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Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni praises Tinubu on reforms, digitalisation of passports, others

    Ooni praises Tinubu on reforms, digitalisation of passports, others

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) has praised President Bola Tinubu on various reforms, digitalisation of the passport regime, and installation of cutting-edge technologies for migration management in the country.

    The first class tradition ruler also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, for standing up for the reforms that have brought positive impacts into migration management in Nigeria.

    The revered monarch made the remarks when he visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja to renew his diplomatic passport.

    The Ooni was received by the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Nandap, alongside members of her management team.

    The NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, explained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday that the Ooni expressed appreciation to the government for implementing policies that strengthened migration management, border governance, and service delivery within the agency.

    The statement said, “His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), yesterday visited the Headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service for the renewal of his Diplomatic Passport. The revered royal father was warmly received by the Comptroller-General of the Immigration Service, K.N. Nandap, and members of her Management Team.”

    According to Akinlabi, during the visit, the Ooni commended President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service for the reforms being carried out under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The first-class monarch used the opportunity to praise the President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller-General on the transformative policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda being implemented at the Nigeria Immigration Service,” Akinlabi further said.

    He said the commendations reflected growing recognition of the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the Nigeria Immigration Service through institutional reforms and modernization initiatives.

  • Ooni, Raji, Akande, others honoured with fellowship awards at Poly Ibadan’s 40th Convocation

    Ooni, Raji, Akande, others honoured with fellowship awards at Poly Ibadan’s 40th Convocation

    The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ahmed Raji, and Dr. Olajide Babatunde were among the distinguished Nigerians recognised with fellowship awards on Thursday at the 40th convocation ceremony of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    The honourees were celebrated for their significant contributions to the advancement of education. The ceremony, held at the institution’s 1,000-capacity hall, also drew notable personalities, including former Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Chairman Prof. Adeolu Akande, President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Ajeniyi Ajewole, and University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode Adebowale.

    Speaking on behalf of the other awardees, the Ooni, describing the polytechnic as his foundation, expressed gratitude for the recognition. He urged graduating students to remain steadfast in their faith, work diligently, stay focused, and maintain a forward-looking mindset, while always honouring their alma mater.

    In a gesture of encouragement, the monarch announced a N5 million reward for the best graduating student, along with additional prizes for outstanding graduates across various departments and faculties.

    Represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde affirmed that education remains a key priority for his administration.

    He highlighted that when the government assumed office six years ago, budgetary allocations to education ranged between 17 and 21 per cent, but deliberate measures have since been taken to strengthen the sector and improve outcomes at all levels.

    “We are fully aware of the manpower challenges facing tertiary institutions, including The Polytechnic, Ibadan. That is why the government has continued to address staff shortages through regular recruitment and capacity-building initiatives to ensure effective teaching and learning.

    “The state government is working hand in hand with the management of this institution to reposition it for global competitiveness. Our goal is to ensure that graduates of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge required to compete favourably anywhere in the world.

    “The world will not wait for anyone. Therefore, our students must be prepared, innovative, and forward-thinking to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global environment.”

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Taiwo Lasisi, said a total number of 1,514 National Diploma (ND) students, spread across five faculties, and 2,879 Higher National Diploma (HND) students across five faculties, and the best graduating student, who accumulates 3.87 CGPA are graduating at the event.

    He stated that none of the graduands is graduating without learning a skill, so that without government employment, many of them will be able to establish themselves as well as becoming employers of labour.

    Lasisi urged the federal government to turn all Polytechnics into Degree awarding institution with BTech as its focus, noting that this will end the disparity issue among Polytechnic and University graduates.

    He said China, a few years ago, converted over 200 Universities to polytechnics because the nation recognizes the impact of Polytechnics on its development

    “The United Kingdom that colonized Nigeria and brought western education to us ended the disparity issue among Polytechnics and Universities by turning all its Polytechnics to degree awarding institutions.”

    He noted that history will not forget those at the helm of affairs in Nigeria if the decision is taken, urging Governor Makinde to kickstart the evolution of turning Polytechnics into Degree awarding with The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    Meanwhile, the overall best graduating student, Basirat Yusuf, thanked the management of the institution for creating an enabling environment that promotes excellence.

    She, however, used all the graduands to use the skills and knowledge acquired while in school for the upliftment of society.

  • Ooni took me to secret places in his palace to get re-elected, says Ghanaian President Mahama

    Ooni took me to secret places in his palace to get re-elected, says Ghanaian President Mahama

    Ghanaian President John Mahama yesterday reminisced on the role the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II),  played in his re-election in 2024 after he lost the seat in 2016.

    Mahama spoke in Ile-Ife, Osun State, after he was installed as the Aare Atayeto Oodua by the Ooni.

