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Tag: Ooni of Ife

  • Royal war: Ooni won’t react to Alaafin’s ’empty threat’ – Aide

    Royal war: Ooni won’t react to Alaafin’s ’empty threat’ – Aide

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said he would not respond to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, over the conferment of the “Okanlomo of Yorubaland” title on Ibadan businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

    Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, stated on Tuesday that the monarch would not dignify the ultimatum with an official response, stressing that the matter has been left to the “court of public opinion.”

    In a Facebook post, Olafare wrote, “My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the empty threat of the Alawada Babasala. We cannot dignify the undignified with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated. Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than those capable of dividing us.”

    Read Also: Alaafin warns Ooni against ultimatum over Okanlomo of Yorubaland title

    The Alaafin of Oyo had earlier described the Ooni’s action as an “affront” and a challenge to his authority, insisting that only the Alaafin holds the exclusive right to bestow titles with jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland.

    He gave the Ooni a 48-hour deadline to withdraw the title from Sanusi, a demand the Ife monarch has now chosen to ignore.

  • Ooni picks August 16 to unveil social media

    Ooni picks August 16 to unveil social media

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is set to unveil ‘2GEDA’, Nigeria’s first social media platform.

    This was made known in a statement by Smith Eze, a co-owner of the platform.

    The groundbreaking event, according to the statement, would hold on August 16 by 3pm, in Akanran, Ibadan.

    ‘2GEDA’, Eze said, was a historic step towards redefining Nigeria’s digital presence on the global stage.

    The young tech guru said the platform was designed to serve as a digital home for Nigerians and Africans, as well as internet users worldwide—providing a safe, inclusive and innovative space for communication, collaboration and commerce.

    The unveiling, to be hosted by Jubril Sanusi, Ilaji Group CEO, promises to attract celebrities from all walks of life.

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    Business executives and corporate titans, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Obi Cubana and a host of others are expected to grace the occasion.

    Also expected are top government officials at the federal, state and local levels, as well as prominent traditional rulers from across the country.

    Speaking ahead of the unveiling, the Ooni of Ife described ‘2GEDA’ as “a digital revolution tailored for Nigerians, by Nigerians and for the benefit of Africa at large.”

    The revered monarch said the project was part of a broader vision to position Nigeria as a force in global technology and innovation.

    During the unveiling, there will be a live demonstration of the 2GEDA web and mobile platforms. This will also follow with keynote addresses, cultural performances and a roundtable dialogue on digital innovation and indigenous tech development.

  • Ooni announces new Ife chief

    Ooni announces new Ife chief

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has approved the appointment of Prince Olagoke Owoyomi as the new Obajio of Ife.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media and Public Affairs of the Ooni’s Palace, on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

    Ooni said the selection followed a screening process involving three eligible princes from the Alayo and Bamidein ruling houses.

    The traditional ruler explained that Prince Owoyomi, a farmer and businessman from the Alayo ruling house in Moore, Ile-Ife, was picked after a “rigorous process.”

    He said the Ooni-in-Council had set up a five-man committee to screen the three contenders.

    Read Also: Ooni hosts 2025 Ayanagalu Drum Festival in Ife

    According to him, other contenders are Prince Olagbenga Owoyomi and Prince Kola Ogunrinola of the Bamidein ruling house.

    “This appointment is in recognition of your integrity, dedication to the values of our heritage, and proven commitment to the service of the Ife kingdom.

    “As the Ejio of Ife, you are expected to uphold the dignity of the title, serve with loyalty, wisdom, and humility, and contribute the unity, peace, and progress of Ile-Ife and her people.

    “Your installation and formal presentation shall be communicated I’m due course in accordance with palace protocols and customary rites,” the appointment letter, personally signed by the Ooni, reads.

    (NAN)

  • Ooni of Ife: Homage to one of Nigeria’s most inspiring leaders 

    Ooni of Ife: Homage to one of Nigeria’s most inspiring leaders 

    By Gbenga Omole

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, stands today as one of Nigeria’s most inspiring and impactful traditional rulers. While royal titles are often viewed as symbolic or ceremonial, Oba Ogunwusi has defied this expectation by turning his influence into a tool for progressive change. From education and healthcare to youth empowerment and cultural diplomacy, his reign has been marked not just by words, but by deliberate, far-reaching actions that continue to uplift lives and communities across Nigeria and beyond.

    One of his most striking contributions lies in the field of education. In an era when many communities still struggle with access to basic schooling, the Ooni, through his HopesAlive Initiative, built a state-of-the-art primary school in Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos. This school, equipped with a library, ICT centre, vocational training facility, and a sick bay, offers free education to children from underprivileged backgrounds—many of whom are typically found roaming the streets. For these children, the school is more than just a place of learning; it is a haven that provides them with meals, healthcare, and the opportunity to dream beyond their present circumstances.

