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Tag: Ooni of Ife

  • Traditional institution plays pivotal role in nation building – Ooni of Ife

    Traditional institution plays pivotal role in nation building – Ooni of Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, says traditional institution  plays key and pivotal role in nation building all over the world.

    Ogunwusi stated this as Chairman of the “Traditional Rulers Day” activity to mark the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Rivers in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said the institution was indispensable that it could not be ignored or society could not do without it was part of nature.

    “When you step into any community to do anything, they are the first people you meet to consult with as leaders; and within the twinkle of eye, they coordinate the whole people.

    “Thing is, they know their people, they coordinate basic developmental activities in their domains and direct affairs in the communities, ” he said.

    According to Ogunwusi, the institution works closely with politicians and government because it is very important in decision making.

    “If we all know that we have our role to play and as leaders, we must lead by example and not be found wanting in any way in the society.

    “We must lead by example in our conducts, in the way we talk and act for  our subjects to follow. If we do this, the society will be a better place,” he said.

    The Ooni  said that  traditional rulers had more important roles in the betterment of the society than government.

    “So, we should see government as our partners in progress. We have our role, they have their role. We are not competitors.

    “The institution should work as a formidable force in pursuit of peace, harmony and nation building in Nigeria,” he said.

  • I have no problem with Oba Akiolu, says Ooni

    I have no problem with Oba Akiolu, says Ooni

    •Monarch lauds tribal harmony in Rivers at 50 

    THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has again dismissed alleged faceoff between him and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu.
    Oba Ogunwusi, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, said he had no problem with Oba Akiolu, stressing that they are brothers and have been close for many years.
    The monarch, who was accompanied to the state by his wife and other palace guards, said: “We did not have a problem. It is being overblown by the media. Like I said, I respect him. I had a relationship with him when I was a prince and when I was an entrepreneur in Lagos. I will continue to respect him.
    “It is very unlikely that you will see a successful Nigerian that has not passed through Lagos. So, give honour to whom honour is due.”
    He congratulated the government and the people of Rivers State for the peaceful relationship with the state’s Yoruba community.
    The Ooni gave his royal blessing to the government and the people.
    Oba Ogunwusi said the peaceful coexistence between the tribes was a sign of unity and brotherhood, which he noted, outlined why Nigerian must live as one.
    He said: “It is to the glory of God that we landed in Port Harcourt to celebrate with the people the 50th anniversary of the state and to celebrate one Nigeria and one country. Our major objective is to continue to foster peace.
    “I am going to meet with the amiable governor; the number one citizen of the state and the good people of Port Harcourt for us to know that we are all one. I also thank God Almighty for making the state very active and still waxing strong.
    “The state is 50 years and by the special grace of God, there will be many more years of prosperity. Another beautiful thing that actually made me very happy is that I saw a lot of Yoruba that came to welcome me.
    “You can see that we are really intertwined in Nigeria. We are living together in peace and harmony. It is the same back in the entire Yoruba Kingdom. We have a lot of people from this side of the world living there. So, we should all continue to live in peace and harmony.”
    On the activities of herdsmen, the Ooni said: “It has to be approached with a lot of caution. You can see that meat is a necessity for us; everybody eats meat because of the protein and fibre content in it.
    “This is a very sensitive thing about our nation and as a result of this, we should apply a lot of caution. If it was properly coordinated across board, we will get the best out of it. The herdsmen are rearing their cows for human beings.”

  • I didn’t snub Ooni, says Akiolu

    I didn’t snub Ooni, says Akiolu

    OBA of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu yesterday cleared the air on the video in the social media being misconstrued for the monarch’s snubbing the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at a public function in Lagos.

    One of the white cap chiefs, Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa Onido of Lagos, said the Lagos Monarch did not ignore Ooni of Ife at the public function as being misconceived by people.

    The video in which Oba Akiolu allegedly refused to return the greetings of the Ooni at a function went viral on Wednesday, drawing outrage in the social media.

    But chief Ajose said noting of such happened According to him, what the people misconstrued as snubbing is the culturally acclaimed way of greeting by a monarch in Lagos.

    He said the Lagos monarch has been trying to revive the culture and tradition of ancient Lagos, which is peculiar to the state.

    The Opeluwa Onidi said: “Other tribes also have their peculiar ways of greeting. The sign by Oba Akiolu signifies, ‘inu mi, inu e’, the culture of greeting in Lagos. If Oba Akiolu wanted to ignore, he would have turned his face away from Ooni. There is no misunderstanding between both highly revered Monarchs in Yoruba Land”.

    According to him, the relationship between both Yoruba kings is peaceful and mutual.

