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Tag: Ooni

  • YYC commends Ooni, Ogunsua for peaceful coexistence between Ife, Modakeke

    YYC commends Ooni, Ogunsua for peaceful coexistence between Ife, Modakeke

    The Yoruba Youth Council has commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ooni, and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Kariola, for ending the decades-long conflict between Ife and Modakeke.

    The national president of YYC, Aare Ayodele Gbologe, announced this in a communique issued at the end of the association’s stakeholders meeting held on Monday at Okitipupa, Ondo State.

    Gbologe, while reiterating the association’s commitment to promoting Yoruba unity, culture, and peace, urged Yoruba villages and towns in dispute over land, politics, or royal stool, to emulate selfless leaders like Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Kariola.

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    The YYC president stated that anyone who builth the youth, builds the nation, praying for the spirit of their ancestors to continue to guide all the leaders in Yoruba land.

    “Our communique will not be complete without acknowledging some Yorubas who have demonstrated the highest level of Omoluabi in their respective political portfolios,” he said.

    In light of this, he appreciated Mrs Kemi Nana Nandap, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Dr Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Dr Mathew Olumide Adepoju, and others, who he said have made Yoruba land proud.

    “Our future starts from now, and we are conscious of our roles in the task of nation-building,” he concluded.

  • Monarch installs philanthropist as Yeye Bobajiro of Oodua

    Monarch installs philanthropist as Yeye Bobajiro of Oodua

    Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ile-Ife,  has installed a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Afolashade Shona-Aluko, as Yeye Bobajiro of Oodua.

    The event, held at his palace, was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life.

    Conferring the chieftaincy title on Shona-Aluko, the monarch lauded her for impacting on Nigerians through entrepreneurship, saying her efforts towards alleviating the sufferings of the masses were numerous.

    Ooni said: “Shona-Aluko’s impact towards uplifting entrepreneurs impressed me a lot. So, I decided to reward her kindness with this chieftaincy title.”

    The new Yeye Bobajiro Oodua, who could not hide her joy, said she could not comprehend how it happened to have being honoured by a foremost monarch in Yorubaland and Arole Oduduwa, Oba Ogunwusi.

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    She said: “To God be the glory for counting me worthy to be honoured with the title of Yeye Bobajiro Oodua by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife. The event was witnessed by many prominent traditional rulers and dignitaries from far and near.”

    The Offa, Kwara State-born entrepreneur and philanthropist said her new title would spur her to do more for the development of mankind, promotion of Yoruba race and cultural institutions.

    Some of the subjects of Ooni, who also spoke at the event, urged Shona-Aluko to collaborate with Ooni towards the progress and development of Ile-Ife and the entire Yorubaland.

    They said: “Ile-Ife is the source of mankind. Ooni don’t just confer chieftaincy title on anyone, but those who deserve it and have contributed well to the development of Ile-Ife and Yorubaland as a whole.

    Let’s see your impact in Ile-Ife and Yorubaland.”

  • Ooni celebrates 51st birthday, prays for Nigeria

    Ooni celebrates 51st birthday, prays for Nigeria

     The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday celebrated his 51st birthday with prayers for Nigeria.

    Oba Ogunwusi also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity and national development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Ogunwusi was born on Oct. 17, 1974, and was crowned the 51st Ooni of Ife in August, 2015.

    A statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s palace, Moses Olafare, said on Friday in Ile-Ife that the Ooni expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of life and strength to continue serving humanity.

    Oba Ogunwusi described his journey so far as one of divine purpose and service, emphasising that leadership, especially from traditional institutions, must continue to be a platform for promoting unity and fostering the well-being of Nigeria and the African continent.

    According to him, Nigeria remains a nation blessed with immense human and natural resources, and the collective efforts of all citizens are needed to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

    Oba Ogunwusi urged traditional rulers and the Oduduwa House worldwide to shun divisions and work together to overcome challenges confronting the nation.

    “On this special occasion of my 51st birthday, I return all glory to Olodumare for His mercies and grace.
    “I pray for peace in our nation, for wisdom for our leaders, and for prosperity in the lives of all members of the Oduduwa race globally.