    Beyond individual projects, Oba Ogunwusi has shown a strategic grasp of policy and community mobilization. In the lead-up to his 50th birthday, he spearheaded a unique campaign against truancy across the Southwest. He didn’t just stop at slogans—he implemented structures through local chieftaincies to monitor, support, and encourage school attendance in traditionally underserved areas, including parts of Kwara and Kogi states. This grassroots approach underscores a deep understanding of how to harmonize tradition with contemporary governance.

    In healthcare, the Ooni has made similar strides. He recently unveiled the Equity Health Group, a hospital and diagnostic center aimed at curbing Nigeria’s dependence on medical tourism. With this move, he seeks to make quality healthcare accessible within the country, an urgent necessity for millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to travel abroad for treatment. These are not headline-grabbing gestures; they are foundational investments in systems that directly touch people’s lives.

    What sets the Ooni apart is the breadth of his vision. He is as passionate about entrepreneurship and youth development as he is about culture and tradition. Through initiatives like the Adire-Oodua textile program, he promotes local industry and empowers women and young people with valuable skills. He has also thrown his support behind youth-focused innovation hubs and enterprise schemes, offering training and startup funding in fields ranging from agriculture to digital technology.

    Read Also: Lagos monarch-elect visits Ooni of Ife

    In 2023, he launched the Ife Community Trust Foundation—a platform dedicated to improving local infrastructure and services, including cultural theatres, storage facilities for agricultural produce, and digital literacy centres. Similarly, his Royal African Foundation, established a few years earlier, is a pan-African initiative addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and youth leadership development across the continent.

    Outside Nigeria, the Ooni has also emerged as a powerful cultural ambassador. His efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora, especially in the United States, have helped rebuild bridges severed by centuries of displacement and colonial history. He champions the cause of African identity, urging citizens to embrace local products, celebrate their heritage, and believe in their own capacity for greatness. Even his public support for security initiatives like the Forest Guards shows a forward-thinking approach to leadership, linking safety with economic growth and community stability.

    For all of these efforts, he has received both national and international recognition, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), awarded by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022. But perhaps his greatest achievement is how he has redefined what it means to be a traditional ruler in today’s world.

    Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is not merely presiding over a historic throne—he is reshaping it. He blends the wisdom and dignity of Yoruba kingship with the urgency and innovation needed to tackle modern problems. In doing so, he has built a legacy not just of royalty, but of relevance. His leadership is living proof that tradition, when guided by vision and compassion, can be a catalyst for change. 

    The Ooni of Ife has empowered over six thousand Nigerians, both directly and indirectly. He is a living colossus—an enigma and a shining example of a modern, first-class king. Long live our king!

    Apostle Gbenga Omole writes from Rhode island, USA.

  • Why I paid traditional homage to Ooni-Lagos monarch-elect

    Why I paid traditional homage to Ooni-Lagos monarch-elect

    The monarch-elect of Ketu-Epe town,  Ikosi Ejirin Local Council Development Area,  Lagos State, Prince Babajide Adekoya Adefowora on Saturday explained that his recent visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja 11) was a traditional homage to brief the monarch about his selection for the throne and receive his blessings.

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    Adefowora said: “It was homage of a son to a father. I see the needed to go and pay homage to my father Oonirisa (Oba Adeyeye) and brief him on what was happening in my town since I am the one chosen by the people of Ketu -Epe  as the monarch –elect; I am not the one that chose myself.

    “Oonirisa gave me a rousing welcome. I really felt at home with the level of hospitality accorded me and my entourage. We were admonished, prayed for by the revered monarch and the whole world saw it,” the monarch said.

  • Alaafin not in royal supremacy battle with any monarch – Aide

    Alaafin not in royal supremacy battle with any monarch – Aide

    The media office of the Alaafin of Oyo has denied insinuation and claims of royal tussle between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi or any other monarch.

    Reacting to an online viral video, the monarch’s director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaiye who deacribed as misleading and wicked fabrication said at no time did the Alaafin ordered his men to beat to a pulp ‘ father of the monarch ‘ of a village in the United States of America and later handed him over to the Police

    The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Media Office of the Alaafin of Oyo has been drawn to a misleading and wicked fabrication of a video produced by an online medium, Awikonko TV, and shown on YouTube .

    “In the malicious video, the anchor narrated how the Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, ordered his men to beat to a pulp ‘father of the monarch’ of a village in the United States of America and later handed him over to the Police.

