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Tag: Ogunwusi

  • Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

    Ogunwusi, Soyinka laud Tinubu for creating cultural-friendly environment

    Ooni of Ife  Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s growing recognition of culture as a vital pillar of national identity, unity and international diplomacy.

    The monarch, who is the Global Patron of the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for creating a cultural-friendly environment and giving formal recognition to traditional heritage and spiritual institutions across the country.

    “We are grateful that this administration is giving rightful recognition to our culture,” the Ooni declared. “Culture is the soul of a people. Without it, we have no identity. President Tinubu’s leadership is not only helping to reposition our cultural values on the global stage, but also bringing us back to the very essence of our existence,” he added.

    Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke at a conference held at the Brazilian Consulate in Lagos,  organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), as part of preparations for the upcoming global cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil under the auspices of WOOCON, called for religious tolerance among adherents of  religions, saying humanity should be paramount in all that religion stood for.

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    The Ife monarch urged the Yoruba across the globe to reconnect with one another in order to shift global perceptions about Orisa, saying Orisa was a propellant energy that no one could survive without.

    Brazilian Consular in Lagos, His Excellency, Ambassador Manuel Inocencio de Lacerda Santos Junior, lauded the historical and spiritual connections between Brazil and Nigeria, particularly through the shared Yoruba heritage that continued to thrive across both nations.

    Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) and Secretary of the WOOCON Board of Trustees (BOT), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, emphasised the global cultural renaissance currently taking shape and the pivotal role Nigeria must play in the unfolding narrative.

    “WOOCON is not just a congress—it’s a movement to reclaim and redefine African cultural consciousness and identity. This ground-breaking initiative is going to be one of the global cultural festivals that will reposition Nigeria as a major tourism destination in the world by exploring new opportunities in cultural and spiritual tourism that can generate over 10 billion USD annually for the country in the next three years if planned well.

    “Nigeria’s decision to collaborate with Brazil in the area of culture, tradition and heritage is informed by the deep historical and cultural connections that exist between the two nations.

    “These cultural similarities are specifically profound and undeniable in the area of Yoruba heritage where thousands of Brazilians have over the years, visited Nigeria to participate in major cultural and religious festivals such as the Osun Oshogbo Festival, the Olojo Festival, and Sango Festival to mention a few.

    “These interactions reaffirm the strong ancestral ties between our people and highlight the need for structured engagements that will further solidify these bonds. Interestingly, it is not just Brazil but a whole lot of other countries in the Caribbean’s”, Otunba noted.

    Two eminent cultural icons who are Patrons of WOOCON; Prof Wole Soyinka and Prof Wande Abimbola lent their voices for the movement.

     While the Nobel laureate reaffirmed the importance of intellectual and spiritual engagement in reviving the African culture, Prof. Abimbola, a renowned Yoruba scholar, who joined virtually from the United States, spoke passionately about the Orisha tradition as a global spiritual system that must be preserved and respected across continents.

    Soyinka alluded to the fact that culture defines people and nationalities. He opined that this consciousness is long overdue and appreciates the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for encouraging and supporting this initiative, saying it is sincerely a step to greatness and global boost in tourism revenue and relevance.

    The gathering marked a significant moment in advancing Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and underscored the commitment of WOOCON to building bridges between Africa and the diaspora through shared heritage, spirituality, and collaboration.

  • Olori Tobi Ogunwusi’s double gifts

    Olori Tobi Ogunwusi’s double gifts

    Olori Oluwatobiloba Phillips Ogunwusi recently gave  birth to twins.

    Hence, she has a reason to shout Hallelujah as she is blessed with a boy and a girl for the progenitor of Yoruba race, the Ooni of Ife.

    Olori Oluwatobiloba, who was an erstwhile beauty queen and a fashion buff, joined the Ooni’s harem a few years ago as the third wife, making her the youngest of all the wives. One thing that stood her out apart from her ravishing beauty and graceful gait is her homely attitude.

    After her union with the influential monarch, her lifestyle changed. She stayed where she was told to stay and only went out when necessary. She is one of the King’s favourites for high octane events as her fashion sense and beauty radiate with an uncommon aura. She also became the delight of those within the palace as she maintained a cordial relationship with many.

     At some point, she withdrew from her social media pages while she went through the pregnancy phase. She also left the palace and moved to Lagos, where she received the best care while undergoing the antenatal process.

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    Although it was a tough journey for her, being her first shot at pregnancy and motherhood, she was able to pull through with the help of her husband and her family members who stood by her side all through.

