The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has celebrated the remarkable contributions of renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, while announcing plans to establish a business school in his honour.
The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Natural Head of the Oduduwa Race Worldwide and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), disclosed the plans on Tuesday when he received Dr. Indimi and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
In a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described the Founder and Executive Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited as an exceptional philanthropist whose impact extends far beyond his business achievements.
Ooni Ogunwusi said Indimi’s enduring legacy should be measured not only by the wealth he has created but by the lives he has touched through philanthropy, humanitarian interventions and his commitment to education.
“Your heart is a heart of gold. You are one of the greatest philanthropists in the world. Your success is not known by your money and wealth; what you are known for is your impact on humanity,” the Ooni said.
He further praised Indimi for dedicating a significant part of his life to education and philanthropy, noting that his contributions had positively affected numerous lives.
The monarch disclosed that efforts were underway to establish the Indimi School of Business, which he said would preserve and teach the businessman’s entrepreneurial journey, business philosophy and approach to philanthropy.
According to him, the proposed institution would provide an avenue for people from different parts of the world to study Indimi’s journey from his early beginnings to becoming one of Nigeria’s prominent entrepreneurs.
“We also plan to establish the Indimi School of Business so that we can document and teach your history, how you started and the journey you have undertaken, so that people from around the world can come and learn from your experiences,” the Ooni said.
He added that the initiative could involve collaboration with other institutions, including Kashim Ibrahim University, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The proposed business school, he explained, would focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, business development and philanthropy, while preserving Indimi’s story as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.
Ooni Ogunwusi also revealed plans to honour Indimi with an honorary doctorate degree from Ojaja University at an appropriate time.
“We will give you a doctorate degree from Ojaja University when the time is right,” the Ooni said.
In addition, the monarch announced plans for the establishment of a Hall of Fame dedicated to the business mogul, where significant milestones and contributions from his childhood through his business career and philanthropic activities would be documented.
“We will set up a Hall of Fame for you. We will document everything from your childhood all the way to where you are today. You have done so much good, and your story deserves to be preserved for generations to come,” he added.
The Ooni also used the occasion to celebrate Indimi ahead of his birthday, saying, “Tomorrow is your birthday. I celebrate you and wish you a very happy birthday.”
Responding, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi expressed appreciation to the Ooni for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation.
The business leader commended the monarch for his efforts to promote, preserve and project Yoruba culture and heritage, while expressing admiration for the cultural displays witnessed during his visit to the palace.
Indimi described the experience as significant and memorable and expressed interest in strengthening the relationship between the Palace of the Ooni of Ife and the traditional institution in Borno.
He emphasised the importance of greater cultural unity and collaboration among Nigeria’s traditional institutions, adding that he looked forward to visiting Ile-Ife alongside the Shehu of Borno.
According to him, such a visit would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between the two traditional institutions and promote greater understanding and collaboration.
The meeting thus brought together royalty, enterprise, philanthropy, education and cultural heritage, with the proposed Indimi School of Business and Hall of Fame envisioned as platforms for preserving the businessman’s experiences and translating his legacy into lessons for future generations.
