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Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni’s grandmother dies at 104

    Ooni’s grandmother dies at 104

    Gunmen kill monarch’s guard

    The paternal grandmother of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Mrs. Mariani Adeyemi Ogunwusi, has died.

    Aged 104, she is survived by her son, the Ooni’s father, Prince Oluropo Ogunwusi, and 12 grandchildren.

    A statement by the Ooni’s Director of Media, Moses Olafare, said Madam Ogunwusi, who lost her second child, Prince Isaac Olufemi Ogunwusi, and her husband, Prince Olaobaju Joseph Ogunwusi in 1995 and 1998 respectively, died at 4:30am in her Ile-Ife home.

    The statement said: “It’s noteworthy to state that the late Madam Ogunwusi fondly called Mama Alaso might have had a premonition of her death as she had in the last one month been placing the Ooni’s picture on her chest either while sleeping or sitting and always saying ‘God I thank you for being alive to witness a dream of over 40 years. I am now ready to return to you in heaven for an eternity and i will be able to tell my husband of this manifestation of our 1974 dream.’

    “Her remains will be interred on April 22. May her soul rest in peace.”

    There was tragedy in Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday when a security guard working at the private residence of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Parakin Quarters, was killed by gunmen.

    It was gathered that the guard, a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps official, was shot in front of the house while going to buy recharge card.

    The deceased was said to have told his colleagues that he would soon be back before he was killed.

    An eyewitness said the gunmen may have been coming from an operation before they sighted the NSCDC official and shot him repeatedly.

    The bandits after killing the guard shot sporadically into the air to scare away passers-by.

    The spokesperson of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osun State, Wale Folarin, has confirmed the incident.

    In a statement, he said: “The timely intervention of officers and men of the Civil Defence had prevented the “fracas from escalating”.

    He said: “It is true one of our officers attached to the Ooni’s palace was shot dead by some unidentified persons in front of the Ooni’s private residence. The killers went away with his gun.

    “He died at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ife. We have arrested three suspects and investigations have begun.”

    The monarch’s media director, Moses  Olafare, said the killers could be likened to “armed robbers because they went away with his gun after killing him”.

  • Obasanjo prostrates for Ooni

    Obasanjo prostrates for Ooni

    •Says: ‘He’s my father, father of Yoruba’

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday prostrated for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, when he paid homage to him in his palace.

    He described Oba Ogunwusi as his father and father of the Yoruba people, saying he was pleased that Ife people did not pick a wrong person to occupy the throne.

    Obasanjo won the admiration of those present when, in his agbada, he prostrated for the Ooni.

    He prostrated twice: when he arrived the palace and when he was leaving.

    He said it was an honour for the Ooni to pay a visit to anybody, advising those Oba Ogunwusi had visited to reciprocate the gesture by supporting him in his effort to bring unity to Yoruba race.

    He said those singing ‘Owu Lakokoda’ should stop and not sing it again, especially at the Ooni’s palace, because Ife is the cradle  of humanity.

    The former president, who expressed support for the unity move by the Ooni of Ife, explained that the move by the Ooni was important for the progress of Yorubaland.

    The former president urged the Ooni not to relent in ensuring unity among the Yoruba, adding that Ife remained the source of Yorubaland.

    He said: “I commend the role of Ooni in ensuring peace in Yorubaland. Continue what you are doing, especially your unity course. I am happy with the move taken so far.

    “It is only a sign of honour for the Ooni to visit anyone. That does not stop Ile-Ife from its position in the history of Yorubaland.”

    Obasanjo, who prayed for the progress of Ife and Yorubaland, apologised for not being present at the Ooni’s coronation.

    Responding, the Ooni expressed appreciation of the former president’s visit.

    The Ooni described Obasanjo as a prominent leader in Africa, saying: “He loves Yoruba culture and had been promoting it.”

    The Ooni had been visited by many Yoruba monarchs, including the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to encourage unity in Yorubaland.

    Dignitaries present during Obasajo’s visit included Dr Femi Okunnu, Femi Majekodunmi, Chief Oyewole Faseye, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, Ayo Balogun, and a host of others.

  • Ooni, Owa battle at Osun monarchs’ meeting

    Ooni, Owa battle at Osun monarchs’ meeting

    The atmosphere preceding Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Osun State Council of Obas was charged.

    Reason: There was an argument over the seating arrangement.

     The Owa Obokun, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, did not  allow the advance team of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to place his seat at a vantage position.

