At 50, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, is marking more than a birthday. It is a moment that reflects a life shaped by duty, responsibility, and years of public service. Sixteen years after ascending the throne of Ikate-Elegushi, he has grown into a monarch whose role continues to carry real weight within his community and beyond, defined not just by title but by how he has chosen to carry its responsibilities. As a custodian of Yoruba heritage, his focus has been on preserving culture in a way that people can understand and connect with, not just as ceremony, but as identity, history, and a sense of belonging. His support for cultural and academic initiatives reflects this, particularly in his efforts to ensure that the story of Lagos is properly documented and passed on to future generations. His work also extends into service in very practical ways, through his foundation and other efforts supporting healthcare, education, and young people within his community, with a focus on real needs and everyday impact. From improving access to medical care to supporting students and creating opportunities for youth development, his approach remains grounded in service. At this stage, there is a clear sense of purpose in how he views the crown, not as a symbol, but as a responsibility tied to the wellbeing of his people, and in this interview with Funke Babs-Kufeji, he speaks about turning 50, the demands of leadership, and how he continues to define his role as a traditional ruler today in modern Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Turning 50 is a personal milestone, but also a public one for a monarch. What does this moment mean to you beyond celebration?
I thank God for the gift of life and for His grace. Turning 50 is a time to reflect to look back on the journey, the lessons, and the responsibilities of leadership, and to look ahead with even greater purpose. It is also a moment of gratitude for the people and the community that have shaped that journey. The throne is not walked alone. Every step has been guided by tradition, supported by my people, and strengthened by service. At this stage, the focus becomes even clearer, to deepen impact, to strengthen what has been built, and to ensure that the legacy we are shaping will endure beyond us.
When you reflect on your journey from prince to king, what stands out as the most defining shift in your life?
The passing of my father in 2010 was a major turning point. It was a very difficult time for my family. I had other plans for my life at that stage, but duty called, and I accepted it. That moment shaped my purpose in a profound way.
You ascended the throne in 2010 as one of the youngest monarchs in Lagos. Looking back, what were the realities of leadership that surprised you most?
Leadership teaches you very quickly that responsibility never rests. I had grown up understanding many parts of the role, but living it fully revealed just how much sacrifice it truly requires.
How would you describe the evolution of your reign over the last 16 years?
My reign has grown with the times. I was fortunate to inherit a strong foundation from my father, who was very forward-thinking. We have built on that legacy preserving our heritage while embracing growth and new opportunities for the people of ikate and it environs.
What has been the most difficult aspect of wearing the crown that people do not see?
One of the most demanding aspects of wearing the crown is understanding that it is far greater than any one individual. People often see the ceremonies, the visibility, and the honour, but what they may not always see is the constant responsibility that comes with it. Your personal space becomes more limited, and every decision must be made with the awareness that it carries meaning for your people, your heritage, and the trust they place in you. It requires discipline, patience, and the ability to remain steady in all seasons, especially in moments that call for wisdom, reassurance, and clarity. There are naturally challenges, just as there are in every meaningful role in life, but the crown teaches you very quickly that leadership is not about convenience; it is about service, sacrifice, and consistency.
I have embraced that fully, because this responsibility is bigger than me. It is about preserving what must be preserved, guiding what must evolve, and always standing in a way that gives your people confidence. It is not always easy, but I would not trade it for anything.
You are often described as a “modern monarch.” What does that mean to you in practical terms?
It means being accessible, informed, and actively involved in the progress of your people while remaining true to tradition. It means offering leadership that is relevant: supporting community growth, engaging with government, and using the institution to create real impact.
How do you balance tradition with the demands of a fast-changing, globalised Lagos?
Lagos is a dynamic and unique place, and we should all be proud of that. The balance is simple: embrace progress, but never abandon your roots. Culture and tradition must remain strong, even in a modern city.
Do you think traditional institutions in Nigeria are doing enough to stay relevant to younger generations, and if not, what needs to be done?
I believe real progress is being made, and the emergence of younger monarchs is a very encouraging sign. But if traditional institutions are to remain truly relevant to younger generations, we must do more than preserve culture we must make its meaning clear.
Tradition should never feel forced. It should be something young people understand, connect with, and are proud to inherit. Our responsibility as custodians is not only to protect our heritage, but to communicate its value in ways that speak to the present without losing authenticity. When young people understand that tradition shapes identity, values, and belonging, it no longer feels distant it becomes personal.
If we can achieve that balance, we will not only keep traditional institutions relevant, we will preserve our cultural roots in a way that allows future generations to know who they are and carry that heritage forward with pride
You’ve consistently positioned culture as something living, not ceremonial. Why is that distinction important to you?
It is important because culture is our identity. If we only treat it as ceremony, we risk losing its true meaning. Culture should be lived, practised, and passed on intentionally. It is what gives us roots and a sense of direction.