    “Our diversity is our strength, and together we can make Nigeria great,” he said.

    The traditional ruler used the occasion to call for renewed commitment to cultural values, adding that African traditions and identity remain vital instruments for social cohesion and national rebirth.

    He added that culture, when properly harnessed, could serve as a unifying force among the people.

    Highlighting his vision for the continued renaissance of Yoruba culture, Ooni Ogunwusi reaffirmed his dedication to youth empowerment, education, and women’s inclusion in leadership, which, he said, were crucial to building a balanced society.

    The Ooni thanked sons and daughters of Oduduwa across the world for their unflinching support, loyalty, and contributions toward sustaining the heritage of their ancestors.

    He urged them to remain united in preserving the legacy of the Yoruba race and to always project the values of peace, love, and respect for humanity.

    (NAN)

  • Ibadan Mogajis, Monarchs, Baales hail Ooni on birthday

    Ibadan Mogajis, Monarchs, Baales hail Ooni on birthday

    Mogajis in Ibadanland, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Monarchs, Baales and other prominent Ibadan sons and daughters of the ancient city including the Okanlomo Oodua, who is also the Bada Olubadan-designate, Chief Dotun Sanusi, have felicitated Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on his birthday. 

    The stakeholders commended the reverred monarch for profound impact on the unity, development, and progress of Yorubaland.

    A statement by the Co-ordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Asiwaju Nurudeen Akinade (Ph.D), noted that Oba Ogunwusi’s leadership has been instrumental in promoting unity and development across Yorubaland. 

    According to the statement, efforts of the monarch have earned him widespread respect and admiration from various stakeholders. 

    They praised Ooni’s commitment to youth development, preserving traditional institutions, and fostering peace and understanding among communities.

    They thanked Ooni for visiting the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, before his coronation and sending representation during his coronation despite his tight schedule during the  annual Olojo festival.

    The statement also thanked Ooni for the honour to be bestowed on Sanusi as the Okanlomo Oodua, on December 5, 2025

    The statement highlighted the Ooni’s initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and promoting their welfare.

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    The stakeholders also commended Ooni for his efforts in preserving traditional institutions across Yorubaland. 

    They said Ooni’s leadership has helped to promote cultural heritage and reinforce the importance of traditional institutions in modern society.

    They described Ooni as a symbol of unity and cultural heritage, lauding his leadership and vision for the progress of Yorubaland. 

    They expressed gratitude for his dedication to the welfare and progress of the Yoruba people.

    The stakeholders celebrated the Ooni’s birthday, expressing appreciation for his contributions to Yorubaland’s development. They prayed for his long life, good health, and continued success in his endeavors.

    The statement emphasised the stakeholders’ commitment to supporting the Ooni’s initiatives and working together to promote the progress and development of Yorubaland.

  • Ooni hails Ola Awakan after emerging NTDC DG

    Ooni hails Ola Awakan after emerging NTDC DG

    The Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) and Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (CFR), Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife has hailed Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan aka Ola Awakan, following his appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

    In a congratulatory statement, Ooni expressed that Awakan’s appointment is not just another feather in the cap of a young and vibrant Nigerian, but a strong statement that the present administration recognizes youthful brilliance, cultural passion and innovative drive as essential ingredients for national rebirth.

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    Ola Awakan is no stranger to the cultural landscape of Nigeria. As a dynamic Nigerian youth, a seasoned broadcast journalist, cultural ambassador and advocate of tourism development, who has consistently demonstrated an uncommon acumen for storytelling, heritage promotion and festival visibility.

    Over the years, he has been a committed participant at festivals like the Osun-Osogbo Festival, Olojo Festival, Aje Festival, and numerous other indigenous celebrations that showcase the spiritual, economic and social strength of the Nigerian people.

    Ooni further charged Awakan to see this appointment as a sacred responsibility to promote Nigeria’s festivals and heritage sites to the world, to turn cultural tourism into a major revenue earner and to create opportunities for his fellow youths of our land through arts, crafts, hospitality and cultural entrepreneurship.