    The vice-chairman of the council, Oba Aromolaran, allegedly refused to allow  the Ife team place the Ooni’s seat in front of him.

    The Ooni is the permanent chairman of the council

    It was learnt that Oba Aromolaran, who had arrived earlier before Oba Ogunwusi, allegedly stopped the Ooni’s advance team.

    It was further learnt that the dress of one of the emissaries (emese) was torn during the “scuffle”.

    The emeses were said to have insisted on placing the seat in a particular position. They claimed that they were acting on the Ooni’s instruction.

    The meeting was postponed indefinitely.

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola invited the monarchs to a meeting at the Government House.

    It was gathered that Oba Aromolaran left the Government House a few minutes before Oba Ogunwusi arrived.

    The Ooni went to visit the Owa at his palace in Ilesa.

    Oba Ogunwusi was said to have told Oba Aromolaran that he was not interested in fighting for any position but for peace among  Yoruba obas.

    The Ooni was also quoted to have said that “you are one of the prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland and it is in my own interest and that of the larger Yoruba people to relate very well with the Owa”.

    “I have just spent about three months on the throne now while you, Owa, have spent about 34 years.

    “It is my responsibility to visit you first because you have been on the throne for long.

    “It has been said by God that I should come and liberate Yorubaland and to ensure peace and unity.

    “I am not engaging in any leadership supremacy with anybody.”

    Owa reportedly told the Ooni that “your visit is a surprise to me and it is the least expected. Now that you have come to show a hand of friendship, I will now join your unity train to unify the Yoruba.”

    The Ooni’s Director of Media and Publicity, Moses Olafare, said the Ooni’s position as the council’s permanent chairman  was incontrovertible.

    Olafare said: “Ooni would not want to be drawn into what happened.

    “But he (Ooni) remains the permanent chairman according to law.

    “The issue of who becomes the chairman is a creation of law and can only be reversed by law.

    “Whoever is not satisfied with the arrangement should either go to court or the House of Assembly and seek a review of the law.”

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  • Ooni provides buses for residents

    Ooni provides buses for residents

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has partnered the Olofin Micro Finance Bank to provide seven 42-seater buses for residents.

    At the inauguration of the Made in Nigeria buses held at the Enuwa Palace Square, the monarch said the buses would ease intra-city transportation.

    Oba Ogunwusi said the present economic downturn facing the nation would be reduced if Nigerians patronise locally produced products and goods.

    The monarch said he decided to partner the bank to purchase the vehicles worth N56 million for the town’s economic growth and also ease transportation in and out of the town.

    The monarch also announced free medial treatment of minor ailments for the people.

    The bank’s Managing Director, Toyin Olufolahan, said the procurement of the buses by individuals would be through cooperative societies.

    He added that repayment schedule for the buses would be for two years.

  • Beware of politicians, cheerleaders lest you be led astray, Awujale advises Ooni

    Beware of politicians, cheerleaders lest you be led astray, Awujale advises Ooni

    The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, yesterday advised the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to be wary of politicians, sycophants and cheerleaders lest they lead him astray.

    The Awujale gave the advice at his Ijebu – Ode palace, Ogun State, when the Ooni paid him a historical visit.

    Oba Adetona noted that Oba Ogunwusi’s resolve since his ascension to the Ife throne to work for the unity and progress of Yorubaland, is a worthy cause but counseled him to be cautious in dealings with the nation’s politicians and their tendencies for division.

    Adetona said: “If we are united, we can achieve a lot for our people. But if we allow politicians to infiltrate and divide us, they will spoil everything.We should not as traditional rulers sell ourselves out because of pecuniary gains. That had happened in the past and caused disunity in Yorubaland. We should not be partial. The interest of our people should matter most to us.”

    In his remark, Oba Ogunwusi called for the replication of the cooperation and harmony that existed amongst traditional rulers in Yorubaland up till 1941 when the Obas in the area met.

    The Ooni said the rapid socio – economic development of Yorubaland and her people could be achieved if there is greater unity among the traditional rulers, adding that he

    was in Ijebuland to draw strength and wisdom from Awujale who providence has preserved for 56 years on the throne.

    According to him, he would move closer to the Ijebu monarch so as to foster better cooperation and unity amongst Yoruba traditional rulers.

    “The position God has put me today is not because of my power or might. It has pleased God to make me the Ooni in my youth. Therefore, I have resolved to come closer to the Awujale because since 1941 when Yoruba traditional rulers last met, we have not had any other joint meeting. This should not be so.

