The traditional ruler of Simawa Kingdom in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba (Dr) Olugbenga Gbadebo Sonuga, Ogbodo I, has joined his ancestors at the age of 81.
The monarch, who was also known as the Fadesewa of Simawa Kingdom, reportedly died in the early hours of Friday, October 30, 2026, after a brief illness.
His death was announced on Monday, November 2, by the Simawa Royal Family and the Simawa Traditional Council in a statement signed by Olootu Omooba Olumuyiwa Sonuga, the Olootu Omooba of Simawa Kingdom.
Oba Sonuga ascended the throne in 2006 and reigned for 20 years, during which Simawa witnessed significant transformation, evolving from a largely agrarian community into a rapidly developing urban centre.
The royal family described the late monarch as a peace-loving, accessible and visionary traditional ruler whose reign brought unprecedented development and prominence to the kingdom.
One of the major landmarks associated with his reign was the establishment of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) 3km by 3km auditorium in Simawa, described in the statement as the biggest human construction project in the world. The development brought international attention to the community and accelerated its growth.
Beyond his traditional responsibilities, Oba Sonuga was widely celebrated for his contributions to Nigeria’s theatre, arts and cultural sector, earning him the sobriquets, ‘Oba Art and Culture’ and ‘Baba Culture’.
Before ascending the throne, the late monarch had an illustrious career in the creative industry. He trained under Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, whom he fondly addressed as ‘Mon Prof’, and worked for about a decade with renowned artist and architect, Chief Demas Nwoko, at the New Culture Studios in Ibadan.
He also established a successful film company, 4Reels, and served as Director of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture between 1984 and 1994.
During his tenure, he reportedly restructured the council into specialised departments covering design, performing arts, architecture and monuments, festivals, among others.
His contributions to the cultural sector included producing the stage play ORI, which toured the United States in 1986, as well as writing and producing SALT for the United Nations World Decade for Cultural Development at the National Theatre in 1989.
His tenure at the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture also witnessed the state’s overall first-place performance at the 1994 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
After retiring from public service, Oba Sonuga established the International Centre for the Arts, Lagos (ICAL), further consolidating his commitment to the promotion of arts and culture.
He was also the author of Deep As The Ocean: An Auto-Photo-Biography in Three Cycles, a photo-autobiography documenting more than seven decades of heritage photography and cultural experiences. The book was launched at Freedom Park, Lagos, during his 70th birthday celebration.
The royal family noted that the late monarch maintained cordial relationships with traditional rulers across Remoland under the leadership of the Akarigbo of Remoland.
Meanwhile, the family said burial arrangements had yet to be concluded.
It stated that the Simawa Traditional Council, in collaboration with the royal family and the Ogun State Government, would announce the burial programme and arrangements for official condolence visits in due course.
The family appealed to indigenes of Simawa, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends, associates and well-wishers, to remember the royal family and the entire kingdom in their prayers.
It described the late monarch’s legacies of cultural preservation, peace and community development as enduring contributions that would remain part of Simawa’s history.