    He said: “Oba Akiolu was well represented at the coronation of Ooni of Ife, which attested to the fact that he does not disregard the office of Ooni Adeyeye.

    Chief Ajose said Oba Akiolu had waited till this time to react to the issue because he had to meet with other chiefs in the palace and meet minds before addressing the public on the matter.

    “There is no sentiment in the culture of Lagos. As we met it that is the way we are doing it. Kabiyesi Oba Akiolu is trying to bring back the old pattern, the old culture we have left behind.

    “What happened that day was wrongly speculated by the social media to disrupt peace and order and misinterpret Oba Akiolu’s action.

    “We just want to appeal to the social media to stop spreading wrong information. They should try and understand the reason behind every action carried out most especially by traditional rulers. Yoruba has a very rich culture. There is no quarrel between the Oba of Lagos and Ooni of Ife.”

    A spokesman at the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, said that Oba Ogunwusi will never be disrespect to the Oba Akiolu.

    The statement restated Oba Ogunwusi’s commitment to unity among royal fathers in Yorubaland.

    Also yesterday, the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe took exception to a request for his comment on what transpired between the two foremost roray fathers.

    He urged reporters against dabbling into issues involving the royalty.

    “You are very rude to ask me such a question.” the Igwe told The Nation reporter on the sideline of an event in Lagos yesterday.

     

     

  • #Trending: Oba of Lagos snubs Oni of Ife

    #Trending: Oba of Lagos snubs Oni of Ife

    A video which captures Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, who publicly snubs the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi at a public function has gone viral.

    The video which lasted for 27 seconds, shows the Ooni of Ife arriving the venue of an event, where he exchanged plesantries with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

    The Ooni’s attempt to greet Oba Akiolu who was seated next to the Obi of Onitsha was rebuffed by the Lagos monarch who simply waved his hand and ignored the Ooni.

     

    Meanwhile, many Nigerians have criticized the action.

     

  • Against All Odds: Odujinrin becomes 1st African to travel round the world

    Against All Odds: Odujinrin becomes 1st African to travel round the world

    It is a common saying that the world would make way for a man whose words and actions shows that he knows where he is going. The very inspiring story of Captain Ademilola Oyewale Odujinrin; a Nigerian pilot who began his expedition to fly round this terraqueous globe we call earth in nine months is a quintessential example of a dreamer bringing his dreams to fruition “against all odds”.

    He is the first pilot of African descent to fly solo round the world in a relatively small plane. His achievement is a great beacon light of hope to this generation; one that has totally changed the narrative for good about the African people, especially – Nigeria.

    Captain Odujinrin ‘Lola’ as he is fondly called held a press briefing on Thursday, 13th of April, 2017 at the press conference with newsmen held at the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos. ‘Lola’ dedicated his achievement to the Nigerian people; especially to the younger generation of dreamers. He urged the youths to embrace hard work and persistence, and to believe that they only can make or create their luck.

    According to him, his overwhelming passion for Aviation started when he was yay high – between 7 to 10 years of age. His greatest inspiration was his late Uncle who was a pilot who sometimes take him inside the cockpit of the aircraft: That was the beginning of his unflinching zest for Aviation. “I can remember one night I was flying a kite and I noticed aeroplanes flying across the sky. Then I asked my dad where the planes were going. He replied me saying ‘they are going to Lagos – Murtala Mohammed Airport’,” he said. That was also a seminal moment for his aviation foray.

    Talking about some of the challenges that he and his team had to grapple with, Lola explained saying, “The challenges were numerous, however, the major one was the finance. However, one that was closely associated to securing finance was self-believe. If we believe enough in ourselves and our dreams, financial challenges can always be surmounted.

    The second most challenging part of the journey was the weather. In most parts of the world it was rainy season. Although in Nigeria the season for rain is usually in June, but it was different for other places. We (I and my plane) were stuck in south-eastern Asia for two months,” he said.

    His remarkable journey which began in June 2016 in Washington DC, U.S.A, was launched by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who blessed the voyage and described Nigeria as a fortunate country with great people capable of changing Africa for better as there is one Nigerian out of every four black people on earth.

    The World Tour saw Lola fly over 25 countries, had 35 stops, and for 300 odd hours in his small plane which hardly provided him the opportunity to stretch his body during his time in the air for a duration of 9 months. He began his journey from Washington DC, U.S.A, to Iceland, then Europe, and into Africa via United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, and Asian sub-continent. He flew over some islands before undertaking the longest legs of the journey across the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California, and back to Washington DC where he ended the journey.

