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Tag: Ooni of Ife

  • Southwest won’t play second fiddle again, say Ooni, Fayemi’s aide

    OONI of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor Mr. Biodun Omoleye have said the Southwest region will not play a second fiddle again in the country’s politics.

    They said in view of the unquantifiable contribution of the region in the country’s growth, it has no reason to allow itself to be schemed out of the country’s political configuration.

    The Ooni and Omoyele added that the zone stands the chance of regaining its frontline position, if it embraces unity and value reorientation.

    Oba Ogunwusi spoke at his palace in Ile- Ife, Osun State  yesterday when Omoleye  delivered  a lecture entitled:  “Enculturation of the Yoruba culture among youth: Implications on social reengineering  and good governance”, at a cultural programme organised by Yoruba Youth Council(YYC).

    Oba Ogunwusi said: “Yoruba has always been known for being a pacesetter since pre-independence days. So, we cannot take backseat; and to achieve this, we must be united and our youths must promote our cultural, economic and political values.”

    In Omoyele’s paper, the call for constitutional empowerment for the traditional rulers resonated.

    The Chief of Staff insisted that such policy would help in stabilising the country.

    Omoleye said the traditional rulers must be empowered to legally handle issues bothering on communal clashes, child abuse and local disputes that are causing distractions to government to decongest the conventional courts and reduce prison inmates.

    He reiterated the desperate need for the Yoruba youths to rise up and defend the Southwest region in Nigeria’s politics, saying the zone won’t submit to the idea of playing second fiddle again for it to remain relevant and be vibrant.

    The programme held at the palace of the Ooni of Ife also featured award presentation and honour for the prominent Yoruba traditional ruler.

    Omoleye, in his paper, said the emasculation of the traditional institutions by governments contributed to the high-level of instability of the country.

    “The traditional rulers should be empowered to handle cases relating to cultural differences, ranging from child abuse, matrimonial, communal differences and disputes.

    “This will decongest the conventional courts and reduce prison inmates. This will also stabilise the society rather than the punitive English legal system that we are currently practicing.”

    On politics, Omoleye added that the Yoruba youths must begin to pose as true ambassadors by joining the vanguard that would fight for the race to regain its rightful pride of place as people with integrity and rich cultural and political values.

    Omoleye added that Yoruba race could not afford to be relegated, having taken the lead since the 50s under the leadership of the former premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “The first democratically elected government under the late Obafemi Awolowo ran the best civil service in Africa and established institutions that were the best in the continent.

    “The first television station in Ibadan was a product of Yoruba vision, the Liberty Stadium and of course, the University College Hospital, Ibadan was at a time the best medical centre in the entire Commonwealth.

    “With the personality like Oba Ogunwusi on the throne, hope has not been totally lost. This is a great time for reformation and restoration of Yoruba values and culture and our imperial Majesty is well-positioned to champion this course,” he said.

     

  • Ooni of Ife hosts 2Face Idibia, wife Annie

    The Ooni Of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has played host to Nigeria’s music icon, 2Face Idibia and his wife Annie, at his palace.

    The Ooni of Ife’s official Instagram page posted a video of the visit of 2Face Idibia and his wife on Wednesday, where the king expressed his pleasure over the visit.

    He went on to congratulate him on his award at the Obafemi Awolowo University.

    “A great pleasure receiving TuFace, the peace ambassador to the throne of Oduduwa and his adorable wifey, Annie Idibia.

    “I thank God for your giant strides in life so far, especially the fellowship award given to Tuface by the department of Music from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); Congratulations!!!” he wrote.

    READ ALSO: 2face Idibia bags OAU’s honorary fellow award

    The Ooni also announced that he has given 2Face Idibia a new name ‘Tubobo’ which according to him was because of his never-aging look.

    “You are now also TuBobo; Annie, please don’t get angry about the new name I just gave your husband, it is because he looks much younger every passing day… I bid you greater successes in life. #OoniofIfe #Otisese,” he said.

