TRANSITION TO GLORY: Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba Gbenga Sonuga, Joins Ancestors at 81
TRANSITION TO GLORY: Fadesewa of Simawa, Oba Gbenga Sonuga, Joins Ancestors at 81
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The Simawa Royal Family and the Simawa Traditional Council have announced the passing of their revered King and custodian of culture, His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Olugbenga Gbadebo Sonuga, Ogbodo I, the Fadesewa of Simawa Kingdom.
In a statement signed by Olootu Omooba Olumuyiwa Sonuga, the Olootu Omooba of Simawa Kingdom, on behalf of the Royal Family and Traditional Council, Kabiyesi joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
Oba Sonuga ascended the throne of his forefathers in 2006 and reigned for 20 glorious years (2006 – 2026).
His reign witnessed the rapid transformation of Simawa from a quiet agrarian suburb of Sagamu into a mega-community. Under his leadership, Simawa became nationally prominent as host to the world’s largest auditorium by size, the 3km by 3km Auditorium of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), bringing global attention and unprecedented development to the kingdom.
He was a highly respected, peace-loving, accessible and visionary monarch who maintained an excellent relationship with all Remo traditional rulers under the leadership of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland.
Oba Sonuga was more than a King; he was an institution in Nigeria’s Arts and Culture sector, fondly called “Oba Art & Culture” or “Baba Culture”.
Before ascending the throne, he had a distinguished career:
Trained under Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
Worked for a decade under legendary artist and architect, Chief Demas Nwoko, at the New Culture Studios, Ibadan.
Ran a successful film company, 4Reels.
Served as Director, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (1984 – 1994), where he won overall first prize for Lagos State at NAFEST 1994.
Produced the famous stage play ‘ORI’ that toured the United States in 1986 and wrote/produced ‘SALT’ for the UN World Decade for Cultural Development in 1989.
“Founded the International Centre for the Arts, Lagos (ICAL), and authored the photo-autobiography “Deep As The Ocean.”
According to the family, no programme has been drawn up yet for his burial rites. The Simawa Traditional Council, in conjunction with the Royal Family and the Ogun State Government, will announce the rites and time for official condolence in due course.
May the soul of Kabiyesi rest in perfect peace.
Announcer: Olootu Omooba Olumuyiwa Sonuga for the Simawa Royal Family & Traditional Council.
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026.
