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Tag: Oba Enitan Ogunwusi

  • Ooni narrates histories behind 401 tourist sites in Ile-Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, late on Wednesday said that there were 401 historical and religious sites in Ile Ife that could be likened to those found in other parts of the world.

    The oba also narrated the mysteries and the histories behind most of the sites that served as the living places for those deities while alive in Ile-Ife.

    He said that was why Ile Ife was and, is still, regarded as the cradle of civilisation.

    Ogunwusi said that these sites in Ile Ife had become tourists’ sites that are now visited by both local and international tourists, visitors and researchers alike.

    Ogunwusi gave the various historical accounts during a press tour of the ancient city ahead of the Tourism Innovation and Development Conference (TIDA) slated for April 24.

    The theme of the conference is: “Impact of Sustainable Tourism Development and Marketing of Tourism Destinations on Host Communities’’.

    The Ooni said that the 401 mystical and mysterious deities, who existed and had their living places in Ile Ife had also defied human science.

    He added that the living places of the deities had all become national monuments and tourists’ sites.

    He listed some of the deities’ living places as those of : ‘Olokun’ , ‘Osun’ and ‘Osara’ .

    Others include those of: ‘Oke Agbanmere’ , ‘Oke Ileri’ , Oduduwa, Moremi, ‘Aje’ , ‘Agidi’ , ‘Orun Oba Ado’ , ‘Orisa Oke’ , ‘Oranmiyan’ groves, and ‘Ile Igbo’.

    According to him, the ‘Olokun’ Grove is the head of the oceans, connecting all the oceans in the world. It used to roar like oceans and changes its colour from blue to green and vice versa.

    “The Oke Ileri Grove symbolises the biblical tower of Babel where the Almighty God scattered everybody’s language, till date people come from across the globe to see it.

    “’Orun Oba Ado’ Grove is where the remains of our past ancestors are buried and we also have the first place in the world where iron, brass and bronze were discovered.

    “’Agidi’ Grove is where a group of Ife people angrily marched to and turned into stones.

    “Also ‘Aje’ Grove is where we have the first market in the world, when people started gathering in the world for business purpose, now known as ‘Igbomekun’ market.

    “Anthropologists have come to test if actually, all these are true and their findings have been positive.

    “’Oke Agbanmere’ Grove is where the first palm tree in the world is situated, Orunmila lives there,’’ the Ooni said.

    He added that each of these sites was being properly preserved to ensure they did not lose their value and continued to attract both local and international tourists.

    Oba Ogunwusi urged Nigerians to visit each of the sites to familiarise themselves with the nation’s rich culture, history and tradition.

    “One needs at least a month to tour all the tourist sites in Ile-Ife because they are many,’’ the monarch said.

  • Chief denies rift with Ooni

    The Maye of Yorubaland, Dr. Ramon Adedoyin has said that he bears no grudge against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

    Adedoyin said this shortly after the visit of an umbrella body of associations of Ife people, Ife Action Council, led by the president of the association,  Dr. Gbolade Famoriyo and four Ife elders at the Senate Building , Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu,  Osun State.

    According to Adedoyin, who is also the founder of the Oduduwa University, the rumour of his animosity with Ooni was the handiwork of miscreants and enemies of Ife who are averse to the progress of Ife.

    Justifying that there had never been any animosity between him and Ooni, Adedoyin disclosed that Oba Ogunwusi had paid a visit to his residence and had also attended some of the programmes of the Oduduwa University.

    Read also: Ooni assures INEC of monarchs’ support

    Maye,  therefore, advised those who are heating up the polity and waiting to benefit from this perceived animosity with Ooni to allow peace reign in Ile Ife, adding that he would not dignify these group of people with any response.

    Adedoyin promised that in no distance time, himself and Ooni would meet and plan big for the growth and development of Ile Ife. “As I’m speaking with you, myself and Ooni talk,” he told The Nation.

    Maye  said he was not interested in politics or contesting any political position.  “I’m  also not interested in any chieftaincy be it the Ooni or Emese. As a matter of fact, I have discouraged my children from being interested in any position, be it political or chieftaincy in Ile-Ife.”

  • Ooni to crown ‘Asiwaju Omo Oodua’

    Ooni to crown ‘Asiwaju Omo Oodua’

    THE Chairman and Grand Patron of an N.G.O. Artkingdom, Chief Alex Akinyele, has said that arrangements are in top gear to unveil the new Asiwaju Omo Oodua after the demise of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who held the title last.

    Speaking at an event tagged ‘World Arts, Culture And Tourism’ (WACT) Congress, Ile-Ife 2018, Prince Yomi Otukoya who is the organisation’s President disclosed that the event is the initiative of Artkingdom International Foundation, Maakbeat Transnational Limited and The Communicator in collaboration with The National Council Of Arts And Culture, Federal Ministry Of Information And Culture, The Royal Court Of Ife and the Nigerian Television Authority.