    “It is our culture to respect the elders and there is nothing better than that before God. God loves the Yoruba people so much that He gave us everything. But if we are not united, we won’t know our worth. God has blessed all of us in Yorubaland but it is through cooperation that we can achieve the best,” Ogunwusi said.

  • Ooni adds glamour to Oodua Festival

    Ooni adds glamour to Oodua Festival

    Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people, was in festive mood last week as the ancient town marked the first cultural-cum-tourism event this year, the O’odua Festival.

    The O’odua Festival, one of the numerous festivals organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation, is held in honour of the progenitor of the Yoruba race. Held in front of the Ooni’s Palace at Enuwa, the festival is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culture of the Yoruba people.

    Among activities at the two-day programme included a beauty pageant which was won by beautiful Miss Fadipe Toluwani Arike, a 100-level Dramatic Arts student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. She beat a pool of 16 other contestants to the crown.

    The winner won for herself a car and other equally beautiful prizes, while the runners-up and other contestants went home with various gifts, including various sums of cash and household goods.

    At the grand finale, which had in attendance traditional rulers, including the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and different cultural troupes, had opportunity to entertain the guests . The O’odua cultural troupe was also on hand to entertain visitors.

    From left: Ooni Ogunwusi; Otunba Gani Adams and other guests sing the national anthem during the festival
    From left: Ooni Ogunwusi; Otunba Gani Adams and other guests sing the national anthem during the festival

    In what appears to be his first public celebration of a festival, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, stepped out last week in glamorous fashion to celebrate the 2016 edition of the Oodua Festival in Ile-ife, Osun State.

    Addressing the crowd that turned out for the festival,  Oba Ogunwusi said: “My main agenda is to unite Yoruba to bring about peace. When peace reigns in Yorubaland, it will reign in Nigeria, Africa and in the world at large. We are the symbol of unity, advancement because democracy, technology and others started from us in Yorubaland and we must take back our position as a leading race in the world.

    “Almighty God really blessed us with all that we need in Yorubaland , but He is not happy with us because we are not united. Therefore, we have to put  everything behind us and come together as brothers and sisters , direct descendants of Oduduwa so that we can enjoy the full potential that we are endowed with.”

    The monarch called on all Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers to brace up for the new challenges, unity, growth and development of Yorubaland. These should be our concern and   we should all join hands to make Yoruba race  great.

    Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress ( OPC) and Chief Promoter of  the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), Otunba Gani Adams, tasked Yoruba traditional rulers to key in to the peace and unity agenda of  Oba Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, in order to take the Yoruba nation to greater height.

    According to him ,“The Ooni and Alaafin have started the process of  unifying Yoruba sons and daughters. I wish to call on  all Yoruba oba to join hands with them to make sure that the Yoruba race attains its God’s ordained  potential and become  a reference  point in the development and peace.

    “If we  all come together to unleash our minds and open  our vision to positive things and begin to see the great future that is before us, then  and only then would we realize that the land of the legendary Oduduwa is destined for greatness.

    “Yoruba is a serious-minded race that any other race in the world will not take slightly. If the Yoruba moves forward, it will encourage the entire African continent to move forward. So, the unity of Yoruba is more useful to Nigeria as a country and to Africa as a continent.”

    The festival Guest Lecturer, Professor Akin Alao, A professor of Legal History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, in his lecture, entitled,  ‘Culture and Socio Imperatives  of Yoruba Unity: The Pivotal Role of Yoruba Monarchs’,  submits that Yoruba monarchs should be the champions of  their peoples’ rights and priviledges in the management of  relations within the Nigerian state.

    According to him, any injury to one in Yorubaland must be considered and taken as an injury to all. He maintained that Yoruba solidarity must be constructed on the pillars of truth, justice, equity and collective progress as a race and a people.

    The programme was attended by over 50 traditional rulers in Yorubaland  and thousands of members of the OPC  and the OPU, including several top  actors and actresses.

    Fuji act, Abass Akande Obesere, treated the crowd to scintillating songs.

  • Glamour as monarchs welcome Ooni to Ijebuland

    Glamour as monarchs welcome Ooni to Ijebuland

    Scores of Ijebu traditional rulers and chiefs on Friday afternoon joined  the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, to receive the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, as he made his maiden Royal and historical visit to Ijebu – Ode, Ogun state.

