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.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, said on Saturday that Nigeria’s unity is never in doubt and not negotiable.
The monarch said the strength of the country lies in its unity and diversity.
He urged youths in the country especially those from the South East to channel their strength toward efforts that would improve the country.
Speaking in Umuahia during a courtesy visit on Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, the Ooni said there must be a good reason for youths to have behaved the way they did and called for dialogue between them and government find a way out of the crisis.
He said: “There is no need for war or disunity in the country but there is need to tell the youths that disintegration will not pay, rather they should use their energy to do things that will bring out the best for the country.
“Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) can be renamed and rebranded to Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria, as the youths are the heartbeat of our country. I want to urge the governor to bring them in and let them know that government is behind them.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has advised Nigerians against breaking the bond of unity and peace existing in the country.
Osinbajo gave the advice in Uyo on Saturday at a grand ceremony organised by the Akwa Ibom government to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of the state.
The vice president, who is on a two-day working visit to the state, urged the people to resist attempts by any group trying to push them to destroy the existing peace in the country.
“Peace is the foundation of enduring prosperity and for peace to reign everywhere in Nigeria, all of us as Nigerians must make necessary sacrifices.
“We are in a situation where we must take seriously the admonition to love one another.
“Whatever complaints we may have must not be an excuse to subvert the social order,” Osinbajo said.
He assured Nigerians that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is ever ready to listen to all genuine complaints from any group.
“The Buhari government is prepared to engage and listen patiently to all sections of the country.
“But you as individuals also have a major role to play.
“Citizens everywhere should not sit idle when misguided elements choose to recklessly destroy the common bond of brotherhood and friendship that has put us together for decades,” Osinbajo said.
The vice president, who was the special guest of honour at the event, praised Gov. Udom Emmanuel for his visionary leadership in the state.
He descibed Akwa Ibom as a state with great history, which creation 30 years ago started with the agitation by Ibibio State Union for the creation of COR state.
He stated that Akwa Ibom is one of the fastest growing states in the country.
He assured that the Federal Government would support the state to develop the Ibaka seaport.
“Provisions have been made in the current budget of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) for the development of the Ibaka Deep Seaport,” he said.
Earlier, Gov. Emmanuel had expressed appreciation to former military President Ibrahim Babangida for creating Akwa Ibom State on Sept. 23, 1987.
Emmanuel also acknowledged the efforts made by the former governors of the state made to lay a solid foundation laid for its growth.
“The bush paths had become highways, our villages had turned into metropolis, I am here to consolidate on the achievements of all the past leaders,” Emmanuel said.
He said that the creation of the state was a divine plan.
Emmanuel, therefore, urged the people of Akwa Ibom to unite for the development of the state irrespective of their ethnic and political differences.
Speaking on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, the Ekiti Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, congratulated the Akwa Ibom people for the unity among them.
He also congratulated Gov. Emmanuel for the laudable projects he initiated toward the economic development of the state.
Fayose said that the governor deserved a second term.
In his speech on behalf of National Assembly members from Akwa Ibom, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the strength of Nigeria depended on its large population.
“We in the National Assembly will not support division, we stand for one Nigeria. We will not support disintegration,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio, who is the immediate past governor of the state, said that the Akwa Ibom people were praying that the will of God to be done in Nigeria.
He commended Gov. Emmanuel for laying foundation for the industrialisation of the state.
Speaking on behalf of former governors of Akwa Ibom, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), noted that a lot of positive things had happened in Akwa Ibom since its creation.
Nkanga, who was the third military administrator and first indigenous governor, called on the Federal Government to restructure Nigeria based on true federalism.
He lauded Gov. Emmanuel for putting in place structures aimed at speeding up industrialisation of the state.
Many dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the former governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah were at the event.
Has the 17-month-old marriage between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his wife, Olori Wuraola, ended? The royal lady says ‘yes’; it’s all over. BISI OLADELE highlights some major events at which the duo shone like mega stars in the short marital voyage.
It had been in the rumour mill for some time. But yesterday a post on the official Instagram page @hhzynab of Olori Wuraola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi confirmed it all.
