Before Becoming Ooni Of Ife In 1980, Prince Sijuwade’s Company Distributed Soviet-built Vehicles In Nigeria

Before becoming the 50th Ooni of Ife in 1980, Prince Sijuwade’s company distributed Soviet-built vehicles in Nigeria. 

Oba Okunade Sijuwade was the 50th traditional ruler of Ile-Ife or Ooni of Ife from 1980 to his death in 2015.

After spotting a business opportunity during a 1964 visit to the Soviet Union (USSR), he formed the WAATECO.

WAATECO (West African Technical Company) is a company that distributes Soviet-built vehicles and equipment in Nigeria.

Last week, the Sijuwade Royal Family, in collaboration with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, organized the 10th memorial commemoration of the 50th Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who reigned from 1980 until his transition in 2015.

Oba Sijuwade, the 50th traditional ruler of Ile-Ife or Ooni of Ife, was crowned on 6 December 1980 in a ceremony attended by the then Emir of Kano, Oba of Benin as well as by representatives of the Queen of the United Kingdom.

While his father, Omo-Oba Adereti Sijuwade, was a wealthy cocoa merchant, His paternal grandfather was Ooni Adelekan Sijuwade – Olubuse I the 46th Ooni of Ife who ruled from 1884 – 1910.

Business Career

Decades before his enthronement as the 50th Ooni of Ife, the then prince held many offices in both private and state-owned businesses, including as a Sales Manager of Leventis Motors and Sales Director of the state-owned National Motors in Lagos.

During his visit to the Soviet Union (USSR) in 1964, he spotted a business opportunity, which led to the formation of the West African Technical Company (WAATECO), a company that distributes Soviet-built vehicles and equipment in Nigeria and headed by the young prince.

Shortly after becoming the 50th Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade founded Sijuwade Group, a conglomerate that operates in several sectors including oil and gas, infrastructure, real estate, industrials, and hospitality.

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