    The 43 year-old Singer, who is also a songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur had earlier been conferred with the award of the Fellow of the school of music by the Department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

    The music icon, who has stayed relevant in the Afro-pop scene for two decades and one of the most decorated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa was honoured at Igbinedion University in 2016.

    He is a recipient of several awards including five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award), four Channel O Music Awards, BET Award, MOBO Award, Kora Award, MTV Europe Music Award, World Music Award.

    He has released several albums including; Face 2 Face, Grass to Grace, The Unstoppable, Away and Beyond, The Ascension.

  • Ooni announces discovery of another waterfall in Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Saturday, said that another waterfall, set to be unveiled, had been discovered at the Ife Grand Resort, Ile-Ife.

    Ogunwusi disclosed this when executives of the Nigeria Tour Operators (NATOP) visited him at his palace.

    The monarch said the land on which the resort was built, was home to wild animals.

    He explained that the animals had, however, been appeased and had moved further into the bush to make the area safe for operations and tourism.

    According to him, in his quest to beautify the place and transform it to a world class tourist site, a waterfall that beats human imagination was discovered and remodeled.

    “This is a mysterious waterfall that has just been discovered. It elicits about seven colours of water including red, blue, green and so on.

    “We are still doing some work on the site, and when the project is complete, the whole world will marvel; and this is one of the things that will sell our country internationally.

    “The resort has been under construction for two years now; and when we are done, there will be nothing like it in the world,” he said.

    According to Ogunwusi, since he assumed the throne of his ancestors, he has made many discoveries that were beyond human imagination and beats world science.

    Read Also: Ooni, Adams seek credible polls

    He described the discoveries as metaphysical things which truly attested to the myth that Ife was the cradle of mankind.

    ”We have too many discoveries in Ife that defy science; and which will blow the minds of tourists.

    “Most of these mysterious discoveries are what we need to sell to the world because we cannot continue to shroud them in secrecy, which is the reason I decided to rebrand our heritage sites in Ife.

    “This is a very ancient palace of more than 10,000 years; I have buildings of 300, 400 to 500 years within the palace and they have all become monuments which many people come from around the world to see.

    “As a trained real estate developer, I have blended tradition and modernity in terms of design and concept of the palace,’ he said.

    The monarch called on Nigerians to stop depending on the government to groom tourism, but to rather tap into the tourism potentials at the grassroots.

    He said this would create massive employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths and reduce crime in the society.

    “We all must stop blaming government on the state of the tourism sector in Nigeria, let us take advantage of the huge tourism money spinners around us,” Ogunwusi advised.

    NAN

  • 2019: Ooni urges Yorubas in Kano to support Ganduje

    Satisfied by the developmental projects, programmes and policies put in place in Kano and the protection of the Yorubas by the administration of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has urged all Yorubas in the state to support Ganduje’s re-election bid.

    He made the statement at the Fundraising of N500m for the establishment of Yoruba Community House, that was held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano,said he would make sure that Yorubas continue to live in peace with all in Kano.

    Ooni commended Ganduje for accommodating Yoruba community in the state, adding that, “We are thanking His Excellency for showing his love and compassion to us. I am assuring you that our people will give you their unflinching support during election. No doubt about this.”

    “My people are telling me that they need four more years for you. And I know you will do more when you get another chance,” he stated.

    While calling for a standing ovation from Yorubas that were at the event, he requested that, they should pray harder for his (Ganduje’s) Four Plus Four slogan, that he needs four more years.

    He said they were all glad to be associated with governor Ganduje in his effort for securing the future of the women folk, through his empowerment schemes.

    Read Also: Kano ready for Atiku, says PDP chair

    “Yoruba communities have been in Kano for many decades. And they are living with all people peacefully. I met an elderly man who said he has been in Kano for over forty years,” said Ooni.

    To make it clear for all Yorubas in the state, to understand his call for supporting Ganduje, Ooni said “Our dear governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje deserves another four more years. I am assuring you that votes from Yoruba communities in Kano, will be for you Your Excellency.”

