The Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, has commended the Founder and President, as well as the management of Atiba University, for their unwavering commitment to quality education, cultural preservation, and the advancement of creative arts education in Nigeria.
The revered monarch gave the commendation during the landmark Final Year Performances of the Department of Theatre Arts held at the University Main Auditorium on Thursday. The royal visit followed a prestigious invitation extended by the Founder and President of the university, James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, JP.
Prior to the event, the royal entourage paid homage to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, whose royal blessings and approval paved the way for the visit.
The two-day cultural event marked a historic milestone for the institution as it featured the final year projects of the pioneer graduating students of the Department of Theatre Arts. The stage productions, Ajagun Nla and Moremi Ajasoro, celebrated Yoruba history, bravery, sacrifice, leadership, and communal liberation through compelling dramatic performances.
Speaking at the conclusion of the performances, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom expressed profound admiration for the students’ artistic excellence, emotional depth, and rich cultural interpretation, describing the production of Moremi Ajasoro as highly educational, inspiring, and professionally executed. The monarch specially commended the Founder and President, the Vice Chancellor, and the entire management team of Atiba University Oyo for providing visionary leadership and creating an enabling academic environment where culture, scholarship, creativity, and character development continue to flourish. He noted that the successful hosting of such intellectually and culturally enriching performances reflects the institution’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence in higher education and cultural scholarship.
His Royal Majesty also extended warm commendations to the Coordinator and Acting Head of the Department of Theatre Arts for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to nurturing young talents in the performing arts. He praised the department for successfully producing intellectually sound and culturally conscious graduates whose performances demonstrated discipline, creativity, and a deep understanding of African theatrical traditions.
The royal father further paid glowing tribute to Baba, Bishop Prince Ayo Sandra Ladigbolu, who represented the Alaafin of Oyo at the event, commending his remarkable dedication and strength at the age of 88 years. He equally praised veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule and other veterans in the movie industry, present at the 2-day event for their consistent respect for traditional institutions, praying for greater honour and accomplishments in their lives.
Addressing the graduating students, the monarch shared profound words of wisdom centred on networking, consistency, self-reliance, and communal upliftment. He encouraged the students to focus on building character, sustaining meaningful relationships, and supporting one another in their journeys to success.
According to him, those who attain success first should remember and uplift others within their circle, stressing that collective growth remains a stronger pathway to lasting impact. He further advised the graduates not to depend solely on white-collar employment but to maximise their talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial abilities. Drawing inspiration from his Asa Day Worldwide initiative in Canada, the monarch emphasised that persistence, consistency, and determination ultimately yield rewarding outcomes.
In another significant charge, the Oloro encouraged the students to extend educational opportunities within their families by inspiring younger relatives to pursue higher education, thereby multiplying the positive impact of learning within their communities.
The royal father also applauded the Founder and President of Atiba University Oyo for announcing financial support for the graduating students alongside a free Master’s degree scholarship opportunity. He urged the students to value the scholarship highly, reminding them that education remains a priceless asset beyond monetary value.
The event concluded with prayers and royal blessings for the university management, faculty members, and pioneer graduating students. The monarch also appreciated members of his council and all those who accompanied him from Oro Kingdom, reaffirming the enduring cultural affinity between Oro and Oyo Kingdoms with the statement:
“Oyo is Oro, and Oro is also for Oyo.”
The occasion further strengthened the cordial relationship between the traditional institution of Oro Kingdom and the academic community of Atiba University Oyo, while reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage, unity, and educational development in nation-building.