When the royal father married Zaynab Otiti at a lavish traditional ceremony on March 13, last year, the marriage sealed the breakdown of his marital relationship with Adebukola, with whom he tied the nuptial knot 10 years earlier. The two marriages did not produce children.
Seventeen months down the line in the palace of the Ooni, Zaynab, whom Oba Ogunwusi renamed Wuraola (Yeyeluwa of Ife) shortly after the royal marriage, took to the social media yesterday, putting paid to suspicions that all was not well with her marriage.
Zaynab was clear in her message as she wrote:
“We have got to stop this culture of shaming and vilifying women with false stories of infidelity and nefarious behaviour. The spreading of false information (through ‘sources’ afraid to be identified) is the mark of cowards and a cover-up for guilty parties to justify their horrific actions. There is absolutely no truth to the media circulated lies of infidelity and infertility- on my end.
“What I can confirm, is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love and exhale gratitude. My journey continues as a humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence and abuse with the United Nations. No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence and manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies: Get out and seek immediate help!
“We’ve seen this movie before. Women being dragged in the press and blamed for everything under the sun. This behavior is unacceptable. I urge those involved to be mindful of their actions for the eyes of our Almighty God are always watching. The seed of slander is a cancer that harvests to eat away the souls of the planter.
“The throne is sacred and the attempts to tarnish the name of a queen, in defense, or on behalf of a silent king, makes all involved look terrible. Remain dignified in all you do. It’s not the end of the world, but the start of a new chapter and you must turn the page with grace. The world is watching.
“As I bid adieu to this chapter, my wish to you all is to step into your lives – boldly and fearlessly, the way God intended and live not just by words, but through example. The best chapter in our lives is the one we are writing now. Thank you for your love and support.
With peace, love and light, – Her Highness, Zaynab Otiti Obanor.”
The 17-month old journey was not uneventful as the duo lived in glamour and royal splendour – within and outside the country.
Royalty swelled all around them as they graced public functions and social events. They made impressive representation of the Yoruba culture and heritage at cultural events across the world.
It started with their appearance at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu 64th Birthday Colloquium in Abuja, on March 29, 2016. But the couple was first hosted to a royal dinner by a popular politician, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As they disembarked from the airplane at the Abuja Airport along with their aides, they were ushered into a waiting Limousine which was accompanied by two executive Mercedes Benz, four Land Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and a couple of escort patrol vans, which cruised smoothly into the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. The new couple was welcomed by a crowd of Yoruba sons and daughters, who were on hand to catch a glimpse of the new phenomenal royal couple, particularly Olori Wuraola, who had just come into the top Ile-Ife royal family. Then, they paid homage to the foremost Yoruba monarch and his queen.
Oba Ogunwusi and ‘Olori Wuraola’
In April and May last year, Yeyeluwa was the cynosure of all eyes at the Osaara and Olokun festivals in Ile-Ife. Always donning wine or red royal costumes, including coral beads to match her husband’s all-white costumes, her beauty and cool mien were sources of attraction to guests and admirers.
Also on May 22, Olori Wuraola was the centre of attraction at the award ceremony where Ooni was received the award of the Extraordinary Ambassador of Peace by the Methodist Church, Nigeria. The event which was held at the Cathedral Church of Methodist, Nigeria in Oyo, also had the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola (Adeyemi III) in attendance.
In June, last year, Oba Ogunwusi and his queen stormed the United States of America (USA) like African mega stars. From New York to New Jersey and several other cities, Olori Wuraola glittered in her royal apparels that revealed her beauty and excellence. Oba Ogunwusi drew a standing ovation from Pennsylvania state legislators he addressed. Olori Wuraola complemented the glamour of his entourage. She was the one many Americans warmed up to for banters and cordiality.
Earlier this year, the couple was in the United Kingdom (UK) during which they visited the British Museum and addressed the Commonwealth Assembly. As many white and Black British academics and researchers met with Oba Ogunwusi, his Olori was never far from him, donning either her red or white royal apparels to add colour to their visit.