    In his response, governor Ganduje said he was delighted to receive the Ooni at Government House, saying to the Ooni “This is your home Your Imperial Majesty. You know that Kano people believe in and promote national integration.”

    Ganduje said “The development of Kano has been facilitated by different nationalities here in Kano. We love them and we protect them.”

    He further reveals that, Kano develops because it is accommodating, ensuring that, “We believe everyone has his or her quota to share for the sustainable development of the state. We are aware that, it is convergence of cultures that brings into limelight sustainable growth and development.”

    Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, assured all that, whoever lives in Kano is from Kano, emphasising that, “Whoever lives peacefully, respects law and order and respects his dignity and others, we regard him as a Kano citizen. It is incumbent upon us to protect such person.”

    Emir Sanusi reminded that, “Yorubas have been in Kano since from the time of the establishment of Kurmi market, during the time of Emir Muhammadu Rumfa, over 500 years ago.”

    To show how Kano blends with other ethnic nationalities even at the level of the Emirate Council, Emir said “After the befitting construction of Palaces for our District Heads we ordered for such construction for the Sarkin Yarbawa, Eze of Igbo, Sarkin Edo and other similar ethnic nationalities.”

    “Not only that” he continued “We are making preparation to see that, we start paying salary to Sarkin Yarbawa, Eze Ndigbo, Sarki Edo and for other ethnic nationalities. Just as we pay our District Heads and other traditional title holders. It is not the money that matters, but rather it shows that they are also part and parcel of Kano community.”

     

     

  • 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.”

  • Photos: Buhari receives S/West Traditional Rulers in Abuja

    Traditional rulers from South West Nigeria, on Friday, paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the state house, Abuja.

    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) in a handshake with the Ooni of Ife Co-Chairman National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Others are Alake of Egbaland Chairman Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alayemore of Ido Osun South West Coordinator, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Vice Chairman, Lagos Traditional Ruler, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Olukare of Ikare Akoko Chairman Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba ( Alhaji) Akadiri Momoh 1V, Oloye Oye Chairman Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III, during an audience with Traditional Rulers from SouthWest of Nigeria.
    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by the Ooni of Ife Co-Chairman National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Others are Alayemore of Ido Osun South West Coordinator, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha, Minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazzau, Minister of Health Prof Isaac Adewole during an audience with Traditional Rulers from SouthWest of Nigeria held at the State House, Abuja.
    President Muhammadu Buhari (M) in a handshake with the Ooni of Ife Co-Chairman National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Others are Alake of Egbaland Chairman Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alayemore of Ido Osun South West Coordinator, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Vice Chairman, Lagos Traditional Ruler, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Olukare of Ikare Akoko Chairman Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba ( Alhaji) Akadiri Momoh 1V, Oloye Oye Chairman Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III, during an audience with Traditional Rulers from SouthWest of Nigeria held at the State House, Abuja
    R-L;; President Muhammadu Buhari being presented with an artwork by the Ooni of Ife Co-Chairman National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi accompanied by Alake of Egbaland Chairman Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III during an audience with Traditional Rulers from SouthWest of Nigeria held at the State House, Abuja.
    . R-L;; President Muhammadu Buhari being presented with an artwork by the Ooni of Ife Co-Chairman National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi accompanied by Alake of Egbaland Chairman Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alayemore of Ido Osun South West Coordinator, Alayemore of Ido Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Vice Chairman, Lagos Traditional Ruler, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Olukare of Ikare Akoko Chairman Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba ( Alhaji) Akadiri Momoh 1V, Oloye Oye Chairman Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbole III, during an audience with Traditional Rulers from SouthWest of Nigeria held at the State House, Abuja.

     

     

  • 2019: Ooni warns politicians against violence

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has warned politicians against all forms of violence in the forthcoming general elections.

    Oba Ogunwusi gave the warning at the Grand-finale of New Year Prayer Service organised by Christian Association of Nigeria, Ile- Ife Chapter, at Afenworo Park, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, on Saturday.

    According to Ooni, there is no gain in the shedding of blood, trouble and violence and anyone that died cannot come back to be useful to the society again.