    While many of her admirers were wondering why she took a break from social media, some alleged at a point that she had fallen out with her husband but not many knew she was going through her pregnancy phase as she completely hit it from public consciousness.

     While she birthed the twin baby in an undisclosed hospital on the Island in Lagos, many are expecting her to return to the social scene but the mother of two will gradually take some time off to attend to the newest prince and princess of Ife.

     Sources from the palace also disclosed that since the announcement of the bundle of Joy, there has been a series of celebrations in a build-up to the naming ceremony later this week as the Ooni will spare no cost to celebrate the birth of the newborn.

  • Ogunwusi performs first Olojo festival

    Ogunwusi performs first Olojo festival

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the weekend, performed his first Olojo festival since ascending the stool last November.

    Amid jubilations from indigenes, Oba Ogunwusi, who wore white robes and shoes, moved out of the palace around 4.30pm to Oke Emese, where he performed some rites before wearing the Are crown.

    It is a special crown made of 151 items, which the monarch uses only once a year during the festival.

    Before the ooni began his trip to Oke Moogun, his messengers, wielding canes, performed the symbolic sprint three times to clear the route the monarch would pass through.

    From Oke Emese at 5pm., the ooni emerged wearing the Are crown holding a white dove, amid prayers and several gunshots.

    As he began the journey to Oke Mogun and Idi Aje – two major ports of call during Olojo festival – rituals were done and prayers were said for the peace of Yoruba race and Nigeria.

    On the procession of the ooni to Oke Mogun were Ife chiefs, priests and members of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) as well as indigenes and tourists from different parts of world.

    A palace source, which said that the Are crown weighs 100 kilogrammes, said the last Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, owing to his advance age in the last three years of his reign, did not wear the crown during the celebration of Olojo festival.

    Olojo Festival, which holds yearly, is a major cultural celebration in Ile-Ife to mark the creation of the universe.

  • ‘Ogunwusi pride of Ibadan Poly’

    ‘Ogunwusi pride of Ibadan Poly’

    The management of The Polytechnic Ibadan has described the selection of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as a pride to the foremost institution.

    A statement by the Registrar, Hezekiah Ayodele, said the choice of Ogunwusi was based on his pedigree, antecedents and achievements.

    “The management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan congratulates Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, an alumnus of the institution. His appointment is a pride to The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    “His appointment has further confirmed the capacity of The Polytechnic, Ibadan as a first- class institution, which has trained many distinguished Nigerians, including Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayodele Fayose.

    “The management has no doubt that Ogunwusi’s selection was based on his pedigree, antecedents and unparalleled achievements in many spheres of life.”

  • Ife gets face-lift ahead of coronation

    Ife gets face-lift ahead of coronation

    The Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA) has deployed an ad hoc team in Ife preparatory to the coronation of the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    According to a statement by OWMA’s General Manager Ganiyu Oyeladun, the team would ensure effective sanitation and beautification of the ancient town.

    He urged the team to complement the effort of the existing one on ground to ensure a cleaner environment.

    The OWMA boss, who noted that Ile-Ife occupies a prime place in Yorubaland, said event as the installation of the Ooni would attract dignitaries from far and near.

    He said Ife township should be clean and beautiful before, during and after the coronation to create a good impression in the minds of visitors.

  • Ooni stool: How Ogunwusi was picked by kingmakers

    Ooni stool: How Ogunwusi was picked by kingmakers

    We knew he’ll be king, says dad

    Coronation to hold within 21 days

    IFE kingmakers yesterday defended their choice of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as Ooni, saying they followed due process in picking him.

    The Laadin of Ife Traditional Council, Chief Adetoye Olatunde Odewole, said there was no rancour during the process.

    He debunked the claims of a ruling house that the process was “faulty and fraudulent”.

    Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin of the Lafogido ruling house had described Ogunwusi’s selection as “faulty and fraudulent”, saying the family would soon come out with its position on the exercise.

    But Odewole told reporters at the outer hall of the Ooni’s palace: “We followed due process by using the 1980 Ife Chieftaincy Declaration to pick a candidate from the Giesi Ruling House, which by that declaration is in line to produce the Ooni  after the passing to glory of Oba Okunade Sijuwade. We also consulted Ifa oracle before all of us.

    The 14 kingmakers unanimously voted for the candidacy of Prince Ogunwusi”.

    Installation rites for the Ooni begin tomorrow in the ancient town.