    Oba Ogunwusi arrived the Awujale’s Palace, Ijebu – Ode, the Royal Home of Awujale by 1:16 pm.

    The 40-year old Ife monarch was accompanied by dozens of Ife (Osun state) traditional rulers chiefs  and Palace aides while the Elewon Ooni(Ooni Palace drummers) chanted “Oodua mbo o” Oodua mbo o” along.

    The Nation gathered that the visit was part of his agenda to foster greater unity, harmony and development of Yorubaland, Southwest Nigeria.

    Few weeks ago, he had paid similar visit to the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo town, Oba Lamidi  Adeyemi.

    At the Palace with Oba Adetona to welcome the Ooni are Oloori Omoba, Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Ebumawe of Ago – Iwoye, Oba Abdul – Rasaq Adenugba, the Ajalorun of Ijebu – Ife, Oba Afolorunsho Oguntayo, the Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Toye Alatishe, the Olorogun of Ijebuland, Chief Sunny Kuku, the Alaporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Quadri, the Limeri of Awa  – Ijebu, Oba Amos Awobajo, Chief Duro Onabule among others.

  • Ooni: Enter the ambassador of peace

    Foremost traditional ruler in Yoruba land, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has made a mark within a very short time on the throne. He has taken steps towards forging unity among the traditional rulers and the Yoruba nations at large. LEKE SALAUDEEN writes on the monarch’s trouble shooting efforts.

    When the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II was enthroned as the Ooni of Ife in December 1980, he inherited a dispute over supremacy among the Obas of Yorubaland. In 1967, a crisis had been resolved when the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was chosen as the leader of the Yoruba. In 1976, the governor of old Oyo State, General David Jemibewon (rtd), had decreed that the Ooni of Ife would be the permanent chairman of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs. A group of Obas led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, disagreed and insisted that the position should rotate. The dispute calmed when Osun State was carved out of Oyo State in August 1991, but the ill-will and animosity persisted.

    This was the situation on ground when Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, came on board. The new monarch had prepared himself before his enthronement for the task of forging unity among the Yoruba traditional rulers and the people at large.  In his inaugural speech, Ogunwusi said: “It is our God that makes a king, and I am grateful to God for preparing me for this throne. I did not become a king by accident, God designed it to be so because as a prince, I had personal  dealings with over 20 kings and I will explore this to work for the unity of all Yoruba monarchs. Immediately I was elected by the kingmakers, I called the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, and discussed with him the essence of bringing everybody together. I am glad to say that today we are on the same page. I also called Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. We spoke at length. He came around during my seclusion. I have also met with Oba Akiolu of Lagos, apart from many traditional rulers that I have personal relationships with. So gradually, the Yoruba kingdom is coming together”.

    The new Ooni is passionate about love and unity among the Yoruba race. He has always emphasised the need to foster unity and love among the descendants of Oduduwa. At every opportunity he has to address people, he preaches unity among the Yoruba. “If there is unity in Yoruba land, there will be unity and peace in the whole world. I am passionate about Yoruba’s interest. The work for Yoruba unity has commenced because it is ordained by God and our ancestors. Traditional rulers are closer to the people than government. With unity of purpose, we will record resounding success in all our activities. I have been closer to Yoruba Obas since my days as a prince and after becoming the king, I have extended hands of fellowship to them and we have been building bridges of unity across seeming barriers.”

    This was practically demonstrated by Oba Ogunwusi  when he visited Alaafin  last Sunday to grace his 45th coronation anniversary. An elated Oba Adeyemi described the Ooni’s visit as historic. According to the Oyo monarch, Oba Ogunwusi became the first Ooni to visit Oyo town since 1937. “That was the first time kings in Yoruba land met in Oyo town. Alaafin, who expressed joy at the presence of the Ooni, said: “I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”

    Nothing could be more assuring that a new chapter in the relationship between Ife and Oyo has opened when the Ooni  said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity to any of them. My mission here is to preach peace among the nations of Yoruba, both home and abroad. And I am ready to work with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe existed since the days of our forefathers.”

    Analysts recall that for decades, the late Ooni Sijuwade and Oba Adeyemi were embroiled in the battle of supremacy. They believe Oba Ogunwusi’s visit will usher in an era of peace between the two monarchs and as well engender unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.