    He charged all and sundry to maintain peace and orderliness in the forthcoming elections, saying it is only God that enthrones and put his choice on the throne.

    The Royal Father admonished politicians to give peace a chance and allow peaceful coexistence in all ramifications; if truly they want to serve humanity. He advised politicians to desist from do-or-die affairs.

    Read Also: Ooni, Falana, others for anti-corruption confab

    The traditional ruler urged youths to work for their future and run away from politicians who want to misuse them for political violence and selfish interest.

    Ooni, however, acknowledged God for His mercy that endures forever over all and sundry.

    While congratulating the Christians, he said that their being alive is neither by their power nor by their might, but by the grace of God.

    Ooni encouraged Christians to ensure that they are devoted to God by serving Him wholeheartedly and in holiness this year.

    He called on Christians to love each other and surrender everything to God, for He alone can do all things.

    NAN

  • One dead as youths set palace ablaze over kingship tussle 

    One person was feared killed as irate youths of Edunabon in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Wednesday set ablaze the town’s palace over kingship tussle.

    The youths were protesting the selection process of a prince to become Salu Edunabon after the passing away of the immediate past traditional ruler, Oba Elijah Agunbiade on August 4, 2017.

    The youths allegedly rejected Prince Nasiru Adebayo as their new king, faulting the selection process that worked in his favour.

    The angry youths went on rampage when it dawned on them Prince Adebayo was set to occupy the palace after his seclusion rites.

    The identity of the man, who was reportedly killed, could not be ascertained.

    Also, Prince Adebayo is said to be hospitalised following the beating he received from the angry youths.

    For two weeks there had been tension in the town as Prince Kehinde Oladepo and Prince Nasiru Adebayo, from the same ruling house, were laying claim to the vacant stool of Salu of Edunabon.

    The two princes were said to have undergone seclusion rites reportedly on separate recommendations of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Osun State government.

    While the community and the kingmakers were said to have fovoured Oladepo after series of spiritual consultations, the Ooni of Ife allegedly preferred the candidacy of Adebayo.

    A community leader, Chief Morakinyo Oyebayo, told reporters the Ooni faulted the selection process of the kingmakers in a letter dated November 22 on the ground they failed to carry him along in the choice of Prince Kehinde Oladepo in accordance with Customary Law.

    He said before Ooni’s preference, Prince Kehinde Oladepo had spent up to a week in seclusion and the kingmakers had announced him the new Salu of Eduabon.

    This was before Prince Nasiru Adebayo was given consenting authority to proceed on his own seclusion last Friday by the Ooni.

    Oyebayo further explained Oladepo’s emergence was announced after rigorous meetings that involved the warrant chiefs and executives of the Ife North West Local Council Development Area.

    One of the warrant chiefs, Seye Oyelade from Ile Akunran in Edunabon, said the process that led to the emergence of Oba-elect was transparent and fair.

    He thereby urged the people of the community to join hands with the new monarch.

    Chairman of Ife North West LCDA, Edunabon, Hon. Ademola Olabisi Olabamigbe, said the process witnessed a lot of challenges but ended peacefully.

    It was further learnt that Oladepo, who hails from Amoloye Compound in Isiboni ruling house, emerged as the 2nd beaded-crown Salu of Edunabon after the two warrant chiefs assigned by the state government unanimously voted for him.

    He was said to have defeated six other contestants including Prince Oluwafemi Akinropo, Olawale Adeboye Isaac, Odunlade Samson, Adeyeye Samuel Oluwaseye, Adebayo Nasiru and Onifade Rapheal.

    When Prince Adebayo allegedly felt unsatisfied, he was said to have mobilised his supporters to force himself into the palace.

    But the youths resisted the move and allegedly chased him away.

    They later set the palace ablaze.

    The state police command through its spokesperson, Folasade Odoro, said normalcy had returned to the community after the police intervention.

     

  • Former Ghanian President, Mahama, visits Ooni

    …Says Ife is root of African culture

    Former President of Ghana, Mr. John Mahama, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, in his Ile-Odua Palace in Ife.

