The traditional ruler of Owode kingdom, in Ogun State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Wasiu Akani Ogungbayi, the Onitetiku of Owode, has called for the preservation and documentation of Awori history and culture, describing it as vital to sustaining community identity and pride.

The monarch made the call during a surprise visit to the Oba Fadina Centre for Creativity and Development in Ota — a new institution dedicated to preserving Awori cultural memory and historical records.

Touring the facility, Oba Ogungbayi expressed deep admiration for the growing collection of documents chronicling significant royal and historical moments in Aworiland, including the removal and return of Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Olagorioye II to the throne.

“I am very impressed with what I see here.

“This is not just preservation — it is the rebirth of our memory. I am proud of the tourism icon our community now possesses,” the monarch said.

The royal father, known for his commitment to cultural heritage, noted that the Centre represents “a priceless testament to royal endurance and the power of record.”

Welcoming the monarch, Prince Femi Fadina, Founder and President of the Oba Fadina Foundation, described the visit as a royal endorsement of the ongoing work to sustain Awori heritage. 

He also disclosed that the official unveiling of the Centre would soon hold.

“This is grassroots work.

“It shows that culture is truly local,” Prince Fadina stated. 

He added: “I take this as a clarion call to all Awori Obas — we must rise to document and preserve our cultural content before time silences our story.”

According to Prince Fadina, the Foundation is already engaging local youths and National Youth Service Corps members across Ado-Odo/Ota, instilling in them “the discipline and pride of documentation.”

The Oba Fadina Centre for Creativity and Development continues to position itself as a hub for cultural education, documentation, and tourism in Aworiland, aligning with broader efforts to preserve Nigeria’s royal and communal heritage.