    The project Executive Director, Engr. Segun Osibanjo, noted that, “it is highly imperative to fill the vacant title of the Asiwaju Omo Oodua just as the vacant title of Aare Ona Kakanfo has just been filled.

    “Plans are underway to pick out of about six eminent personalities who will also be honoured as the leading light from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. We have secured a royal endorsement and approval of Ooni Of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi to back up the event.

    “We are aware of the drastic change and yearnings of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to diversify from oil sector to other sectors like culture, tourism among others.

    “At this juncture, Art Kingdom has queued into the foresight of the federal government to boost socio-economic development of the country for culture and tourism”, Otukoya said.

    One of the project coordinators, Prince Adeleke Olukoya said the epoch event will come up in Ile-Ife, Osun State and would be hosted by Ooni of Ife in the first quarter of next year.

  • Queen Moremi Ajasoro pageant will reawaken cultural values in youths – Ooni

    Queen Moremi Ajasoro pageant will reawaken cultural values in youths – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that the introduction of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro ( QMA ) beauty pageant is to  reawaken  cultural values and responsibilities among  Nigerian youths, especially, girls.

    The traditional ruler who spoke through the ambassador of QMA, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, ahead of the  the forthcoming Queen Moremi Pageant contest slated for Dec. 3.

    According to him, our youths are gradually abandoning the cherished African  cultures and traditions and are replacing them with foreign cultures that are not in any way superior to ours.

    “The youths of today know little or nothing about our cultural legends.”

    Ogunwusi noted that values such  as selflessness, courage, patriotism and discipline, which the legendary Queen Moirémi Ajasoro exhibited in her lifetime, should be the  models  for contemporary and future  Nigerian youths.

    “The idea behind organising this contest is to recreate the legacies  of the revered Queen Moremi Ajasoro, impart them in our  young ladies of today to  prepare them for  future responsibilities as wives, mothers,community  and nation builders” he said.

    Ogunwusi said that he had set aside N5 million as registration fees to encourage the first 1,000 would-be participants for this year’s contest who might not have the financial means to obtain the forms.

    “I am, therefore, encouraging more young girls to embrace this exceptional opportunity of free registration,” he said.

    Ogunwusi also said that the contest was  opened  to young girls  from ages 18 years to 25 years.

    He said for eligibility, one or both parents of any  contestant must be of Yoruba lineage, from Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states.

    Also, Princess Ademiluyi,told NAN that , the new queen on emergence  would become the cultural ambassador to the Ooni of Ife, and would always accompany him as part of his entourage on foreign trips.

    “The 2017 winner will receive a star prize of  N5 million  to set up her own business, a saloon car, wardrobe allowance and other mouth-watering gifts.

    “In addition, she will have access to business advice from experts to ensure  the success of such business ,” Ademiluyi said.

    She added that all applicants who registered for QMA contest  would benefit from the empowerment forum that would take place during the auditions on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31,2017.

    “The cultural contest is a way of promoting our heroic legacies of Moremi Ajasoro which will continue to endure in the chronicles of both Yoruba and world histories,” she said.

    The current queen; Blessing Animasahun, a 600 – level Dental-Surgery student of the University of Ibadan, was crowned by the Ooni of Ife in 2016 in Ile-Ife.

    NAN

  • Who wants Ooni’s marriage crashed?

    Who wants Ooni’s marriage crashed?

    A FEW days ago, the social media were awash with the sensational story of the crashed marriage of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and his queen, Olori Wuraola. According to the authors of the story, Olori Wuraola, whose wedding to the Ooni last year and the subsequent honeymoon remains a reference point in social affairs, was guilty of certain misdeeds considered both unprintable and unpardonable. The marriage contracted just a little over a year ago was reportedly bedeviled by mutual suspicions and ego fights.

    Some said the monarch had lost patience with the Olori who hails from Benin City and had decided to dump her for a new beauty that would formally take Olori Wuraola’s place by September. The more adventurous of the rumour mongers even said that seeing the handwriting on the wall, Olori Wuraola had cut short her trip overseas and ran to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek his intervention in the royal rumble.

    But while many were getting ready to sing the dirge for the royal marriage, the Ooni himself came out to pour cold water on all the speculations. In an interview with an online medium, the young monarch dismissed the story as a baseless rumour peddled by mischief makers. Case closed.

