It was a day of glamour, culture, and royalty as the ancient town of Ile-Isoya in Ife, Osun State, came alive on Saturday, October 11, 2025, to celebrate one of Nigeria’s finest media entrepreneurs, Oladapo Adekunle Sofowora, who was installed as the Bashorun of Ile-Isoya, Ife. The colourful ceremony, filled with traditional splendour and cultural pride, drew high-profile dignitaries, friends, and family from far and near.
The event was held under the distinguished royal authority of His Royal Majesty, Oba Muriana Adedinni, the Asoya of Ile-Isoya Ife, whose 15th coronation anniversary coincided with the installation, making it a double celebration steeped in Yoruba heritage and tradition.
From the moment the royal drums echoed through the palace courtyard, it was clear that history was being made. The installation rites, performed within the majestic palace, saw chiefs, traditional rulers, and well-wishers converge to honour a man whose life has been a tapestry of excellence, impact, and cultural pride.
Dressed in resplendent wine and green Aso-Oke, Oladapo Sofowora was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Adunola Sofowora, his mother, Mrs. Olufunke Sofowora, Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede, and Princess Toyin Kolade, the Iyalaje Oodua, as they observed sacred rituals that reflected the deep spiritual essence of Yoruba tradition.
The Asoya later presented Sofowora with a ceremonial chieftaincy cap, coral beads, staff of office, and certificate of investiture, officially conferring on him the revered title of Bashorun of Ile-Isoya. The palace reverberated with songs of praise, chants, and prayers as elders invoked divine blessings upon the new chief.
The celebration continued with a lavish reception attended by family, friends, associates, and notable personalities from the media and business circles. Guests were treated to exquisite meals, refreshing drinks, and soulful music that filled the atmosphere with joy and elegance.
Oladapo Sofowora, a man of many parts, is a London School of Journalism–trained publisher and the founder of Rudder Blade Global Company, as well as the publisher of CitySpy Newspaper. His media footprint and public relations expertise have earned him respect within and beyond the industry.
Beyond business, Sofowora is a passionate advocate for social impact and cultural preservation. In 2024, he was recognised with the UNESCO Children of African Descent Award in New York, honouring his commitment to humanitarian causes and his fight against human trafficking.
After his installation, the new Bashorun paid homage to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR, who warmly received him at the Ile Oodua Palace. The Ooni offered prayers and congratulations, urging Sofowora to remain a symbol of the Omoluabi ethos — representing integrity, humility, and community service.
For Oladapo Adekunle Sofowora, the chieftaincy title of Bashorun of Ile-Isoya is more than an honour; it is a renewed call to service — to continue promoting Yoruba values, empowering his community, and uplifting the rich heritage of Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
