By Abdulfatai Tomori

The Yoruba culture is known for its rich heritage of traditions and customs that shape the way of life for its people. One such tradition is the celebration of attaining a ripe age, such as 80, with great honour and reverence. This is considered a monumental achievement, especially in a country where life expectancy is only 63 years. Both Forbes (2019) and the Global Peace Index (2023) have listed Nigeria as one of the top 20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World. Therefore, it is a significant accomplishment to attain the nonagenarian grade in such a country. High Chief (Dr) Yunus Oyewale Bukoye, the Eesa of Offa Kingdom, is one of the few lucky ones to achieve this remarkable milestone, and it is a momentous occasion that deserves recognition. High Chief Yunus Bukoye is a traditional high chief who has dedicated his life to serving his people while upholding cultural values and customs. He is an exceptional individual with a remarkable life story that is worth exploring.

Chief Yunus Bukoye was born on March 1, 1944, a year prior to the conclusion of World War II. This period marked a momentous time for Nigeria as its military regiment had just returned from their engagement abroad, signifying the end of one of history's deadliest wars. Growing up in Nigeria, Chief Yunus Bukoye bore witness to some of the country's most significant events. He experienced first-hand the constitutional processes that led to Nigeria's independence and the subsequent formation of political parties leading up to and after independence. He also lived through the civil war, and military rule, and ultimately witnessed Nigeria's return to democracy among other notable historical moments. In his personal life, Chief Yunus Bukoye has achieved great success in various fields including administration, business and education despite facing numerous challenges along his journey. His commitment towards social development is unwavering and his contributions have been immeasurable not only within Offa or Ibolo but throughout Kwara State and beyond.

Chief Bukoye began his professional journey at the defunct National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) in Minna, Niger State, after completing his education. He displayed an exceptional level of professionalism and hard work during his tenure at NEPA. His outstanding performance and dedication to his work earned him a higher employment opportunity at the largest and most extensive university in sub-Saharan Africa, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria. At ABU, Chief Bukoye served as the Chief Bursar at the defunct School of General and Remedial Studies (SGRS) before eventually rising to become the Chief Accountant of the university. He played a vital role in the university's financial management, ensuring that the institution's finances were handled with integrity and transparency.

During his stay at ABU Zaria, Chief Bukoye went above and beyond his responsibilities to assist many Offa and Kwara state indigenes in obtaining admission to the university. Chief Bukoye provided these students with accommodation in his own house and personally mentored and guided them throughout their academic journey until they graduated. His kindness, generosity, and selfless service have touched the lives of many students, and he became a father figure to many of them. His commitment to helping others has earned him numerous accolades and recognition across the academic community and beyond during this period.

After a long and successful career at ABU Zaria, Chief Bukoye was appointed as the Essa of Offa in 1999 by the highly respected and revered monarch, Oba Mustafa Oláwóore Olanipekun Ariwajoye II. Although his appointment as Essa of Offa was hereditary, Chief Bukoye's immense contributions to humanity and his unwavering commitment to community service also contributed to his selection as the successor to the prestigious Essa's stool.

The position of Essa in Offa holds a special place of honour in the community as one of the five traditional ward heads, and it is considered very significant. The Olofa of Offa, Oba Olugbense, who ruled for 60 years from 1726 to 1786, created the Essa chieftaincy title along with other chieftaincy titles to assist him in his duties. Idowu Atagisoro, a wealthy firewood merchant from the Arogun compound in Offa, was the first person to receive the Eesa title. Essa Atagisoro earned this position probably because of his marriage to Princess Oluwe, one of the daughters of Oba Olugbense. However, they were unable to have children. After the death of Eesa Idowu Atagisoro and the inability of Princess Oluwe to bear a son, Oba Olugbense decided to invite Prince Ajibola Igbaroola, a Prince from Igbaye, whom he had earlier promised the position, to become the new Eesa of Offa in 1747.

According to reports, Oba Olugbense had promised Princess Oyeronke, his other daughter who married an Igbaye King, that her son, Prince Ajibola Igbaroola, would become the next Essa of Offa and second-in-command to him, the Olofa. This was during a time when Princess Oyeronke was having a conflict with the royal family of Igbaye after the death of her husband, the king of Igbaye. She wanted her son, Prince Ajibola, to succeed his father as the next king. However, the Igbaye kingmakers preferred another prince, who was said to be older than Prince Ajibola and from a different mother, to assume the Onigbaye's throne at the time. Essa Ajibola was subsequently made the custodian of the Essa ward and second-in-command to the Olofa of Offa, a better position for him than being made Onigbaye. He also served as one of the kingmakers in Offa. Since then, the title holder for Essa has automatically become head of Essa ward, second-in-command to the Olofa, an Offa kingmaker. Apart from Essa ward, there are four other traditional wards in Offa: namely, Ojomu, Balogun, Shawo and Asalofa; each led by a High Chief who oversees their area's development and welfare.

Essa Ajibola held the title for nearly a century, spanning from 1747 to 1845. His descendants have since taken up this mantle and continued to make remarkable contributions towards the growth and development of Offa's community. Ijaoye succeeded Essa Ajibola in 1845 and maintained this position until he died in 1868 when he was succeeded by Essa Isioluda, who held the position until 1888.