Also in May, the Yeyeluwa stepped out in a sparkling white outfit with white royal costume to celebrate the Olokun Festival with her husband. She called for promotion of cultural festivals to serve boost local tourism.
The Ooni and his wife were also in Canada last month. They met with the Nigerian High Commission leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), Nigerian-Canadian Association and members of the Yoruba community in Canada.
They also visited the Canadian Museum of History and attended the Canada-Nigeria Cultural and Business Fair. Olori Wuraola was right by her husband, shaking hands with the who-is-who in the North American country.
With yesterday’s post by the Olori, it is unclear what the future holds for the 17-month-old union between Oba Ogunwusi and the Benin, Edo State born queen.
Many are still shocked, wondering what went wrong shortly after returning from Canada.
As the news of collapse of the marriage of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to Olori Wuraola is gaining the attention of Nigerians; the Ooni Palace Wednesday said it was not yet time to speak on the issue.
According to the palace, the issue will be addressed at the appropriate time.
The Ooni’s Director of Media, Mr. Moses Olafare, said the palace was aware of many things, right or wrong, being said about the issue but assured that “when it is time to speak the truth would be told.”
Speaking with our correspondent in Ife, Olafare said: “This era of social media, where people have free access to internet as constitutionally permitted by laws of the land people can say anything.
“Decorum still requires that we in the House of Oduduwa we shouod maintain our silence, at least for now. This is because marriage is strictly a private matter that should not subjected to undue public uproar. When it is necessary for us to talk, we will surely talk on the issue.”
Meanwhile, Olori Wuraola has broken her silence on the issue.
On her Instagram page, she confirmed that truly the relationship had broken but denied the claim that it was as a result of infidelity on her part.
According to her, the 17 months old marriage to the foremost Yoruba monarch is officially over.
However, Olori Wuraola, who has dropped Oba Ogunwusi’s name for her former name, Zaynab Otiti Obanor, did not give reasons for the breakup.
She said: “We have got to stop this culture of shaming and vilifying women with false stories of infidelity and nefarious behaviour. The spreading of false information (through “sources” afraid to be identified) is the mark of cowards and a cover up for guilty parties to justify their horrific actions. There is absolutely no truth to the media circulated lies of infidelity and infertility- on my end.
“What I can confirm is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love and exhale gratitude. My journey continues as a humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence and abuse with the United Nations. No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence and manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies. Get out and seek immediate help.”
Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, on Wednesday confirmed her separation from the monarch.
In a statement on her Instagram page, the queen who has also reverted to her maiden name Queen Zaynab-Otiti Obanor, said there is absolutely no truth in the report of infidelity and infertility published about her.
Wuraola’s marriage to the Ooni lasted 17 months.
The statement reads: “We have got to stop this culture of shaming and vilifying women with false stories of infidelity and nefarious behaviour. The spreading of false information (through ‘sources’ afraid to be identified) is the mark of cowards and a cover up for guilty parties to justify their horrific actions. There is absolutely no truth to the media circulated lies of infidelity and infertility on my end.
“What I can confirm, is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love and exhale gratitude. My journey continues as humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence and abuse with the United Nations. No matter how much time you’ve invested, no matter the use of media to silence and manipulate, no matter the circumstance, slander, embarrassment, threats and lies: Get out and seek immediate help.”
IF there is one lesson the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Wuraola, has learnt in the last couple of weeks, it would be to keep her friends very close and her enemies at arm’s length, because when the world came crashing down on her, it was her friends who formed the wall of protection that prevented her from being crushed into dust.
While her detractors gleefully sharpened their long knives, closing in for the kill, it was those whose friendship with her ran deeper than fame that served as her armour and shield, deflecting the enemy’s blows.
It was just over a week ago that a tabloid site went to town with the ‘news’ that Olori Wuraola had been sent packing from her position as Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi’s queen due to some “unspeakable” acts she allegedly committed.
While the Bini beauty was running from pillar to post trying to defuse the situation in the wake of allegations that she had been involved with older men in a more-than-friendly way, it was her friends like Polo Avenue boss, Jennifer Obayuwana, who rallied to her aid and helped her to fight back at the vicious rumour alleged to be the handiwork of some people who were not comfortable with her position as a Bini queen consort on a Yoruba royal stool.