    On the home front, Oba Ogunwusi  has taken steps to settle the age-long rivalry between Ife and Modakeke through his empowerment programme for the youths. The monarch has moved towards healing the wounds of the communal clash between Ife and Modakeke. He has set up House of Oduduwa Development Trust Fund to reconstruct damaged buildings during the war.  An indigene of Modakeke, Mr  Akinwande Ojebode, said: “The enthronement of Oba Ogunwusi has restored peace in the two communities. Ife and Modakeke have come together with a resolve that there will be no longer rivalry or war now or in the future”.

  • Ooni: Olubadan left when Yoruba needed him most

    Ooni: Olubadan left when Yoruba needed him most

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, yesterday said he was shocked when he received the news of the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana.

    In a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the monarch said the Olubadan left the world when the Yoruba needed him most, especially now that “the long overdue unification of the Yoruba traditional rulers and the race in general is gradually gaining momentum”.

    According to Oba Ogunwusi, the late Olubadan has secured God’s heart while on earth, saying he lived “substantial” part of his life serving the people.

    He said: “As a public servant, Ibadan traditional chief, Yoruba leader of thought and finally as the revered king of Ibadan, Oba Odulana was exemplary and he distinctly raised the bar of good leadership among his subjects.

    “I will personally miss him and he would have played host to Ooni and his entourage; during my unity tour to all Yoruba obas and leaders of thought, which I began a couple of days ago with the visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.”

  • Ooni in Oyo for Alaafin’s 45th coronation anniversary

    Ooni in Oyo for Alaafin’s 45th coronation anniversary

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, yesterday paid an historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

    It was an unscheduled visit by the Ooni to join many eminent Nigerians in celebrating Oba Adeyemi’s 45th coronation anniversary.

    Speaking at the thanksgiving service to commemorate the anniversary, Oba Ogunwusi preached unity among the Yoruba .

    Oba Ogunwusi said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity to any of them.

    “I am ready to damn any consequence or insinuation from anywhere.

    “My mission here is to preach peace among nations of Yoruba, both home and abroad. And I am ready to work with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we believe existed since the days of our forefathers.”

    He was accompanied to the thanksgiving service by about 100  traditional rulers.

    The accompanying royal fathers  include the Orangun of Ila, Ajero of Ijero, Timi of Ede, Akinrun of Ikirun, Olu of Ilaro, Alara of Aramoko, Oore of Otun and Alayemore of Efon-Alaye, among others.

    The Alaafin, who expressed joy at the presence of the Ooni and other traditional rulers, said if all Yoruba monarchs unite, there will be progress in Nigeria.

    He said: “This special visit was done last in March 1937.

    “That was the first time kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua and the Ooni of Ife.

    “I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.

    “I have a firm relationship with Ooni Adesoji Aderemi.”

    The Bishop of Oyo Diocese,Methodist Church Nigeria, Rev Titus Ilori Omoniyi,   said the unity of the Yoruba would bring progress and development.

    “Ooni has made an unforgettable visit in history of Yorubaland and I laud your 11- point agenda, which centres on youth empowerment programmes and cultural drive.

    “So, I am imploring all obas to emulate the Arole Oodua and drive away poverty and crime.”

    Omoniyi prayed for the Alaafin to have a successful reign, urging everyone to embrace peace “as the Lord Jesus Christ symbolises peace and tranquility”.

    Another cleric, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, said he was shocked by the Ooni’s visit, adding: “It is a great day for all Yoruba obas and the Yoruba nation.”

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi has attributed his close to six-year cordial relationship with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, to the monarch’s altruism, understanding and sense of balancing in all matters since he became governor.

    said: “I make bold to say that the Alaafin stands out among traditional rulers in this country. He is deep intellectually. He is bold and courageous. He does not suffer fools gladly. Baba has a sense of balancing and appropriateness.

    “He is a very considerate man who has been so supportive of our administration and I’m yet to see his equal.

    “I’m saying this with every sense of responsibility and I want to be quoted, we are fully supportive of Ajimobi’s drive to give Oyo State a new lease of life. He is doing well and I want my people to continue to support him.

    “I want to, once again, call on the people of Oyo West to embrace the APC. We can’t gain anything from the opposition. If Ajimobi is not doing well, I won’t support or ask you to queue behind him. Some people sometimes accuse me of taking sides with the governor. But the man is doing very well.

    “What are we even talking about? If (Chief Obafemi) Awolowo resurrected today, he will join the APC, because he was a progressive and APC is a progressive and people-oriented party. So I have no apologies for supporting them.”