The sculpture depicts Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, the oldest king in the history of the ancient city of Ile-Ife who is said to have spent almost a century on the throne.
His reign is put at between 8th-9th centuries. He was father to Obalufon Alayemore whose reign was marked by the first cultural renaissance in human history, pre-dating the Carolingian renaissance of 8th -9th century. Obalufon shrine plays an important role in the Installation of a new Ooni since Are the ancient crown of Oduduwa, must be blessed in the shrine before it could be donned by a succeeding Ooni.
The held belief is that Obalufon did not die and for that reason, no other Ooni can be crowned while he is still alive necessitate that he blesses the Are for the safety of a new Ooni.