    The Ghanaian President recalled that after he lost his seat in 2016, he was abandoned by many friends but Ooni stood by him.

    He said shortly after Oba Adeyeye was installed, he visited the Yoruba community in Ghana, adding that as part of his itinerary, “he visited me and I received him warmly”.

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    He added: “Shortly after that, I went into re-election in 2016 and I lost. Most people are fair-weather friends. After I lost, to some people, I was no longer important to them. But the Ooni invited me to pay him a visit in his palace in Ile-Ife.

    “Through my sister, he kept asking of when I was coming to visit him. He was persistent with it. That time, I was a nobody. I was in opposition, and yet he insisted that I should come and greet him. This is what moved me.

    “So, one day, I gave a date, and when I came, he received me so warmly. During the visit, he took me to all the secret corners of the palace. When I came from the secret places, he told me that I should go and get my seat back.

    “Truly, in 2024, I was re-elected as the president. I don’t take this lightly.”

    Mahama said he has empathy for Nigeria and promised to strengthen the bond between Ghana/Nigeria to boost the prosperity of African nations.

  • Alaafin congratulates Ooni on 10th coronation anniversary

    Alaafin congratulates Ooni on 10th coronation anniversary

    • …says monarchs’ unity key to Yorubaland development 

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on his 10th coronation anniversary.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said, he, on behalf of other Yoruba traditional rulers, indigenes of Oyo kingdom, joined the government and the people of Osun state in celebrating the monarch.

    He commended the Ooni for his sense of commitment, and resilience in ruling over his people

    Oba Owoade affirmed that Ooni’s exposure, knowledge, and charisma before ascending the position is going a long way in imperacting and expanding the influence of the domain.

    Alaafin said he believes the wisdom, warmth, and friendliness of the monarch would also translate into peace and civility in the domain.

    He prayed that the almighty God will continue to bless the Ooni of Ife and grant him more years of fruitful reign.

    He said, “If gratitude is the great opener of the heart, then Ooni of Ife’s heart should be busted wide open to the sweetness of this moment. If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul. 

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    “What is more, gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

    Oba Owoade used the occasion to call for unity among the monarchs noting that the only way to remain relevant is for them to be united, sincere and dedicated.

    He added, “As monarchs, all of us have just three responsibilities. We are saddled with maintenance of peace, culture and tradition. Kings are not religious leaders. Our responsibility, as handed over to us in our certificates, is to be custodians of the legacies of our ancestors, so that they do not go extinct.

    “Unity can only be predicated on mutual trust and understanding, reciprocal friendly/brotherly/sisterly relations, as well as shared interests, values and aspirations, adding that unity would only best be promoted through tolerance and accommodation of each other’s differences, opinions, ethnic, religious and communal or even regional identities. 

    ”Unity in diversity is a core principle of federalism. All federations are required to adhere to, and actively nurture and entrench, expectations associated with this core principle. 

    “Nigeria, as a federation with a complex mosaic of diversity need to continue to find, and deploy, ways and means of forging, entrenching and sustaining unity in diversity and national integration. Once again, I am wishing the Ooni of Ife more prosperous years ahead.”

  • Sultan, monarchs join Ooni for Ojaja University groundbreaking

    Sultan, monarchs join Ooni for Ojaja University groundbreaking

    ….as Ooni marks 10-year coronation anniversary

    The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin on Saturday joined the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for the groundbreaking of Ojaja University, an event held to mark his 10th coronation anniversary and further strengthen the kingdom’s developmental legacy.

    Speaking in Ile-Ife, the Sultan praised the Ooni’s developmental strides over the past decade, noting that “leaving a legacy is the best you can do in your life. So I am not envious of my brother, the Ooni, but grateful to Almighty that during our time we have people like him who are truly committed to improving the lives of our people.”

    He described the Ooni as his “twin brother,” adding that they often agree on issues privately before making them known to the public.

    He said, “Ooni and I deliberate on so many issues together, agree on what to do and what to say before you hear anybody saying negative things, and that is why I don’t comment when I hear negative things, I only laugh, because I know they are not true.

    “And of course, such a thing should bother any leader because if you are a leader people must say negative things about you, but if you are a nobody, nobody will bother about you. So if you are in a position of authority no matter how small the office is, some will definitely say something about you, don’t answer that person because you are making such person look important.”

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    He enjoined Nigerians to pray for their leaders, pleading that “Let continue to pray and support ourselves, pray for our country, our President, Bola Tinubu, our Governors, and all leaders in their various offices, and of course most importantly pray for traditional rulers because we are the ones that are with the people and we are the one that knows the pain and cries of the people.”

    Oba Adeyeye, applauded everyone who stood by him since inception of his reign especially his wives and the monarchs both within his kingdom and outside. 