    Ogunwusi, 40, was named the 51st Ooni early yesterday by the Osun State government following the kingmakers’ recommendation.

    He is expected in the town tomorrow following which he will move to Ilofi, for the start of the 21-day ritual that will terminate in his installation.

    Ogunwusi was billed to arrive today but it was shift till tomorrow in order to put the Ilofi in shape for him, sources said.

    The town erupted in jubilation following news that Prince Ogunwusi had been pciked from among the array of contestants from the Giesi royal family.

    A jubilant crowd, carrying a large portrait of the prince, marched to his father’s residence on NTA Road, Mukoro area of the town, to share in the family’s joy.

    His father, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi, said it was revealed to the family before the birth of the incoming Ooni, that he would become king.

    According to him, Prince Adeyeye’s grand father always referred to him as “Ooni Adeyeye” during his life time.

    He said out of his seven children, Adeyeye had always demonstrated special attributes that stood him out.

    The Ooni’s father said his son would live his for the town, adding that the monarch would work for the peace, unity and progress of the people.

    Former Special Adviser to Osun State governor on Youths, Sport and Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade, an indigene of Ife, told reporters that a new era had dawned in the ancient town with the selection of a youthful monarch.

    Ogunwusi, he said, would be a revolutionary monarch, whose tenure will serve the best interest of everyone, particularly the youth. He urged members of the other ruling houses – Lafogido, Osinkola and Ogboru – to embarce peace and work together for Ife’s progress.

    There was jubilation in Iremo, Moore towards NTA Road, Mukoro area of Ife, where the Ooni’s father lives.

    Security agents were in strategic locations within the town. An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed at Enuwa.

    A family source said last night that relations, friends and well wishers from Ife will meet Ogunwusi at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and accompany him in a motorcade to the ancient town tomorrow.

    A source close to the kingmakers said the Ife Traditional Council was working with the government to ensure that the people troop out to receive Ogunwusi when he enters the town.

    According to the source, a group of people led by some members of the traditional council will receive the Ooni at Asejire, the boundary between Osun and Oyo states on the Ibadan-Ife expressway.

    Another contingent, led by some other members of the council, will receive him at Ajebandele area of the town along the same road. The place which is about 1,500 metres to the main gate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, symbolises the actual entrance to Ile-Ife.

    From there, the people will move to the palace for an official welcome session.

    It is not clear if the Ooni will be presented with his letter of appointment at the palace tomorrow.

    The source did not also confirm if shops and offices will be closed in honour of the Ooni,  but he said the Ife people and other residents will join traditional chiefs to welcome the Ooni as, according to him, “the entire town is in a joyous mood.”

    Ogunwusi is expected in Ife between 11am and noon and will proceed to his family house before going to Ile Oduduwa about 50 metres from the Ooni’ Palace at Enuwa, where he is expected to stay and undergo some rites.

    At Ile Oduduwa, he will be received by the traditional chiefs and priests for another rounds of rites and rituals expected to last 21 days at Ilofi.

    It was gathered that the conventional 30 days period for the Ooni to stay in Ilofi before he will be eventually crowned has been reduced to 21 days.

    The traditional chiefs and the priests were said to have resolved to reduce the days to 21 because they don’t want the installation of the Ooni to disrupt the Olojo festival billed for the end of next month.

    An aspirant Prince Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, from the Moniki compound of the Giesi Ruling House, has congratulated the Ooni.

    In a message yesterday, he  wished him a memorable and eventful coronation in advance. He praised Governor Rauf Aregbesola for making the  process crisis-free.

    The kingmakers, Ayedun said, should also be praised for their unity of purpose.

    Ile Ife, he noted, is greater than everybody and charged all to unite to uplift the town.

    Adewoyin said the Lafogido ruling house would meet to discuss the development .

    Adewoyin, who was the deputy of former Governor Adebisi Akande, said Lafogido could not fight government since it has accepted the kingmakers’ choice.

    He said it was obvious that the government had gone against the wishes of the generality of the people of Ile-Ife, urging the people to remain calm.

     

  • Ogunwusi: A new dawn in Ile-Ife

    Ogunwusi: A new dawn in Ile-Ife

    As Ile-Ife high chiefs begin coronation rites for the Ooni, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the ancient town is aglow with festivities. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the people’s expectations about the new dawn

    It is a new dawn in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yorubaland. As Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, chartered accountant and businessman, fulfils his destiny, the ancient town erupts in jubilation. Traditional chiefs, community leaders, Ife leading lights and youths appear to be in one accord. Women from Ojaja Agbedegbede linage are changing the cognomen of his forebears. Friends and relations of the prince from Giesi Ruling House are excited as the chiefs and members of the sacred society warm up for the installation rites. Statesmen, businessmen, politicians and other eminent Nigerians are offering felicitations. The Orisun (source) is in a happy mood.