    “The misguided anchor said the action was in attestation of Alaafin Owoade’s supremacy battle with the Ooni of Ife. The anchor of the video was not only a pathological liar, but should be confined to dungeon of eternity for being heartless in dishing out such lies. 

    “What really happened was that the ancestral lineage of descendants of Oyotunji village in the USA is Oyo town. It was more than two occasions, during the reign of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III , that the people of Oyotunji village traced their ancestral home to Oyo town and were given red carpet reception.

    “When a new Alaafin was appointed and after the coronation, the Oyotunji monarch thought it expedient to pay congratulations visit to his ancestral royal father, which he did. 

    “He was well received by the Alaafin before his departure. 

    “Where then did this online medium defecating the social media space get its own story, if not a cooked up one. The video shown neither correlates nor synchronise with the anchor. 

    “What is more? how possible is it for the Alaafin to order the beaten of a monarch who paid him a visit from a foreign village and with Oyo town as its ancestral Home?

    “However, to those who are bereft of Yoruba history, as a purveyor of authentic Yoruba traditions and given the responsibility of the Alaafin who is expected to be diplomatic, energetic and protective of his people could not have condescend so low as to have ordered his men to beat to a pulp father of a monarch from a village that belongs to Oyo in the United States of America. 

    “Before anyone can be appointed for the position of Alaafin, he must possesses all these qualities hence, the Titan of Yorubaland’s success in the building of a strong and longest reigning Empire in the world, Oyo Empire, which lasted over 600 uninterrupted years and also founded a new settlement with an efficient palace bureaucracy, and an unwritten but resilient constitution.”

    He said further, “Alaafin Owoade 1, is a royal father who puts emphasis on his own integrity, works to develop a strong ethical foundation with an understanding of Godly behaviour.

    “And he has been living to please God with a good character and a clean conscience, before his appointment as the 46th Alaafin.

    “The paramount ruler is man of commendable standards, as not many leaders have the credentials of placing public good above even the most reasonable of arguments like Alaafin Owoade.

    “When a leader is not conflicted inside and has truly experienced pure, unconditional love, then he will be at peace. These leaders do not need any affirmation from the outside, nor will criticism affect them. They are in an inner state of peace, which is inner power, while playing the part of someone in a position of leadership to society .

    “Alaafin Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, is not in royal supremacy battle with anyone but rather more concerned about the progress and development of his country home and emancipation of the entire Yoruba race. 

    “Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the malicious video and the fabricated anchor on YouTube.”

  • You’ve been my rock, best friend, Queen Ashley hails Ooni of Ife

    You’ve been my rock, best friend, Queen Ashley hails Ooni of Ife

    Queen Ashley Afolashade Ogunwusi, one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep love and appreciation for her husband.

    In an Instagram post, she described the Ooni as her greatest blessing, source of joy and love of her life.

    Queen Ashley praised the Ooni’s exceptional qualities, including his kindness, patience, and unwavering support.

    She thanked him for being her rock, best friend, and greatest gift, and expressed gratitude for their love and life together. 

    Queen Ashley wrote: “My husband #ooniadimulaife is my greatest blessing, my source of joy, and the love of my life. Every single day, he fills my world with kindness, laughter, and unwavering love. His gentle heart, his patience, and his ability to lift me up when I need it most make me realize just how lucky I am to have him by my side.

    “Oko mi, you are my safe place, the one who understands me without words and supports me without hesitation. Your love is not just spoken but shown in the smallest, most meaningful ways, whether it’s the way you hold my hand, the way you listen, or the way you make even ordinary moments feel special.

    Read Also: What to know about Ooni’s six new queens

    “Through every season of life, you have been my rock, my best friend, and my greatest gift. I am endlessly grateful for you Akande Mi Ajiwe Fun’Osha, I’m grateful for the love we share, and for the beautiful life we are building together my love. My heart overflows with love and gratitude every minute and everyday, knowing I get to spend forever with you. I love you today and forever Ninolowo Baba ADEMAKINWA, Aniyikaye Oko AFolasade, Olewalowo Mi, ikoyi Esho Mi”.

    The queen’s message was accompanied by a prayer for a blessed new month, seeking happiness, peace, and prosperity for all. 

    “Happy New Month to us all, may it be a blessed month for us all. Awise Afogbohun,” she added.

  • Lagos monarch-elect visits Ooni of Ife

    Lagos monarch-elect visits Ooni of Ife

    The Alaketu-designate of Ketuland in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Adekoya Babajide Adefowora, has received the royal blessings of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi during a historic visit to Ile-Ife on Wednesday.

