Oba Saheed Elegushi @40! KusenlaIII
Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) fondly referred to, as King “Gushi” is the youngest Oba (KING) in Lagos State. He ascended the throne at the early age of 34 in 2010, which he says was then the furthest thing on his mind at the time. His ascension couldn’t come at a better time as the young monarch was already gearing up to run for public office (House of Representatives) but as faith will have it, he landed a much bigger role with a lot more responsibility ruling the people of Ikate land. He is a graduate and master degree holder of Economics from the Lagos State University, Ojo and also a Master degree holder of Public Administration from the University of Manchester. Before his ascension, Oba Elegusi worked in many sectors and has accumulated years of experience working in various capacities for the Lagos State Government. Funke Babs-Kufeji caught with the monarch who turns 40 today and he tells her about his reign thus far.
Tell us about your ascension to the throne and how long you have been King?
Looking back, I can only describe it as the will of the Almighty. Ascending this throne when I did was the farthest thing on my mind. At that time, having worked with the Lagos State Government for a while, I thought the next step in my career path was to contest for a position in the House of Representatives. In fact, I had started my campaign.
After my Dad (who incidentally I shared the same birth date with), crossed over to join his ancestors, the King Makers informed me that the oracle had selected my name out of all the names presented.
My mum and wife were against it because they were just as scared as I was, but we cannot go against our tradition and culture. My father did it and I must say he was someone who I admired and had a lot of regard for. We did the only thing we could, committed ourselves to prayers and by his grace we are all here today. April 27, 2016 would be my 6th year on the throne, Almighty willing.
How mentally prepared were you for it when you ascended the throne?
I cannot say I know of anyone who became King that was mentally prepared for it. You always pray for God’s wisdom and grace to execute your duties because each situation that presents itself can be peculiar and unique in its own way.
Though growing up people always called me Oba lo la (King tomorrow). I never took this to heart, being so young with regular aspirations that men my age would focus on at that time – education, career and making a difference. Honestly I never envisaged that I would be King at 34 years old. Six years into ascension we are still here focused on making a difference and preserving our unique culture and tradition.
Were you groomed from birth to prepare for this role?
Being members of the royal family, there were certain things that were ingrained in us. We were brought up to understand that being a member of the royal family had its expectations and responsibilities, to the family, the kingdom and the country at large. People always looked out for what we did. We were always under scrutiny to perform.
What were the certain things you couldn’t do as a child who was heir to the throne?
I do not believe that there were restrictions to what we could or could not do because we had a regular childhood. We attended public schools and grew up with friends across different spheres of life. However, there were values instilled in us as Yoruba children from the Royal family. We had to be humble, respect our elders, remember the son of whom you are and most importantly, the fear of the Almighty.
Is this something you will also subject your child who is heir to your throne and what are the steps you are taking to prepare him for this position?
All members of the royal family are groomed from birth for royal duties, so it is a given that whoever ascends the throne understands the expectations of royal duties and this is hinged on our family values of Humility, Respect and upholding our Culture and Tradition.
Being a king comes with restrictions, what is the one thing people take for granted that you can’t do as a King?
Positions like mine come with responsibility and expectations, with these in mind you cannot afford to take anything for granted. We continuously pray for Almighty’s wisdom to guide us in all that we do.
Are you sometimes frustrated by the restrictions of your role as a King?
My duties are a part of who I am and they only make me want to be a better person and King.
What are the duties expected of you as a King?
First and foremost I am the custodian of the Kingdom’s culture and tradition. Very crucial also is to maintain peace in the realm, oversee the administration of justice, uphold and defend the laws of the Kingdom.
As a King the interest of my people is always at the heart of everything I do. I also work consciously at ensuring the stability, growth and development of the kingdom.
Apart from being King, do you have a professional job that you do on a daily or you not allowed to work outside the palace as a professional?
My duty as a King comes first but I also have other family responsibilities. My position does not stop me from doing other things. I have businesses and investments in different sectors that help me meet my financial obligations.
Being the youngest ruling King in Lagos, where there any challenges you faced to conform to take up your role as King?
I can’t think of any. As you know, the Kingdom is not made up the King alone, everyone is aware of their duties, roles and responsibilities, so it was it was a given to conform.
You currently have one wife, but it is widely known and encouraged for a King in Yoruba Land to marry more than one wife, is this something you intend to do?
I am happily married to my beautiful wife, who has given me the most adorable children and I also have my adopted orphans and widows. I am truly blessed.
I pray that the Almighty gives me long life to be able to leave a legacy that future generations will be proud off. My aspirations have not changed maybe on a larger scale now because of my position.
How did you meet your wife and how long have you been married to her?
I will let my wife tell you that story as the lead actress….
Olori: We met in 1999 through a mutual friend, late Ishola Oshodi, of blessed memory. He came to the neighborhood to visit him and saw me at my Mum’s store. The King forced him to introduce us and he told me categorically, that he was going to marry me. Of course I did not take him seriously but by the will of the Almighty we have been together since then.
Kabiyesi: She is my best friend, gisting partner, confidant and biggest pillar. I thank the Almighty everyday for giving me such an exceptional woman.
What has been the most spontaneous gesture you have made to your wife since you became King?
I haven’t changed and I can’t define the most spontaneous thing, because I am a spontaneous person when it comes to showing affection. nWhenever I see anything I think she would like, I get it for her. My wife is a very simple person; you’d be amazed at the sort of things that make her happy. I recall once when I got her a red velvet cake (her favourite), you’d have thought I gave her the British crown jewels.
When you are not performing your duty as a king, what do you do in your leisure time?
I try to spend as much time with my family. I am also an avid sports fan. I enjoy a good hand of golf and play lawn tennis. I am currently one of the Patrons of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and one of my CSR pillars is sports; I try to support up and coming sports men and women across all spheres.
When you travel abroad, are you obligated to go with your royal entourage or do you do you go alone?
That would depend on the purpose of the travel. For family vacations I do not go with my entourage.
Now that you are 40, what are your future aspirations?
I pray that the Almighty gives me long life to be able to leave a legacy that future generations will be proud off. My aspirations have not changed maybe on a larger scale now because of my position. I am still very focused on community growth, development and Nation building. I would like to be a voice and vessel for youth empowerment and a catalyst for positive change for our great nation.
Describe your style?
In one word, I would say…Timeless
Lastly, what advice do you have to any other King/heir who is given this same role at a young age?
The same thing my father always told us. Pray for the Almighty’s guidance, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Though you are King, be humble, fair and just. Love your people and let them be at heart of everything you do because without them there is no kingdom.