  • Eight Osun monarch threaten Oluwo over ‘false’ accusation against Ooni

    Eight Osun monarch threaten Oluwo over ‘false’ accusation against Ooni

    Eight traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday threatened legal action against Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi. 

    They also ssued 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to withdraw the alleged false accusation against Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. 

    The monarchs, including the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi; Olulamokun of Yakoyo, Oba Mesharch Oyediran, Alakinlaalu of Akinlaalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, among others, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, led by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, flayed the allegation by Oluwo that Oba Ogunwusi attempted to poison him in a viral video on social media. 

    Oba Adesoji held that Oluwo’s conduct amounted to insult and gross disrespect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa, describing his allegations against Ooni as criminal defamation and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

    He recalled the activities of Oluwo in the past, which led to his suspension from the meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas after assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting. 

    He insisted that the recent outbursts of the Oluwo were aimed at ridiculing the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

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    His words: “Oluwo has 21 days to write to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to substantiate his allegations or retract them publicly. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum.” 

    The monarchs noted that the Ooni of Ife remains the head of all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the Oluwo’s continued outbursts as attempts to gain undue attention. 

    They stressed that no amount of unruly conduct from the Oluwo of Iwo would diminish the supremacy of the sacred stool of Oduduwa.

  • Convoke summit on sustenance of Yoruba culture, Babayemi urges Ooni, others

    Convoke summit on sustenance of Yoruba culture, Babayemi urges Ooni, others

    A frontline governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, has uged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to work with other stakeholders in the Southwest zone to organise a summit that would promote the core values inherent in Yoruba culture.

    Babayemi equally enjoined government at all levels to form an alliance with the traditional institution with a view to turning Yoruba cultural artefacts, monuments, and festivals into tourism platforms.

    Babayemi, who is also the son of the late monarch of Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government area of the state, made the call while congratulating the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi and the people of the ancient town on the celebration of this year’s annual Olojo festival.

    “The annual celebration of Olojo festival in Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, is one of the most important celebrations among the Yoruba people, which signposts not only the inherent core value in the race’s cultural heritage, but also the significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of the race,” he said.

    He noted that the Yoruba were a sophisticated race with a rich culture, feared that unless its stories were sustained and continuously retold, generations to come would be left with little or nothing about it.

    Babayemi pleaded that for the culture not to be lost to the tide of modernity and foreign cultures, Oba Ogunwusi, working with other royal fathers as well as relevant stakeholders, should urgently form a vanguard that would protect the culture from disappearing from the annals and among the Yoruba people.

    “Our highly respected Ooni of Ife and other traditional rulers in the Southwest need to ensure that nothing is left to chance in ensuring the preservation and sustenance of our cultural relics and monuments. This can be done and achieved through the convocation of a high-powered summit that will comprise our royal fathers and related stakeholders. This confab will produce a practical thematic of how our culture will not go into extinction.”

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    He added that his suggestion was premised on the fact that the Yoruba race has a rich background, with Ile-Ife and the Oonirisa holding a strategic leadership position in the heritage; stressing, “as a people, we have come a long way and we must not allow our tomorrow to be truncated by our today’s nonchalance.”

    He advised that the move could become realisable with the cooperation of the government, noting that it would help the drive and promotion of the cultural heritage into tourism brands.

    “The southwestern part of Nigeria, populated by the Yoruba, could become a tourism haven if all the cultural heritage is properly harnessed. It will further open up our towns and villages and at the same time, become a money-spinning venture for the government, corporate business owners and individuals,” he added.

    While further congratulating the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, on the Olojo festival, he commended his efforts aimed at upholding the Yoruba ethos in his engagements at all levels, and promised to continue to work closely with him to bring his big vision for the race to fruition.

  • Ooni, residents clash over alleged extortion

    Ooni, residents clash over alleged extortion

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and residents of the community yesterday bickered over alleged imposition of Olojo Festival levy on them.

