Field Work in Ife, Western Region (Nigeria): Palace of Oba Sir Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi, Oni of Ife

Object Details

Place: Africa; Nigeria; Nigeria, Western; Ife (Nigeria); Nigeria -- Osun State -- Ife

See more items in: Lorenzo Dow Turner Papers; Lorenzo Dow Turner Papers / Series 5: Photographs, circa 1890–1974 / 5.4.1: Research: Africa / 35mm negatives / Nigeria, Western

Historical: In 1951, while researching the south-western area of Nigeria, in what today is Osun state, Dr. Turner visited the city of Ife. He photographed the palace of the Ooni of Ile-Ife at the time Sir Titus Martins Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi. He was born on November 15, 1889, to Osundeyi Gbadebo of the ruling house of Ile-Ife. An Ifa (system of divination) diviner predicted that the baby would wear the crown of his ancestors. Adesoji Aderemi enrolled in the local Anglican primary school, St. Phillips School. After graduation, he studied by correspondence with an overseas school and received private lessons from a cleric. He worked for several years in the Civil Service. He then went into business for himself after working as the representative for several foreign companies such as United Africa Company and John Holt to learn the international trade business. On September 2, 1930, he became the Ooni of Ile-Ife. It was remarked that he was the first literate Ooni. He was a champion of education and was behind the foundation of Oduduwa College in 1932. He also advocated for the creation of the University of Ife. His reign was remarkably peaceful, and many advancements brought to Ile-Ife, such as telephone services and waterworks, contributed to its people's well-being and economic development. Upon his death on July 3, 1980, he left behind 11 wives and 64 surviving children.

Collection Citation: Lorenzo Dow Turner papers,Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution, gift of Lois Turner Williams.