    Speaking about the turning of sod, “I want to thank everybody because this greatest of my 10th anniversary, the Commissioning and tuning of the sord of Ojaja University Campus, it took a very long route starting from Ilorin Eyekorin, Kwara state and I told the Vice Chancellor, Engineer Hassan started Crown Hill University and brought me on board that 

    couldn’t continue and I said I have this vision too that some day I will set up Ojaja University.

    “Six years ago rather than for the University to completely collapse I offered to take it upon myself. Exactly five years low and behold we started pushing, it was a very challenging investment, Anyone who set up a university don’t thing you are going to make money from it, it’s a lie!, rather turn it into a legacy project.”

  • Ife agog as Ooni celebrates 10th coronation anniversary

    Ife agog as Ooni celebrates 10th coronation anniversary

    • Students receive cash prize after coronation quiz competition

    Celebration of the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has commenced.

    The celebration started with Ogunwusi coronation anniversary quiz and debate competitions which attracted 100 students in Ife land sponsored by Mr. Victor Badejo where winners won thousands of naira.

    The anniversary featured an event tagged “A Day with Ojaja II”, facilitated by the Ife Development Board (IDB), to commemorate the Ooni, natives of Ife and all descendants of Oduduwa across the world.

    Secondary school students, artisans, youths and elders held procession followed by royal Procession through designated routes of Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall through Moore, Fajuyi, Sabo, Oduduwa Streets to the palace with prayer session led by Islamic, Christian and traditional religion priests.

    Speaking at a royal dinner, Oba Ogunwisi applauded the organizers of the programmes, scoring them as massive events.

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    He added that he has enjoyed immeasurable support from natives and residents of the ancient town since ascension to the throne of Oduduwa.

    “The last 10 years have come and gone with numerous opportunities and challenges, I thank God Almighty for all He has done and I also wish to appreciate everyone here for the love and support. Let us renew our vow to create the Ile Ife of our dreams for peace, prosperity and unity of the entire Oduduwa race,” the Ooni said.

  • Soyinka seeks Ooni’s help

    Soyinka seeks Ooni’s help

    Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Tuesday, paid a visit to the Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    He was accompanied by a delegation of distinguished scholars and cultural advocates, who were warmly received with traditional songs, drums, and royal hospitality.

    During the visit, former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, Professor Wale Adeniran, extolled Soyinka’s unwavering commitment to African unity and diaspora engagement.

    He stressed the need to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland, particularly those of Yoruba descent in Brazil and other parts of the universe.

    Adeniran further praised the Ooni for his continuous support for diaspora communities, especially Yoruba descendants in Brazil who trace their cultural identity directly to Ile-Ife.

    Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, commended the Ooni for his humanitarian interventions across the world.

    He recalled how the Ooni rescued over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants from Libya by providing financial support, shelter, care, and empowerment opportunities upon their return to Nigeria.

    He emphasised that the Ooni’s influence and benevolence extend across continents from Europe to North America, where he has consistently supported Africans, especially the Yoruba, describing him as “a father to all and a defender of the vulnerable.”

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    In his remarks, Soyinka highlighted the growing desire among Africans in the diaspora, particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba origin, to reconnect with their history, ancestors, and cultural identity.

    He emphasised the importance of educating them on the historical realities of slavery and fostering unity that encourages their return to their ancestral home, Ile-Ife.

    Responding, the Ooni lauded Soyinka for his lifelong dedication to strengthening Yoruba cultural identity, unity, and global recognition.

    He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing it as a well-deserved honour that celebrates Soyinka’s monumental contributions to literature, human rights, and Yoruba heritage.

  • Sultan, Ooni preach unity, peaceful coexistence at ACF Silver Jubilee

    Sultan, Ooni preach unity, peaceful coexistence at ACF Silver Jubilee

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Saturday renewed calls for unity, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace diversity as a source of national strength rather than division.

    Delivering his goodwill message at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, the Sultan said Nigerians of all backgrounds, Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and people of diverse ethnic groups—must always remember that they are bound by a common destiny under one nation.

    He said despite the country’s diversity, Nigerians must learn to “be united without being uniformed,” stressing that the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, was right when he argued that Nigeria must understand its differences rather than ignore them.

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    According to him, recognising and respecting differences is the only way to build a society anchored on dignity, mutual respect and national cohesion. “Once we understand who we are, we will be able to work with one another with all dignity,” he said.

    The Sultan urged Nigerians not to allow differences to tear the country apart, warning that antagonism, divisiveness and bitterness only weaken collective progress. He called on leaders and citizens to consistently support governments at all levels while working and praying for the country’s stability.

    He noted that many of the speeches delivered at the event contained the critical truths Nigeria needs to internalise to move forward, stressing that the real work lies in the implementation of solutions, not the repetition of problems. “What we lack is always implementation,” he said.

