The Inspiring Life and Enduring Legacy of Oba A.B. Oshin Omiyomade I of Emure Ekiti
Born to Serve: The Remarkable Journey of Oba Adigun Bamidele Oshin, the Father of Modern Emure
In the heart of Ekiti State lies the ancient Emure Kingdom—a land steeped in tradition, resilience, and royal pride. Among its most celebrated monarchs stands His Royal Majesty Oba Adigun Bamidele Oshin, Omiyomade I, Atobiloye II, a king not merely born into royalty but truly born to serve.
A Royal Beginning Marked by Hardship
Born on March 28, 1930, into the Abenimota Ruling Dynasty, young Prince Adigun was destined for greatness. His parents, Prince Elkanah Adeleye Oshin and Princess Emily Fakiyesi Oshin, were nobility, but royalty did not shield them from hardship. When his father fell gravely ill, the once-prosperous cocoa merchant abandoned his business in Ondo and returned to Emure—ushering in years of financial struggle.
Amidst this turmoil, only Adigun remained in school while his siblings joined their mother in the daily hustle for survival. Yet, even through hardship, his thirst for education never wavered.
Early Struggles and the Fire Within
Too brilliant to be ignored, Adigun gained admission to prestigious schools like King’s College Lagos and Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti, but couldn’t attend due to financial constraints. Instead, he became a pupil teacher at just 15, earning a meager salary of 15 shillings. Ten went to his father; five were his to survive on.
Still, his spirit was unbroken. He worked farms, collected yams, and retook exams—eventually gaining admission to St. John’s Teacher’s College in Owo. He borrowed two pounds to pay his fees and repaid it through sheer will and hard work, eventually earning a Teacher’s Grade I certificate and teaching across Ekiti.
A Burning Desire for More
Though many of his peers entered university, Adigun knew his place was among them. In 1959, he left teaching behind and moved to Ibadan. Joining the civil service, he soon found love and married Miss Rhoda Modupe Obaweya. With his wife by his side, he embarked on a bold journey to London in 1961, chasing the “golden fleece.”
In the bustling streets of Brixton, the prince became a scholar once again. His wife worked while he studied full-time at Balham and Tooting College of Commerce. In four short years, he completed a rigorous accounting program and secured a respected job as an auditor near Buckingham Palace—earning him the nickname, “The Queen’s Auditor.”
When Destiny Calls—Again and Again
In 1963, his ruling house invited him to contest for the Emure throne. He declined—his education wasn’t yet complete. When the call came again in 1974, he still refused, focused on his growing career in Nigeria’s finance and private sectors. But when internal disputes threatened his royal family’s rights, Prince Adigun was compelled to act—not for a crown, but for justice.
He led the legal battle that culminated in a landmark decision affirming the Abenimota Ruling House’s right to the throne. Thinking his work was done, he even bought a car to gift the incoming Oba. But destiny wasn’t finished with him yet.
A Reluctant King, A Devoted Ruler
On February 18, 1983, after immense pressure from his people and with the backing of community leaders, Prince Adigun was installed as the 17th Elemure of Emure Kingdom. His reign would span over two decades and transform the kingdom in ways no one imagined.
Yet even in power, the battles didn’t cease. Rival claimants from the Adumori House challenged his coronation, dragging the case through Nigeria’s legal system. In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, ending a 17-year court saga and sealing his legitimacy.
Building a Modern Emure
Under Oba Oshin’s visionary leadership, Emure witnessed remarkable growth:
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Economically, he revived local trade by starting agro-allied ventures like gari processing, pig farming, and animal feed production. His products reached markets across Ekiti, Ondo, and even Edo State.
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Educationally, he personally vetted teachers, lobbied for skilled educators, and sponsored dozens of brilliant but underfunded students, changing destinies across the kingdom.
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Politically, he helped broker peace between long-feuding towns, advocated for the creation of Emure Local Government, and played a central role in the creation of Ekiti State.
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Spiritually, he broke with tradition, rejecting cultic practices and promoting Christianity. He opened palace grounds for church crusades and cleared sacred groves to build new Christian communities—ushering in an era of religious revival.
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Architecturally, he transformed the palace itself—demolishing mud walls, reclaiming royal land, and commissioning the Ebenezer Palace, a lasting legacy of cultural pride and unity.
A King to the End
In December 2006, on the day of his 47th wedding anniversary and just six weeks before marking 24 years on the throne, Oba Oshin passed away after suffering a heart attack during official duties at the Ado-Ekiti High Court. True to form, he died in service to his people.
His reign ended, but his legacy endures.
A Legacy of Leadership, Love, and Transformation
Kabiyesi Oba Adigun Bamidele Oshin was a king who ruled with vision, integrity, and sacrificial love. He once told his chiefs, “A mother gives her child bitter medicine—not to punish, but to heal.” That philosophy defined his leadership.
Survived by his wife, Eyelua Rhoda Modupe Oshin, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he is remembered as the Father of Modern Emure—a man who served not for the crown but for the people.
Authored by Olori Rhoda M. Oshin, transcribed and edited by Tomifola Babalola
