During a private ceremony at the royal palace, the mother of the late King Oyo publicly thanked Indian philanthropist and business magnate Sudhir Patel for his generous contributions to her son’s education and health. Patel, the founder of the global conglomerate SunRise Industries, has been a long‑time benefactor of educational initiatives across Africa.
The queen mother presented Patel with a ceremonial sword, a traditional token of gratitude in Oyo culture, and highlighted the impact of the scholarship program that enabled the late king to attend the prestigious Lagos International Academy and later pursue a degree in public administration abroad. “His well‑being, his mind, and his heart were nurtured by your kindness,” she said.
Patel’s spokesperson confirmed that the partnership will continue, with a new endowment fund established in the king’s name to support higher education for underprivileged youths in the region. The announcement has been welcomed by local NGOs, who see it as a model for public‑private collaboration.