  • KWASU produces 32 First Class graduates

    KWASU produces 32 First Class graduates

    Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Moro local government area, will on Saturday this week produce 32 First Class graduates out of a total of 1,010 graduating students in its fifth graduation year.
    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Malete,  the Vice chancellor of the university, Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, said that 496 graduates bagged second class upper credit, 376 graduates had second class lower credit, while 64 graduates were awarded third class.
    Prof NaAllah explained that high number of First Class graduates was occasioned by quality academic learning and environment, saying that some HND graduates who pursued university degrees were among the graduates.
    The vice chancellor, who said that the university had become the first institution to be accredited and approved to award degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering by the National University Commission (NUC), said that the accreditation would lead to further development and growth in the country.
    He also said that the commencement of the course in the university would soon lead to establishment of Space Research Centre on the campus, adding that it would help the country in aviation, engineering building and design.
    He said that the university had sustained quality education and research despite increase in number of students and effects of global recession on its activities.
    He said that a total of N11.7 million was approved in March this year, and presented to members of academic staff as grants and funds to pursue research in such areas as environmental science, Shea butter tree, organic fertiliser, cowpea varieties, moringa for fertiliser among other areas.
    He added that the convocation lecture would be delivered by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi,  Ojaja I, on Friday.
    He added that the royal father would talk on Practical Entrepreneurship: Leeway to Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth.

  • Festac 77 @40: CBAAC seeks blessings from traditional rulers

    The Director-General (DG) of The Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture (CBAAC), Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, on Wednesday said it will seek royal blessings from traditional rulers from the country’s six geo-political zones ahead of its activities to commemorate 40 years of Festac 77.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, had in media reports said that the CBAAC management was not carrying the traditional rulers along regarding the planning and implementation of Festac77at 40.

    The Oba had said that traditional rulers as the chief custodians of their cultures and traditional heritages should have been consulted on a national issue such as celebrating 40 years after Nigeria hosted the Second world festival of Arts and Culture, popularly called Festac 77.
    The activities to mark 40 years after Festac 77 was hosted by Nigeria will formally commence on April 1 across the country.

    Anikwe said that time was not on the side of CBAAC to visit all the traditional rulers across the country to intimate them about the coming programme.

    “It is too late now to seek royal blessings from all the royal fathers in the country over the celebration of Festac77 @40 but we will try and visit two royal fathers from the South-South, South- West, South- East, North -West and North-East geo-political zones of the country.

    “In fact, I am planning to have the Ooni play a key role on early March when the centre hopes to hold a traditional pre-celebration before the April 1 formal opening date.

    “The centre will formally visit the palace to seek his royal consent as soon as possible.

    “We are willing to learn more from His majesty and all other royal fathers from across the country,’’ he said.

    The D-G said that he visited the Ooni in 2016, but never discussed the forthcoming Festac 77 @40 with him.

    He said that he only went to see him when he was sourcing materials on a book he was writing to be titled: “Using Culture to curb Corruption’’.

    “His advice then was very instructive. He is very deep and cultural; he is a traditional ruler per excellence. I was attracted by his humility, rendition and packaging of ideas.’’

    Anikwe said that several Nigerians were scared that CBAAC would be involving witches and wizards in its programmes.

    “All I can say is that if witches and wizards are part of our culture, depending on the way anyone sees it, then the totality of our culture will be celebrated.

    “We will have an exposure of our historical cultural heritages. CBAAC has been involved in almost all Nigerian cultural programmes, including festivals,’’ he said.
    He said that since there were mandates for all cultural organizations to adhere to, each head of every cultural organisation should act in accordance with its mandate.

    “CBAAC’s mandate has stated areas that it must cover.

  • Ooni pushes for co-operation between OAU, community for development

    Ooni pushes for co-operation between OAU, community for development

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has challenged tertiary institutions to ensure that their host communities benefit from their research findings for holistic and balanced development for both.

    Ogunwusi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ile-Ife, Osun hat this would further advance the gown-town relationship between towns and citadels of learning.

    The monarch told NAN that there was no working relationship between the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and community that could have further uplifted the status of the town culturally, agriculturally and in other sectors.

    The monarch also said that the university had not been supporting the developmental plans of the ancient town in empowering its youths in agriculture, cultural orientations and others.

    “The community donated a large expanse of land to the institution in a befitting environment to operate where it has been experiencing peace since its establishment in 1962.

    “The institution uses the statue of the legendary Oduduwa as part of its logo, meaning that it appreciates culture.ooni-oba-adeyeye-enitan-ogunwusi-jpeg

    “Also, its motto is “ For Learning and Culture’’ symbolises that the town (community) and the gown (academic community ) must work together for the public interest.

    “Also, the indigenes of the town have been cooperating with the institution, thus making the institution to operate in a hitch-free learning environment, ” he said.

    Ogunwusi urged the authorities of OAU to come to the aid of the community for both to form a formidable working relationship for the good of all.

    He, therefore, appealed to the institution’s authorities to continue upholding what was contained in its motto by impacting the cultural knowledge to the younger generation.

    The monarch said that the institution needed to give back in return to the community that had been accommodating it in the spirit of corporate social responsibilities.