    Lola in some spates of emotions and words recounted his experiences while seeking sponsorship and endorsement, especially from Nigerian organizations. According to him, it is very regrettable that no Nigeria Company was willing to offer support and endorsement for the project. It took visionary and benevolent companies like Transcend, Air Djibouti, and Tolaram Group which are foreign companies to see the importance of the project, and the sundry benefits it has; not just to the companies, but to changing the narrative of the African people for good.

    With respect to creating an enabling and congenial environment for dreamers like Lola to thrive and not just survive, he said “I appreciate and understand that I was privileged to travel, however, I know we also have some Nigerians who travel and wasted the opportunity; so the argument is on both sides. What we are advocating is for the government in whose hands the destinies of these many and ubiquitous dreamers are, should create an enabling environment for them to achieve their dreams.

    “The Ooni of Ife spent sometime in the United States talking about creating an enabling environment for talent, skills, and brainchildren to find expression, application, and fulfillment.

    “Our policy wonks in the senate and the federal government need to begin to create more policies and put more concrete structure on ground that will enable you and I fulfill our Nigerian dream.

    “Also talking about the enabling environment, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the level of infrastructures – roads, street lights etc., in Lagos. Lagos has change; now that is a positive step in the right direction.

    Lola restated that the reason for him embarking on such a long, arduous, and sometimes dangerous journey was to be a joyous daybreak to end the long nights of psychological debacles and manacles placed upon the Nigerian youths by their environment. Everyone is a star, and should be given the right environment to blossom, boom, and not gloom.

    ‘Lola’ as he is fondly called by his friends and associates, hails from Ijebu Remo, he was given birth to in England, before his parent relocated to Lagos, and like every other Lagos child he grew up and spent his childhood in Lagos.

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  • Nigerian pilot returns home after historic world tour

    Nigerian pilot returns home after historic world tour

    A Nigerian Pilot, Ademilola Odujinrin has shared his experience of how he made history as the first African to fly around the world.

    The world tour saw the 38-year-old pilot traversed the world on a single engine aircraft from the USA to Iceland then Europe and into Africa via UAE, India, and the Asian subcontinent.

    According to Ademilola, he set himself on the tedious journey to encourage Nigerian and African youths at large to inspire a can-do spirit that will help them pursue their dream and never give up. He also has the lofty hopes to reshape the perception of Nigeria through great achievements that defy expectation and to redefine the African narrative.

    The solo voyage began in June 2016 and flagged-off by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and successfully ended on March 29, 2017, when his aircraft landed at Dulles International Airport, Washington DC.

    Tagged Transcend: One Man One Plane One World, the historic adventure was sponsored by Tolaram Group, Translynx Nigeria Ltd and Air Djibouti with support and partnership from various companies and individuals.

    Addressing the media in Lagos upon his return, he revealed that the journey spanned 25 countries across five continents and lasted nine months. He explained further that although the actual duration of the journey was 300 hours (six weeks), the journey was elongated by weather, technical and financial challenges.

    Undeterred by the setbacks, he said: “Some of my biggest motivation was the support I got from my team and prayers from people like Ooni of Ife. But I will like to add that the fear of failure is one of my motivation. I flew a total of 300 hours and encountered challenges such as technical and clearances.”

    “Another very challenging part of the journey was the weather. For instance, I was stuck in South East Asia for two months due to bad weather,” he added.

    The Nigerian pilot recalled how his journey into flying began. “I was inspired to be a pilot from the age of 10. I recall the habit of making kites out of the newspaper that my father bought until I got myself in trouble. When I got the opportunity to travel out of the country, I saw it as an opportunity to get closer to my dream. I enrolled in the training as a pilot.”

    On how he survived, he revealed, “I lived on water and energy bars just to avoid food as I didn’t have access to toilets.”

    Asked why the project which has drawn global attention to Nigeria is not backed by the government or relevant authorities, Ademilola lamented that he was turned down. His words, “I approached the authorities but they didn’t show support and I think this was down to people around the key figures. Fundamentally, I think there was the issue of do-ability. I do not think they saw me as somebody capable of flying around the world.”

    In his goodwill message relayed by video, Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi commended the determination exhibited by the young adventurer. “When Ademilola Odujinrin approached me, I blessed him and prayed that he will go and return in peace. I am happy with his feat and I thank the almighty God for his life.

    “I hope Nigerian youths can draw inspiration from his laudable achievement. I am happy that although a lot of people around the world know Nigeria for negative news, this is something positive that Nigeria can be celebrated,” he added.

  • Ooni celebrates Tinubu at 65

    Ooni celebrates Tinubu at 65

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has felicitated with Sen. Bola Tinubu as he clocks 65-years-old, describing him as an eminent descendant of Oduduwa.