During Isioluda's tenure as Eesa, Offa saw great resistance against the Ilorin Fulani invasion - an event that attested greatly to their strength as a people. After the death of Essa Isioluda, Essa Olajode became the new Essa and held the title from 1888 to 1926. During the time of Essa Olajode, the First Class status given to Olofa under the Native Authority System of government was taken away. This was because it was erroneously believed that the First Class Staff of Office given to Oba Ariwajoye I was a mistake and that under the Native Authority System of administration, there could only be one Emir (or first class Oba) in each province.

Essa Onifade succeeded Essa Olajode in 1926 and held the title until 1936, spending 10 years in the seat. During the reign of Essa Onifade, both the Olofa Palace and Central Mosque were changed from thatched roofs to corrugated iron sheets.

After the death of Essa Onifade, Essa Olabooye I became the seventh Essa of Offa and reigned between 1937 and 1947. He was succeeded by Essa Kelani Oyeleke I from 1949 to 1971, it was during Essa Oyeleke I's reign that Nigeria experienced the civil war, also known as the Biafran War. There was an army barracks in Offa during this period. Essa Oyeleke I also witnessed the selection of Oba Mustafa Olanipekun Ariwajoye II in 1970. Essa Busari Oyewale succeeded Essa Oyeleke I after he died in 1971. Essa Busari also passed away in 1980 after spending nine years on the seat. Essa Busari Oyewale was succeeded by Essa Kola Olabooye II in 1980.

During this time, Olofa's first-class position was restored to him by the first civilian governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Adamu Attah, in 1982. Interestingly, the reigning Olofa at the time was Oba Mustafa Oláwóore Olanipekun, who happened to be the grandson of Oba Ariwajoye I. It was during Oba Ariwajoye I's reign that the staff of office was withdrawn from the Olofa.

High Chief Jimoh Kola Olabooye, during this period, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Moremi Girls High School in 1981/82. Of course, Essa Kola Olabooye II was the uncle of one of Offa's prominent sons, Otunba Olayemi Olabooye (ITAFA). Otunba Olayemi Olabooye presently serves as the Special Adviser on Administration to Dist. Senator Lola Ashiru, the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, and the Senator representing Kwara South in the Nigerian Senate. Essa Olabooye II held the Essa title until he died in 1992. High Chief Muhammad Oyeleke, the father of former Offa Local Government Chairman and Majority Leader of the Kwara State House of Assembly in the 9th Assembly, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, also known as Bibire, took over as the 10th Essa of Offa. He held the title until he died in 1999 when Chief (Dr.) Bukoye became the 11th Essa of Offa, continuing the legacy of his predecessors in leading the community towards progress and prosperity.

Since his assumption as Essa of Offa, Chief Bukoye has been carrying out his responsibilities with utmost sincerity and dedication, providing guidance and support to the people of the Essa Ward and contributing significantly to the growth and development of the Offa community. But that's not all! Chief Bukoye is also a successful entrepreneur who has created several thriving business ventures, providing employment opportunities for many. He is a passionate advocate for quality education in Nigeria, and his response to the falling standards in the sector led him to establish the BUKs International School. This educational institution has a strong emphasis on unmatched academic excellence and towering moral values, and it has become a leading educational institution not only in Offa but also in Nigeria. Chief Yunus Bukoye's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations to embrace their heritage and work towards a brighter future for everyone. He has also supported numerous charitable causes, including providing scholarships to underprivileged children. His contributions are a lifetime legacy that will outlive him, and he is truly a remarkable icon worthy of commendation. His tireless efforts to preserve our cultural heritage have made him a beloved figure in our community.

As Chief Yunus Bukoye celebrates his 80th birthday, it is a time to recognise and commemorate his many noteworthy accomplishments and the lasting legacy he has created. Chief Bukoye is widely regarded as a humanitarian due to his exceptional efforts to improve the lives of people around him. He is a remarkable leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in guiding the Offa community through various challenges. His leadership has been greatly aided by the able and capable Kabiyesi Olofa of Offa, HRH Alhaji Oba Mufutau Asunmo-Okin Okikiola Gbadamosi Ajagungbade I Esuwoye II, who has provided him with a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and assistance. Under his leadership, the Essa ward and indeed Offa community has achieved remarkable progress in various areas, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services.

This has earned him the admiration and respect of his people, who hold him in high esteem.

Chief Yunus Bukoye is not only a successful leader but a goal-oriented person who relentlessly pursues and achieves his objectives with passion and determination. He is a mentor who has inspired many people to reach their full potential, and he sets an exemplary standard for others to follow. Apart from his many accomplishments, Chief Bukoye is a devoted family man who loves and cares deeply for his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Their unwavering support has been a constant source of strength for him throughout his years of service. The people of Offa and Ibololand are fortunate to have Chief Yunus Bukoye as one of their High Chiefs in Ibololand, and they take pride in celebrating his remarkable legacy on this special occasion. They look forward to his continued leadership, guidance, and positive impact on the community and beyond for many more years to come. On this note, I want to congratulate High Chief Essa (Dr) Yunus Oyewale Bukoye and wish him many more years of health, prosperity, and success as he steers the coveted Essa seat of his forefathers. Igba odun, ọjọ kan ni, sir!

Abdulfatai is the Chief Coordinating Officer at BiohistoHub, a research and biography writing organization and can be contacted at obiograph@gmail.com.