    “We are not asking for too much, we just wanted the institution to empower some of the indigent youths from the ancient town and its environs on agriculture, culture and other areas that will make them become self-reliant.’’

    This is because the future of our youths in the community matters most to us their leaders, he said.

    “I will like to use this medium to call on the authorities of the institution to establish a good working relationship and plans of action with Ife community, ” he said.

  • Festac 77 @ 40: Ooni gives blessing, wants traditional rulers involved in planning

    Festac 77 @ 40: Ooni gives blessing, wants traditional rulers involved in planning

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, has said that celebrating Festac 77, 40 years after Nigeria hosted it, will help Nigerians to reenact their traditional values, customs and cultures.

    The monarch said this while responding to questions from the management and staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Lagos office that paid him a courtesy call in Ile-Ife.

    They were accompanied with editors and reporters from the editorial and the multi-media departments of the agency .

    The oba said that Festac “77 brought love and unity to Nigeria , the host nation then, from all the 59 countries that participated in the one-month-long event.

    NAN reports that the Centre for Black African Arts and Culture (CBAAC) is planning to organize events that would commemorate 40 years of Festac’77 from this April to propagate the values and originality of black culture.

    It was also initiated to improve and develop the African culture and Nigeria in particular most importantly to leave a legacy that  younger generations will live to remember and uphold.

    Ogunwusi said that Festac ” 77 brought people of all races and nationalities to Nigeria to showcase their arts, culture and traditions, adding no festival had since surpassed it.

    He said that Festac “77 projected the modernisation of cultures and also put forth the ideology of race equality between Africa and other continents of the world.

    Ogunwusi said, “Festac ” 77 can rightly be seen as a demonstration and call for African unity and cultural development.

    “Festac 77 at 40 is worth celebrating and it will receive my support because of the great legacies it left behind after Nigeria hosted it,’’ he said

    The traditional ruler, however, urged CBAAC, the organisers of activities that would mark 40 years after FESTAC’’77 to involve traditional rulers from across the country in its planning.

    CBAAC should work closely with traditional rulers because they are the custodians of the African cultures, traditions and heritages, he said.

    He said that he had been reading about the coming events in the newspapers but the organizers had not reached out to him.

    I think CBAAC should reach out to us traditional rulers across the country for guidance and royal blessings before, during its implementations and after the celebrations, he said.

    The monarch also frowned at those saddled with the administration of cultural activities but only assign projects from the sector to those not knowledgeable.

    “Traditional projects should be given to the traditionalists, and not just to any person that does not know anything about culture and tradition.

    “ The traditionalists are the real custodians of our cultures and traditions. We have killed our culture by giving cultural works to non-practitioners, ” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to uphold their cultures and stop the idea of borrowing western culture and civilisation.

    “Nigeria has a rich cultural heritage which is wide and varied; and culture is one area where they have a lot to showcase to the rest of the world.

    “Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world with the largest concentration of blacks,’’ he said.

    The monarch lauded the Yoruba race and other ethnic groups in Nigeria for upholding and sustaining their traditional values and culture as genuine Africans.

    “The Yoruba are still the one upholding the culture of the black race in the world.

    “ Some of the nationals of Cuba, Brazil, Caribbean Island, Trinidad and Tobago emancipated from Nigeria, from Yoruba land precisely.

    “They speak and teach Yoruba language in some parts of these countries. Some of their nationals had also traced their roots to Yoruba land,” he said.

    The other ethnic groups in the country are also doing well and are among the best custodians of their traditional cultures and heritages in the world.

    “This is highly commendable,’’ he said.

  • Glamour as monarchs welcome Ooni to Ijebuland

    Glamour as monarchs welcome Ooni to Ijebuland

    Scores of Ijebu traditional rulers and chiefs on Friday afternoon joined  the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to receive the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, as he made his maiden Royal and historical visit to Ijebu – Ode, Ogun state.

    Oba Ogunwusi arrived the Awujale’s Palace, Ijebu – Ode, the Royal Home of Awujale by 1:16 pm.

    The 40-year old Ife monarch was accompanied by dozens of Ife (Osun state) traditional rulers chiefs  and Palace aides while the Elewon Ooni(Ooni Palace drummers) chanted “Oodua mbo o” Oodua mbo o” along.

    The Nation gathered that the visit was part of his agenda to foster greater unity, harmony and development of Yorubaland, Southwest Nigeria.

    Few weeks ago, he had paid similar visit to the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo town, Oba Lamidi  Adeyemi.

    At the Palace with Oba Adetona to welcome the Ooni are Oloori Omoba, Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye, Oba Abdul – Rasaq Adenugba, the Ajalorun of Ijebu – Ife, Oba Afolorunsho Oguntayo, the Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Toye Alatishe, the Olorogun of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku, the Alaporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Quadri, the Limeri of Awa  – Ijebu, Oba Amos Awobajo, Chief Duro Onabule among others.