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.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has urged government at level to provide employment opportunities for youth in the country as a way to reduce rising crime in the society.
The imperial majesty stated this yesterday during a press conference to unveil Liquified Petroleum Gas, LPG and Compressed Natural Gas, CNG Gas by Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, NATA with THLD Logistics Ltd at the NATA’s House, Olomi, Academy in Ibadan.
The king who was represented by two monarchs, the Agboolu of Agbaje in Ife, Oba Adekunle Adebowale and Elerefe of Erefe, Oba Fayemi Johnson, said providing employment opportunities like the conversion of vehicles using petrol and diesel to gas will save the country from capital flight therefore increasing GDP and keep youths busy.
The King who is the Grand Patron of NATA and Chairman of THLD logistics Ltd, said the initiative was also brought to the fore to enhance safety and reduce cost of running the vehicle coupled with other comparative advantages over using of Petrol and diesel.
Also speaking, the representative of the company, Mr. Greg Kielsa said LPG and CNG is economical, clean and save to use compare to Petrol and diesel adding that the company is waiting to convert more vehicles in the country. He also said that the company is ready to train automobile technicians which takes only two or three days.
Corroborating him, the NATA National Vice President, South West Zone, Comrade Dele Odewale, said the initiative is a welcome development capable to make the country attain its economic prosperity if well harnessed.
According to him, this will make transportation to be more easy and profitable while some of its comparative advantages is its tank that is made to enhance safety especially during hazard while many automobile workshops are now embracing it.
An academician and politician, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun said the initiative is fantastic and if well supported, it will make transportation lucrative saying especially now the government’s attention is on transportation to promote economic development.
He added “the initiative will reduce cost of production and make vehicles more durable. This as a result will help to create job and thus keep youths busy and enterprising and therefore reduce restiveness among youths.
“Another benefit of the initiative is that it will make into use the excess gas that are wasting away and reduces users of petrol therefore brings about stability in consumption of oil and gas products”, he noted.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has urged government at level to provide employment opportunities for youth in the country as a way to reduce rising crime in the society.
The imperial majesty stated this yesterday during a press conference to unveil Liquified Petroleum Gas, LPG and Compressed Natural Gas, CNG Gas by Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, NATA with THLD Logistics Ltd at the NATA’s House, Olomi, Academy in Ibadan.
The king who was represented by two monarchs, the Agboolu of Agbaje in Ife, Oba Adekunle Adebowale and Elerefe of Erefe, Oba Fayemi Johnson, said providing employment opportunities like the conversion of vehicles using petrol and diesel to gas will save the country from capital flight therefore increasing GDP and keep youths busy.
The King who is the Grand Patron of NATA and Chairman of THLD logistics Ltd, said the initiative was also brought to the fore to enhance safety and reduce cost of running the vehicle coupled with other comparative advantages over using of Petrol and diesel.
Also speaking, the representative of the company, Mr. Greg Kielsa said LPG and CNG is economical, clean and save to use compare to Petrol and diesel adding that the company is waiting to convert more vehicles in the country. He also said that the company is ready to train automobile technicians which takes only two or three days.
Corroborating him, the NATA National Vice President, South West Zone, Comrade Dele Odewale, said the initiative is a welcome development capable to make the country attain its economic prosperity if well harnessed.
According to him, this will make transportation to be more easy and profitable while some of its comparative advantages is its tank that is made to enhance safety especially during hazard while many automobile workshops are now embracing it.
An academician and politician, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun said the initiative is fantastic and if well supported, it will make transportation lucrative saying especially now the government’s attention is on transportation to promote economic development.
He added “the initiative will reduce cost of production and make vehicles more durable. This as a result will help to create job and thus keep youths busy and enterprising and therefore reduce restiveness among youths.
“Another benefit of the initiative is that it will make into use the excess gas that are wasting away and reduces users of petrol therefore brings about stability in consumption of oil and gas products”, he noted.
