch of the Royal African Commerce and Industry. This initiative will “drive economic development and unleash prosperity along cities in the continent.”
His Majesty believes the award has created economic opportunities, enabling people to discuss ways to break trading barriers, red tape, and bureaucracies imposed by different countries. However, the addition of the Royal African Commerce and Industry will be more beneficial to Africa. With plans for an annual congress and efforts to connect this initiative to the African Free Trade Agreement, it aims to set a new course for Africa’s economic direction. Plans are also underway to host the next event in another country.
To all 100 awardees and aspiring leaders, His Majesty’s message is clear: Agba jowo la fi n so aya, owo kan ki n gb’eru d’ori. “Together we are stronger and can shoulder any responsibility for greatness.”
By: Njideka Agbo
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