    Mahama during the visit described the Ife kingdom as the root of the “rich African culture.”

    He said: “I am overwhelmed by the welcome I got and the current atmosphere since I stepped out of the car. The drums, dance, songs, dressing and others are indeed wonderful.

    “As a student of history, I have read and studied that Ile-Ife kingdom as the cradle of human race, and the kingdom occupies a high position in the global history.

    “I have come to return His Imperial Majesty’s visit to the Republic of Ghana two years ago, especially to encourage him in his efforts of unifying the African continent. I’m impressed, and I appreciate everything done in my honour.”

    Receiving the former Ghanian President and his team, the
    Ooni said that the African continent remains one big family, despite the boundaries between her countries and communities.

    The Arole Oduduwa said: “Before the advent of the Western civilization, there  were no boundaries between the African nations and communities We are one big family.

    “But it gladdens my heart that with committed individuals like President Mahama, we have remained that united big family working together for the progress of the African continent.”

    Accompanied by his beautiful queen, Olori Silekuola Naomi Ogunwusi, Ooni Ogunwusi who is a Co-Chairman of Nitional Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria prayed  for the former President.

    Oba Ogunwusi also called on the Isoros (Custodians of the 201 dieties of Ile Ife Kingdom), who jointly offered spiritual blessings to former President Mahama, lauding the former president for exhibiting humble and simplicity character.

    Read also: Ooni picks leading artistes to undertake Yoruba culture revival

    The foremost African monarch said: “When I was in Ghana to honour Mr. President two years ago, he was in power, to the glory of God, he displayed humility and simplicity.

    “He didn’t even wait for any aide to do anything for me. He did it by himself. He made tea and offered me by himself. There is no difference between when he was in power and when he was not. That’s humility and simplicity.”

    In 2016, the visiting former president of Ghana played host to Ooni Ogunwusi and his entourage when he was on a 5-day working visit to Ghana.

    The former Ghanaian leader was accompanied by his elder sister, Alhaja Sherifat Dundu, and her husband, Alhaji Bisi Dundu. Others are Chief Of Staff to the former president, Mr. Julius Debra, Alhaja Olusola Shodeinde, Prof. Jeleel Ojuade of the University of Ilorin and the Publisher of the Ovation Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu.

  • Ooni to celebrate Moremi in Lagos

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has initiated a musical drama to propagate African women’s values of courage and strength, as demonstrated by Queen Moremi Ajasoro.

    This is in an effort to empower women against oppression.

    The 90-minute drama will be showcased from next month in Lagos, according to Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, the Cultural Ambassador to Queen Moremi.

    “This unique project is going to be 90 minutes of dance, drama and music, telling the story of an African queen from Ile-Ife, Southwest of Nigeria.

    “It will take us back to the memory lane on how Queen Moremi risked her life and made the ultimate sacrifice to end trafficking and enslavement of her people, especially women and children,” Ademiluyi said in Lagos.

    The cultural ambassador spoke yesterday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on behalf of the Ooni of Ife.

    She said the 13-day stage performance, to begin from December 21, will stir courage and leadership abilities in the African woman.

    “The Ooni of Ife celebrates the courage of Queen Moremi Ajasoro with a maiden 90- minute musical drama from December 21 to January 2 in Lagos,” Ademiluyi said.

    According to her, the House of Oduduwa Foundation of the palace has appointed Bolanle Austin-Peters Productions to come up with the legendary theatre performance.

    “It will propagate and rejuvenate the cherished values, culture and tradition of an African woman as demonstrated by Queen Moremi, who by unusual courage put herself forward in order to save her people,” the princess said.

    She enjoined African women to exhibit courage and other leadership abilities for a progressive society.

    Ademiluyi said proceeds from the musical drama would be used to assist and rehabilitate young women, who fell victims of modern day slavery.

    “His imperial majesty, in line with his rehabilitation programmes, says the programme will key into his ongoing empowerment of victims of modern day slavery and trafficking under the House of Oduduwa Foundation,” she said.