    The Sultan expressed optimism that the next 25 years of ACF would see improved engagement, deeper reflection and stronger efforts to address the North’s challenges. He commended the ACF leadership for organising what he described as a successful and unifying programme.

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who described himself as “a friend of the North,” said traditional institutions have a sacred responsibility to promote peace, cohesion and healthy relationships across communities.

    He said the North, like Nigeria as a whole, remains greater than any individual or group, and must be treated as a collective heritage that deserves continuous protection and positive rebranding.

    The Ooni acknowledged that security has become the most pressing challenge confronting the region but cautioned against dwelling solely on the negative, urging Nigerians to also highlight the North’s strengths, opportunities and cultural influence just as other nations promote their global image despite internal issues.

    He cited the United States, despite facing various security threats. as an example of a country that continues to brand and project its image positively.

    He however urged the ACF and Northern leaders to “put heads together” and craft a strategic rebranding of Northern Nigeria for the benefit of the entire country.

    The monarch commended the ACF for 25 years of advocacy and engagement, describing the forum’s consistency as vital to strengthening unity, dialogue and national progress.

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Ooni, to grace Ewi’s 35-years coronation anniversary

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Ooni, to grace Ewi’s 35-years coronation anniversary

    President Bola Tinubu, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwolu are among dignitaries expected to attend the 35th coronation and 80th birthday celebration of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe. 

    Speaking with journalists during a press conference held at the Ewi’s Palace, the Global President of Ado Progressive Union, Prince Segun Famuagun, said Governor Sanwolu will serve as the chief launcher while Senator Ibikunle Amosun is the co-launcher, with Oba Ogunwusi presiding as Royal Father of the Day.

    Prince Famuagun noted that the week-long celebration, will also feature the disbursement of N100,000 bursaries each to 50 indigents students of Ekiti origin. 

    The chairman of anniversary planning committee, explained that the five-day programme is designed to highlight the monarch’s contributions to the growth of Ado-Ekiti and the development of Ekiti State. 

    Activities will include homage by various groups and chiefs, a football match on Wednesday, a colloquium on Thursday themed “The Impact of Royal Fathers in Ado Community,” and the presentation of scholarships.

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    Famuagun noted that the colloquium will feature academics from Ekiti State University, who will discuss the history of Ado-Ekiti and the influence of Oba Adejugbe’s reign over the last 35 years.

     He added that the scholarship awardees were selected through a rigorous process conducted in partnership with the Ekiti State Scholarship Board.

    He further disclosed that outstanding WAEC and GCE candidates, as well as winners of the essay competitions, will also receive recognition during Thursday’s events.

    According to him, Friday’s activities will begin with a Jumat service at the central mosque and proceed to a photo exhibition and drama presentation at the palace in the evening. The drama, he said, will chronicle the monarch’s life from his ascension to the throne to his development over the years.

    Saturday will feature the launch of the monarch’s royal book and the conferment of chieftaincy titles on distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Ado-Ekiti. 

    The celebration will climax on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the St. Emmanuel’s Cathedral, Okesha, followed by a grand reception at the palace.

  • Festival to herald Ooni’s 10th coronation

    Festival to herald Ooni’s 10th coronation

    SloweGanzi International has launched ÀSÉ10: A Reign of Peace, Culture and Unity, a celebration of Yoruba heritage, global reconnection, and 10 years of leadership of Arolé Odùduwà, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojájá II, the 51st Ooni of Ife.

    Holding from November 30 to December 7, this inaugural marks a defining moment for Yoruba culture.  It will unite Yoruba in diaspora  in a celebration of identity, creativity, and shared heritage.

    The organisers said ÀSÉ10 is a platform to showcase the depth of Yoruba heritage through art, music, scholarship, spirituality, and enterprise. It also seeks to inspire reconnection among the Yoruba diaspora while strengthening Pan-African unity through culture and creativity.

    The festival coincides with the 10th coronation of Ooni, whose reign has been marked by peace, youth empowerment, and cultural pride.

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    Spanning Lagos to Ile-Ife, ÀSÉ10 will feature cultural exhibitions, art installations, film premieres, academic forums, music performances, fashion showcases, culinary festivals, and sacred ceremonies. A royal banquet and fireworks display will crown the week’s activities, offering guests an experience of Yoruba artistry and hospitality.

    In addition, the festival will unveil the Legacy Project — Yoruba History & Arts Museum, a visionary cultural institution to be established in Ile-Ife. The project aims to preserve and promote Yoruba art, history, and philosophy for generations to come.

    A representative of SloweGanzi International described ÀSÉ10 as a call to reconnect, rediscover, and reassert the power of Yoruba heritage as a global force for unity and peace.”

    Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, said “over these 10 years, His Majesty has reimagined traditional leadership — not as an artifact of the past, but as a living, evolving anchor for culture, unity, and development.”