    The news reverberates across the country that Yoruba has a new monarch. In the old Southwest, which extends to Kogi, Edo and Delta, monarchy reconnects with the kith and kin. No doubt, the main issue is the beginning of a new era in Ile-Ife. The eyes of the children of Oduduwa at home and in the Diaspora are on the youthful and promising Ooni-elect, who, has been widely acknowledged as a worthy successor to the exalted stool, vacated by the ebullient and highly influential Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

    His royal siblings – the Orangun of Ila, Alaketu of Ketu, the Onipopo of Popo, Onisabe of Sabe, Olowu of Owu, Oba of Benin and Alaafin of Oyo – are not aloof.  Also, foremost and beaded crown–wearing royal fathers in Yorubaland, including  the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Oore of Otun and Mobaland, the Owajero Asotemaru of Ijero, the Obalufon Alayemore of Efon Kingdom, the Alake of Egbaland and the Awujale of Ijebuland, could not be indifferent to the new development. The Oyos, Ekitis, Ijesas, Akokos, Ikales, Ilajes, Ijebus, Egbas, Awori, Igbominas, Ebolos, Binis and even Itsekiris, are monitoring the unfolding events.

    As he inherits the honour, prestige and splendour of kingship, Ogunwusi will also shoulder the burden of royalty. At 40, he is full of energy, vigour and zest. From yesterday, he became the property of Yorubaland as the custodian of the Household of Oduduwa, the progenitor. Ogunwusi is an educated prince. He is a successful investor. He must now strive to become a successful monarch and primus inter pares.

    The new role demands much adjustment, learning, gerontocratic guidance, denial, sacrifice and wisdom of the gods. Some of his predecessors – Obalufon Alayemore, Oranmiyan Akinorun, Giesi, Lafogido, Osunkola, Ayikiti, Adelekan Olubuse Eriogun, Derin Ologbenla, Ademiluyi Ajagunlaforikan, Adesoji Tadeniewo and Sijuwade – have raised the stool to a loftier standard. The last five even played more significant roles in the shaping of contemporary Yoruba history as their reigns coincided with the period of modern civilisation.

    According to Ife indigenes, Ogunwusi’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers can only be justified, if he successfully builds on the achievements of his illustrious predecessors and avoids some of the mistakes, which attempted to mar their reigns in the ancient town.

    There has been no Ooni without a marked difference and achievement. The people of Ile-Ife looks forward to a new era of township progress, peace and prosperity. But, there are other challenges. Ogunwusi is ‘inheriting’ a divided Yoruba race. The Southwest is ruptured by political bickering. Yorubas in Kwara and Kogi are agitating for a sense of belonging. They remain as marginalised blocs outside the Western Region. The entire race is still protesting its marginalisation in the distribution of federal appointments. Therefore, the people of Yoruba will prefer an Ooni, who will protect, preserve and fight for the interest of the people without indulging in partisan politics.

    The history of Ife also shows that there are other three critical challenges before the new ruler. The first is the challenge of reconciliation in the royal households. To survive, Prince Ogunwusi should wave the olive branch to other princes, who jostled for the exalted stool with him during the selection process. All of them belong to the same extended family of yore. He should also unite some aggrieved chiefs and community leaders who opposed his bid for the throne and those who threw their weight behind his aspiration. The second is the challenge of developing a global outlook, germane to the maintenance of permanent social peace and psychological harmony in Ile-Ife and its environs and more especially, between Ife and Modakeke. The third is the challenge of diffusing the inexplicable cultural tension between Alaafin and Ooni.

    In the next three months, the Ooni-designate will face the reality of his new calling. At Ipebi (seclusion), where he will be tutored, the subjects will include the history of Yoruba race, the import of his apex Yoruba crown, the primacy of traditional officialdom, relationship of interdependence between the Ooni and high chiefs, bond of kingship in Yorubaland and fraternity with brother Yoruba Obas, traditional worship and cultural festivals, especially the significance of the Olojo, boundary studies and cultural etiquette, among others.