How do you ensure that Yoruba heritage is preserved without becoming static or disconnected from today’s realities?
Preserving Yoruba heritage does not mean keeping it fixed in the past; it means protecting its essence while allowing it to speak meaningfully to the present. The Eyo Festival is a strong example, deeply rooted in history and symbolism, yet still able to inspire pride, curiosity, and global interest today. For me, preservation must be accompanied by understanding. It is not enough to pass down tradition as ritual alone; we must also pass down its meaning, values, and significance. When people understand the spirit behind a culture, they are more likely to respect it and carry it forward. As custodians, our responsibility is to ensure that while the ways we express heritage may evolve, its identity, dignity, and enduring spirit remain intact for generations to come.
The Centre for Lagos Studies at LASU is one of your major cultural investments. What legacy did you hope to build through that initiative?
My goal was to establish an enduring institution that would preserve the history, identity, and evolving story of Lagos for generations to come. In conjunction with the university senate, we expanded its vision and renamed it the Centre for Lagos and African Studies, to give it broader relevance and a wider intellectual reach. It was important to me that the Centre should not exist merely as an archive of the past, but as a living space for research, dialogue, and deeper reflection on our cultural and social development. Lagos is more than a city; it is a cultural force with a story that deserves to be properly documented, studied, and shared on a global scale. My hope is that the Centre becomes a lasting reference point for scholarship and heritage, because true legacy lies not only in preserving history, but in building knowledge that outlives us.
What decisions or moments do you consider turning points for the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom?
Our continued commitment to development attracting investment and creating opportunities while protecting our heritage has been defining. We have deliberately positioned the kingdom as a place where tradition and modern progress work together.
Through your Foundation, you’ve led interventions in health, education, and youth development. At what point did philanthropy become central to your reign?
From the very beginning. I have always believed that a title means very little if it does not serve the people. Philanthropy was never separate from my reign; it has always been part of the responsibility. For me, leadership must translate into real impact in people’s lives. That is why, through the Foundation, we have focused on areas that directly shape everyday living access to healthcare, support for education, and opportunities for young people to grow and succeed. Whether it is facilitating a functional health centre within the community, supporting students, or providing medical assistance for those in need, the goal has always been clear: to make a meaningful difference where it matters most. The crown, to me, is a platform for service a responsibility to use visibility and influence to respond to real needs, uplift communities, and create opportunities that can truly change lives. That has guided me from the start, and it remains central to my reign.
Of all the projects you’ve undertaken, which has been the most personally meaningful to you?
The seed funding we provided to hundreds of small businesses during my 15th coronation anniversary stands out. The feedback from beneficiaries was deeply moving seeing people empowered to build better futures for themselves was very meaningful.
You’ve facilitated real infrastructure like healthcare centres and education support. Why was it important for your impact to be tangible and measurable?
It is important, because leadership should produce visible results. People must feel the impact of what you do, not just hear about it. Whether it is healthcare, education, or economic support, the goal is positive change that is practical and lasting.
Your early experience in government shaped your worldview. How did that prepare you for the throne?
My experience in government was invaluable. Working closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola — both highly strategic and visionary leaders — gave me a deep understanding of governance, planning, and public service. That perspective has been very useful in my role as king.
What role should monarchs play in nation-building today?
Monarchs should be stabilising forces — preserving culture, promoting peace, supporting communities, and serving as bridges between the people and government. We may not hold political office, but we have influence and a duty to contribute to national progress.
You are often described as accessible and people-oriented. How intentional are you about maintaining that connection?
Very intentional. Leadership should not create distance. When people feel they can reach you and trust you, it keeps leadership grounded — and it helps me understand their needs better.
How do you separate the man from the monarch, if at all?
It is not easy to separate the two the role becomes part of your life in every way. But I do create moments of quiet reflection whenever I can. Those private moments help me return with greater clarity and purpose.
When history looks back on your reign, what do you hope will be said about Oba Saheed Elegushi?
That I used the throne to make a real difference that I honoured tradition, served my people faithfully, and helped redefine what modern traditional leadership should be. I would hope it is said that I used the throne to make a meaningful difference that I honoured tradition, served my people faithfully, and helped redefine what modern traditional leadership can be. I would hope my reign brought people closer to their heritage while also opening doors to education, enterprise, and opportunity. That we did not merely preserve culture, but built upon it investing in infrastructure, empowering youth, and strengthening the institutions that shape everyday lives. More importantly, I would hope the impact was felt in real terms, in improved livelihoods, thriving communities, and a deeper sense of pride, identity, and belonging among my people. A 21st century throne must be both a cultural anchor and a platform for progress, one does not diminish the other, they reinforce each other. If that becomes the story of my reign, then I would consider it a meaningful journey of legacy of service, progress, and purpose.”
If you had to define your reign in one sentence at 50, what would it be?
A reign built on service, progress, and putting my people first.
Photos by Eleanor Goodey