    The monarch congratulated Tinubu in a statement signed and issued on Wednesday by Mr Moses Olafare, his Director of Media & Public Affairs.

    Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clocked 65 on Wednesday.

    According to the royal father,  Tinubu is a patriotic Nigerian and elder statesman; a Pan-Africanist to the core, who remains a great inspiration to the African youths.

    He said that Tinubu had, no doubt, spent the larger part of his life in deeds worthy of emulation, noting that, as a school student, he designed his focus very carefully.

    “As a professional in the private financial sector, he remained focused and discharged his duties creditably well.

    “As a politician, he has been an outstanding leader and quintessential bridge builder.

    “As a senator of the the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he stood firmly with the masses till he went into exile where he continued alongside other patriots in the struggle for democracy which was won on the May 29, 1999.

    “As a governor, he left a legacy of excellence that has continued to make Lagos a socio-economically enviable society within the comity of the globally recognised cities in the world,” he said.

    The Ooni prayed the Almighty God to bless the rest of his journey in life with good health, long life and fulfillment.

  • Ife Crisis: Normalcy returns as warring factions sue for peace

    Ife Crisis: Normalcy returns as warring factions sue for peace

    Leaders of both Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo indigenes residing in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, called for an end to ethnic clashes in the ancient city.

    They spoke at a news conference organised by the Ife Progressive Forum/Action Council in Ile-Ife.

    The Seriki Hausawa of Ife, Alhaji Abubakar Madagali, said the disturbance which momentarily eroded the peace of the ancient city was unnecessary.

    Madagali said many of his subjects suffered colossal losses, adding that some had died
    and many more sustained injuries.

    The leader of the Hausa community said authorities concerned must step up efforts to resolve the crisis without delay.

    He added that “we initially came here to seek for greener pastures, but Ife has now
    become our home.

    “It latest crisis was not a clash between us and the Yorubas, instead, it was a misunderstanding between some persons which escalated.

    “All we are saying now is for us to embrace peace and continue to live together.

    “I want to assure the Ile-Ife public that the Hausa community is not planning any retaliation. We view the incident as a misfortune ordained by Allah.”

    On his part, Mr Lawrence Awowoyin, the President of Ife Progressive Forum/Action Council,  said the crisis was masterminded by hoodlums.

    According to him, a committee has been set up to look into the root cause of the crisis with a view to finding a lasting solution.

    He said the crisis had either political or ethnic colouration, but hinged on a land dispute between a Yoruba family and Hausa community.

    “We all regret the unfortunate clash between certain individuals around Sabo area of Ile-Ife, which led to the loss of lives and property.

    “The love of Ife people toward all ethnic groups from time immemorial is not in doubt.

    “The crisis was an offshoot of misunderstanding between two individuals at Sabo area of Ile-Ife. This misunderstanding was unfortunately hijacked by hoodlums in the area.

    “It is unthinkable for anyone to think that the fracas was ignited by Ife community. We coexisted with Hausas, Igbos and other ethnic groups for decades without discrimination.”

    He, therefore, urged security agents to be fair and objective in handling the issue to eliminate the looming tension.

    He said “we condemn in its entirety any form of ethnic clash, militancy and insurgency anywhere in Nigeria and in Ife land in particular.

    “It is our position that we are all creatures of Almighty God, hence, we are all citizens of the world and we abhor bloodshed in all ramifications.

    “We sympathise with victims from both sides. It is a known fact that both Yoruba and the Arewa community suffered colossal losses and deaths from the crisis.”

    The Ezendigbo of Ireland, His Highness Chief Ezekeil Onyejekwe, who was in Ife, urged the warring parties to eschew bitterness and live together in one accord.

    He said the incident was unfortunate, adding that it was the first time such an ugly disturbance would occur in the ancient city. `

    There was a bloody clash between the Hausa community and the Yorubas in Ile-Ife, Osun State on March 8, where lives were lost and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

    Although the ugly incident was immediately contained by Osun State security operatives, the tension was said to be high in the city.

    Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had inaugurated a truth and reconciliation committee to ensure peace between the Hausa community and Yorubas in the ancient city.
    Oba Ogunwusi inaugurated the committee in his palace on Saturday in Ile-Ife, Osun.

    The Ooni described members of the Hausa community in Ile-Ife as his subjects and co-owners of the town with whom he enjoyed tremendous loyalty in the last 14 months of his reign.

    He said “thank God for the normalcy; I commend Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, for being proactive and the security agents for their efforts toward ending the crisis.’’

    The royal father condemned the actions of those behind the fracas and expressed optimism that they would soon be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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