    Many believe that Ogunwusi is fit for the throne because he has the qualities of a blue blood. He is very charming and charismatic. Historically, all Oonis have been colourful. Before they ascended the throne, they were perceived as first class princes and Obas-in-waiting. Many of them were men of valour. For instance, Oranmiyan returned to rule Ile-Ife after returning from Benin. He later founded the Oyo Empire.

    Obalufon Alayemore left Ile-Ife to establish Efon Kingdom with other aborigines. He had to abdicate the throne when Oranmiyan returned to Ife from Benin.

    Ayikiti ascended the throne, based on the support of Are Ona Kankanfo Latoosa of Ibadanland.

    Oba Adelekan Olubuse I became the Ooni when Ife was in pains. The town was deserted because it was sacked by Modakeke. According to Rev. Samuel Johnson, Oba Olubuse wiped away Modakeke from Ile-Ife. In his book, The History of Yoruba, he wrote: “Thus, it came to pass that, on 27th day of March, 1909, twenty-three years after the imposition of the Treaty, the town (Modakeke) was broken up. Those of them who were descended from Owu relocated to their ancestral homes to Owu Ipole, between Ife and Ijebu; others to Gbagan, some to Odunabon, others to Ede; the bulk of the people, however, with Ogunsua or Baale of Modakeke, relocated to a place called Odekomu, somewhere midway between Ede, Ife and the Ijesas, about ten miles from Ife, just beyond the River Sasa, which after the war was made the boundary of Ife territory.” A year after, Olubuse I passed on.

    Oba Derinola Ologbenla ruled simultaneously as the Baale of Oke-Igbo. In fact, during his 13-year reign at Ife, he was Oooni-elect. But, the British listed him as one of the Oonis. He was a great warrior. He played a key role in Yoruba history during the 16 years of Ekiti Parapo war.

    Oba Ademiluyi brought the people of Modakeke back to Ife to boost the population of the kingdom so that he could earn a fatter allowance from colonial masters.

    However, Alayeluwa Aderemi, who ascended the throne in 1930, was the first educated Ooni. He was disliked by his predecessor, Oba Ademiluyi. In fact, Oba Ademiluyi knew that Aderemi was likely to succeed him. On one occasion, he was framed up in a traditional case, asked to give account while prostrating for more than eight hours. But, he was very courageous. Oba Aderemi was also a man of foresight. Knowing that power would shift from traditional rulers to political elite, he sent his children to school so that they could join the club of the new ruling elite. The first secondary school in Ile-Ife was established during his reign. The University of Ife was sited in Ile-Ife because Oba Aderemi requested for it. Many expected that the university will be sited either in Ondo or Ado-Ekiti. But, as the then Premier, the late Chile Samuel Ladoke Akintola put it, Kabiyesi has demanded for the school.

    The late Oba Aderemi served as a member of the Colonial Legislative Council and later, the House of Representatives, where he became a minister. When the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo became the Premier of the defunct Western Region, Aderemi became the Governor. He promoted unity and understanding between Ife and Modakeke. In fact, the monarch sealed the cordial relations with his marriage to Segilola from Modakeke.

    His successor, the immediate past Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade,  was the grandson of Oba Adelekan Olubuse I. He was born around the period of Aderemi’s coronation. From childhood, he was behaving like a king. At Abeokuta Grammar School, he objected to being canned by his principal, Rev. Oludotun Ransom-Kuti, claiming that he was a prince and future Ooni of Ife. A successful businessman, the late Awolowo played a prominent role in his ascension.

    However, reminiscent of his grandfather’s reign, crisis soon broke out in his kingdom. The acrimony betwen Ife and Modakeke resurfaced and it claimed huge casualties on both sides.

    The late Ooni urged the Federal Government to consider Ife for the capital of Osun State. But, Osogbo eventually became the capital. But, Ife was compensated with an additional local government with the headquarter at Enuowa (the palace of Ooni).

    The challenges that confronted past Oonis were different from the challenges of today. Prince Ogunwusi is a businessman. Therefore, he is expected to attract investment to his domain. This, according to people, will create employment for youths. This will reduce crime.

    In the early days, Oba Sijuwade was a philanthropist. Many Ife indigenes will want the new Ooni to resuscitate that culture of touching the lives of the poor.

    As a father-figure, it is also advisable that the new monarch should shun partisanship so that he can truly be the symbol of unity in his kingdom.

