On Sunday, July 14, 2024, the ancient town of Kuta in Osun State came alive as the town’s monarch, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, celebrated his 60th birthday. Dignitaries from across Nigeria attended the event, making it a grand occasion.

The guest list was led by former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the Ooni of Ife, HIM Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Dankaka. Other notable attendees included fellow traditional rulers like the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola; the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; and the Emir of Biu, Midala Umar, among many others.

In an interview with the Editor, Oba Makama expressed his joy at turning 60 and having such esteemed guests honor him. Read on for the full interview:

Congratulations on your birthday, Kabiyesi. Your 60th birthday celebration attracted top names from various sectors, including governors, kings, a former president, and significant figures in the business sector. How do you feel seeing them honor you?

You call it 60; I call it another year. I don’t feel 60, and I don’t look it. I thank God for His faithfulness in my life. Nobody would guess my age if I didn’t tell them, based on my appearance. It’s just another milestone in life, and I’m happy. I will continue to look after my health, exercise more, and rededicate myself to the service of my kingdom and humanity in general.

Turning 60 years of age is a milestone. How would you explain your feelings at 60 in terms of age and experiences on the throne?

I feel highly elated having so many important personalities attend my landmark birthday celebration. It makes me super happy to see people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life honoring me.

What is your biggest dream for Kuta Kingdom in twenty years?

My biggest dream for Kuta Kingdom is to see it transformed into a megacity. This is my own London, my own Paris, my own Abuja, and my own Lagos. I will continue to work hard to see Kuta transformed into a megacity.

What is your favorite music?

I love traditional music, such as Apala, Juju, and Fuji. I also enjoy Hausa music, like that of Dr. Mamman Shata, Dangworo, Dan Indo, and others.

Despite your open nature, there may still be some qualities people don’t know about you. Would you like to share one or two with the public?

Not everyone can assess you accurately except those who are very close to you. Some people don’t know that I put others before myself. For example, there have been many times when I had about a million naira, and people came to me with various private issues. I would give out even more than a million naira, forgetting that I have a family to cater to or that I need to save some for emergencies. Also, I don’t postpone actions prompted by my instincts. If there’s a need and I have the resources, I act almost immediately. This has greatly contributed to my social investments, and it is why I am a patron of various social groups.

The country is facing challenges from various angles, and the youth are at the center of these crises. How would you encourage fellow kings, as custodians of their domains, to ensure that the youth are not provoked to engage in untoward actions out of grievance?

We are in constant communication within the council of Obas across the Southwest, doing all we can to encourage the youth to do better and to discourage them from becoming tools of destruction. Our youths are our future, the future of this country. Any country that neglects its youth is doomed to fail. We will continue to strive hard with the limited resources available to ensure our youth are given the right opportunities to excel and are well-catered for. That is why we keep advocating for the government to prioritize youth-related initiatives. They are the future of this nation, and we are not relenting.

What more activities are you going to rededicate yourself to from now on in developing Kuta Kingdom and your subjects?

I will continue to dedicate myself vigorously to activities that promote peace and unity, as I have always done. I will redouble my efforts and focus more on initiatives that guarantee development for my kingdom. I want to be more dedicated to promoting Yoruba culture and tradition to preserve the traditional institution from being diminished or erased.