    The residents, under the union, Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), in a statement yesterday signed by the Coordinator and Secretary of APTAN, Ile-Ife branch, Saidi Adegoke and  Monsur Jimoh, alleged that their members were being harassed by representatives of the Palace of Ooni of Ife over their refusal to pay the  Olojo festival levy.

    They called on the federal and state governments as well as the police to intervene.

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    They said: “The incident occurred at Ojatuntun Otisese weekly market on September 16. Some men who claimed to represent the Palace of the Ooni of Ife stormed the market and forcefully seized goods belonging to APTAN members.”

    Reacting to the allegation, Ooni through his media aide, Moses Olafare, denied the claim, saying Oba Ogunwusi had provided fund for the festival.

    He said: ‘’The palace could not have and did not send anybody to commit crime in the name of Olojo festival. The persons collecting the money ought to have been arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.’’

  • Ooni, Ile-Ife residents clash over alleged extortion for Olojo festival levy 

    Ooni, Ile-Ife residents clash over alleged extortion for Olojo festival levy 

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and residents of the community on Sunday bickered over alleged imposition of Olojo Festival levy on them. 

    The residents under the union, Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) in a statement on Sunday jointly signed by its Coordinator and Secretary of APTAN, Ile-Ife Branch, Comrade Saidi Adegoke and Comrade Monsur Jimoh, alleged that their members are being harassed by representatives of the Palace of Ooni of Ife over their refusal to pay the traditional Olojo Festival levy.

    They called on the federal and the state governments as well as the Nigerian Police to intervene. 

    They stated, “The incident occurred at the Ojatuntun Otisese Weekly Market on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, witnessed some men who claimed to represent the Palace of the Ooni of Ife stormed the market and forcefully seized goods belonging to APTAN members.”

    The union identified some of the palace representatives adding that they took the goods away when their member declined to make payment for the Olojo Festival levy. 

    He said, “For over five years, our members have been subjected to harassments, intimidation, and seizure of goods under the guise of compulsory levies for traditional festivals. Goods taken in previous years have never been returned, and this yearly oppression continues despite our repeated appeals.

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    “Our members are largely Muslims. We have consistently paid all other legitimate fees and levies required of us. However, making contributions to activities rooted in idolatry and traditional religious practices (Isese) is forbidden by our faith. 

    “Therefore, compelling Muslims to fund traditional religious practices is a direct violation of our freedom of conscience and our religious rights.”

    Subsequently, they called for the intervention of the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, the Sultan of Sokoto however asserted that APTAN and its members hold His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in the highest esteem. 

    “We believe strongly that the Ooni was not aware of these nefarious acts, which they suspect were being carried out under the influence of certain High Chiefs and the Babaloja, without the knowledge of the Palace.”

    Reacting to the allegations, Ooni through his media aide, Moses Olafare denied the claims, saying Oba Ogunwusi has provided the necessary fund for the festival. 

    He said, “The palace could not have and did not send anybody to commit crime in the name of Olojo festival, stressing that such persons ought to have been arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

    “No palace can force people to pay lecy for festival talk less the Ooni’s palace. The Ooni has made available needed fund for the festival and volunteers have also made donations towards the successful celebration of the annual event. Whoever go around in the next of the palace should be treated as a criminal and be made to face the wrath of the law.

    “It is also unfortunate that the traders have not informed the palace of the extortion they face annually as they claimed. Since they can identify the people involved they should report to the police and let them face the consequences of their actions”, he added.

  • JUST IN: Ooni arrives Ladoja’s residence

    JUST IN: Ooni arrives Ladoja’s residence

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has arrived at the Bodija residence of Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasidi Ladoja. 

    The monarch arrived amidst drumming, dancing, and jubilation into the waiting hands of hundreds of residents, including high chiefs, Baales, Mogajis, social cultural groups, and title holders.

    The Ooni arrived at about 2:12 pm and was received at the entrance by Oba Ladoja, accompanied by members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

    At the time of this report, the visitor and the host are having a meeting at the parlour of Oba Ladoja.

    Details shortly…