    A statement issued by Adefowora’s Media Office said the visit marked a significant step in his journey to the throne and ”reinforced the deep ancestral connection between Ketuland and Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race. It also symbolized a spiritual endorsement of his kingship by the foremost custodian of Yoruba tradition.”

    Prince Adefowora, from the Ateshimara Ruling House, was formally presented by the traditional authorities of Ketuland on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

    He arrived at the palace in the company of his family, high-ranking chiefs, and kingmakers, all of whom played key roles in his selection and endorsement.

    Describing his visit as a homecoming, Prince Adefowora expressed profound gratitude for the Ooni’s blessings and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Yoruba traditions.

    “I have come home to pay homage to my father, the Ooni of Ife. My love for my people inspired me to accept this sacred call to the throne of Ketu. This journey is about upholding our heritage and leading my people toward a future of growth and unity,” he said.

    Read Also: Provide evidence or drop allegations against Akpabio, Adeyanju tells Natasha

    He added “I am aware of certain fraudulent documents being submitted to the authorities. I call on the government to investigate this and ensure that due process prevails. The Supreme Court has already affirmed my right to the throne, and I urge everyone to respect the rule of law,” he stated.

    Speaking on the delay in filling the Alaketu throne, he emphasized that Yoruba tradition requires a period of transition after a king joins his ancestors.

    “My people made their choice long ago, and today, they have formally presented me to our ancestral father, the Ooni of Ife. I am honored to receive Kabiyesi’s blessings,” he added.

    In his response, the Ooni of Ife congratulated Prince Adefowora and prayed for a reign filled with wisdom, peace, and prosperity.

    “You are embarking on a sacred duty that requires wisdom, patience, and a deep commitment to your people. I pray that your reign brings unity, progress, and development to Ketuland,” the Ooni said.

    The monarch further stressed the importance of upholding Yoruba customs and fostering unity among Yoruba kingdoms.

    “Our heritage is our strength. Leadership is a divine responsibility. Work with your people, uphold our customs, and ensure that Ketu Land continues to thrive,” he added.

  • Ooni, wife unveil N14.1billion ‘L’Extinction’ thorn carving artwork

    Ooni, wife unveil N14.1billion ‘L’Extinction’ thorn carving artwork

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his queen, Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi have unveiled ₦14.1billion L’Extinction’ thorn carving artwork to revive the art that has gone into extinction.

    This was done to commemorate the 2025 Aje festival as Oba Ogunwusi gave his royal blessings of economic fortunes on L’Extinction artwork at Ooni’s palace, Adire Oduduwa, and Art Gallery.

    Speaking at the event, Queen Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi explained that “L’Extinction also means ‘No to extinction’ artwork which was produced by Olapeju Twins and artist Olulaja Akeredolu from the endangered thorn trees which has almost disappeared from our forest. The disappearance of thorn trees was due to logging and deforestation activities of human beings.”

    He noted: “Thorn carving artwork we are unveiling today is the most important piece of thorn carving in history because it is the first artistic carving that accurately tells us to say ‘No To Extinction’.”

    The queen explained that the art piece was created to re-invent the art of thorn carvings, that famed artist Chief Justus Akeredolu from Owo invented in the 1930s which is currently going into extinction.

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    “Thorn Carving, which is an excellent illustration of African culture, was invented in Nigeria in the 1930s, about the same time that Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter in Denmark, created Lego wooden toys.

    “Lego is now a multi-million dollar toy industry and has produced over 600 billion Logo toys, whereas our iconic miniature tree thorn carving has almost gone into extinction”. She stated.

    She explained that “the value of the artwork is inscribed on the frame as €93 Million, which equates to ₦14.16billion. This value was to redress and level thorn carving that originated from our fatherland Nigeria with its counterpart lego toys, which was invented in Denmark in 1932.”

    In her remark, Ambassador for Environment, Ms Olapeju Olayemi explained that the priceless art value stems not just from the extreme reality of thorn trees but also from the status of the princely hand-woven attire in which the thorn is placed and the fascinating backstory of thorn carving and lego toys invention in 1932.

  • Ooni of Ife welcomes wife, newborn son into palace

    Ooni of Ife welcomes wife, newborn son into palace

    The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has celebrated the homecoming of his queen, Olori Ashley Ogunwusi, and newborn son, Prince Ademakinwa, in a grand ceremony.

    The event, attended by traditional rulers, dignitaries, and well-wishers, marked a joyful occasion for the royal family.

    Read Also: Ooni of Ife visits Buhari in Daura

    Prince Ademakinwa was born on September 3, 2024 at Princess Royal Hospital in London.