    PAST OONI

    1st      Oduduwa                                   

     2nd    Osangangan Obamakin          

     3rd    Ogun                                          

     4th    Obalufon Ogbogbodirin                     

    5th     Obalufon Alayemore              

     6th    Oranmiyan                                

    7th     Ayetise                                       

     8th    Lajamisan                                  

     9th    Lajodoogun                               

     10th  Lafogido                                    

     11th  Odidimode Rogbeesin           

     12th  Aworokolokin                          

     13th  Ekun                                           

    14th   Ajimuda                                     

     15th  Gboonijio                                  

     16th  Okanlajosin                              

     17th  Adegbalu                                   

    18th   Osinkola                                    

    19th   Ogboruu                                    

     20th  Giiesi                                          

     21st   Luwoo (female)                          

    22nd   Lumobi                                      

    23rd   Agbedegbede                            

    24th   Ojelokunbirin                          

     25th  Lagunja                                      

    26th   Larunnka                                   

    27th   Ademilu                                     

    28th   Omogbogbo                             

    29th   Ajila-oorun                               

    30th   Adejinle                                     

    31st    Olojo                                          

    32nd   Okiti                                  

    33rd   Lugbade                                     

    34th   Aribiwoso                                 

    35th   Osinlade                                    

    36th   Adagba                                       

    37th   Ojigidiri                                    

    38th   Akinmoyero 1770-1800           

    39th   Gbanlare 1800-1823                             

    40th   Gbegbaaje 1823-1835               

    41st    Wunmonije 1835-1839             

    42nd   Adegunle Abewela 1839-1849

    43rd  Degbinsokun 1849-1878          

    44th   Orarigba 1878-1880                  

    45th   Derin Ologbenla 1880-1894   

    46th   Adelekan (Olubuse I) 1894-1910        47th                        Adekola 1910-1910                                             

    48th   Ademiluyi (Ajagun) 1910-1930         

    49th   Adesoji Aderemi 1930-1980

    50th Okunade Sijuwade (Ogboru )1980–2015

     

  • Ogunwusi is new Ooni

    Ogunwusi is new Ooni

    King unveiled  at 2:49am

    The Osun State government this morning named Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (40) as the Ooni of Ife.

    He replaces Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed away in July.

    Ogunwusi’s appointment was announced by the government at 2:49am.

    A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, reads: “The Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has approved the appointment of Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi of Giesi Ruling House as the new Ooni of Ife.

    “This choice follows the completion of the due process by the kingmakers and the communication of their decision to government.”

    Ogunwusi was picked 89 days after the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade in London.

    Oba Sijuwade passed on after a brief illness on July 28, but his death was confirmed on August 10.

    Ogunwusi of the Ojaja Royal compound of Agbedegbede in the Giesi Ruling House, attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accountancy.

    He went into business and became a property merchant.

    His profile on the website of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited (a subsidiary of GTBank) reads: “Mr. Ogunwusi is a graduate of Accountancy and a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and of the Institute of Management.

    “He has been involved in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts locally and abroad for over 11 years.

    “He was involved in the development of the Northern Foreshore Estate, Cityscape International Limited’s Buena Vista project in Lekki, Primewaterview Limited’s projects, Westcom Limited’s projects, and the Ajaokuta Steel’s and Delta Steel’s resuscitation projects

    Before  Ogunwusi’s selection, there was anxiety in Ile-Ife amid plans by the government to name the Ooni.

    There has been heavy security presence in the town since Saturday following Friday’s judgment on a suit challenging the Ooni of Ife 1980 Chieftaincy Declaration.

     

  • Ogunwusi joins race

    Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi from Ojaja Compound in Giesi Ruling House has signified his intention to occupy the Ooni seat.

    Spokesman for the family Prince Olalekan Ijiyode, who addressed reporters at the weekend, said Ogunwusi was chosen by the compound because of his credentials.

    Saying the candidate had the wherewithal to occupy the Ooni throne, he said: “Prince Ogunwusi is the popular candidate from the Ojaja Unit of the Giesi Ruling House to emerge as the next Ooni. He is capable of occupying the exalted stool. He has what it takes to become our next king. So, he remains the best candidate for the highly-revered throne.

    “Prince Ogunwusi understands the nitty-gritty of the culture and tradition of Ife. He has the resources, he is well- exposed, highly-educated, financially-buoyant and people-oriented. To the best of the knowledge of the Ojaja Unit of the Giesi Royal Family, he fits the throne.”

    Ijiyode faulted a claim that the selection process should not be subjected to rotation, saying the arrangement had always been by rotation.