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Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni gets staff of office amid tributes, jubilation

    Ooni gets staff of office amid tributes, jubilation

    At a colourful ceremony attended by an army of dignitaries, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, yesterday received his staff of office from Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    There was ovation as Aregbesola handed the beaded staff and a certificate to a beaming Oba Ogunwusi at Enuwa in the ancient town, which is believed to be the cradle of the Yoruba.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

    At the epoch-making event were Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The royalty was well represented.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba  Victor Adesimbo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi,  were there.

    So were the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Olawale Olayiwola Adedeji, the Osile of Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Oloyede Gbadamosi, and a host of others attended the event.

    Among the eminent Nigerians applauding as Oba Ogunwusi got the instruments of office were All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader and former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former interim national chairman of APC Chief Bisi Akande, former governor of Osun State Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, deputy governor of Osun State  Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Osun State governor’s wife Mrs. Sherifat,  wife of the Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, founder of One Love Family Sat Guru Maharaj Ji, Otunba Adekunle Ojora, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, first son of the 50th Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Prince Adetokunbo, and many others.

    Other dignitaries at the event were members of the National Assembly, members of the Houses of Assembly from Osun, Ogun and Oyo states, Christian and Muslim clerics,  academics and business magnates, among others.

    Osinbajo, who arrived at  11: 40 am, paid glowing tributes to the Ooni.

    According to him, the Ooni needs hard work, character and integrity in view of the enormous task before him

    He said: “The position is not for ostentation but for service to humanity. As we hand over the staff of office to you today, we are reminded that you have the primary responsibility of being the physical undertone of the virtue of Omoluabi.”

    Quoting the Ecclesiastes 10:16-17, Osinbajo urged the Ooni to apply God’s wisdom on the throne to succeed.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ ad Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, advised Oba Ogunwusi to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing peace efforts in the country, noting that his enthronement came at a time the country needs “credible agents of peace, harmony and progress.”

    He thanked Aregbesola for accepting the choice of “a dynamic and youthful king” recommended to him by the Ife kingmakers.

    Before he presented the staff of office to the Ooni, Aregbesola urged him to imbibe the fear of God, justice, fairness and righteousness to succeed.

    He also urged him to use the throne to usher in a new era of peace, harmony, progress and prosperity not only in Ife but also in Osun State and the country.

    The governor told the Ooni: “You came to the throne at a time the Yoruba race needs progress, unity and harmony more than ever before.”

    Aregbesola then presented the staff of office to the Ooni at exactly1:51 pm amid thunderous ovation from the crowd.

    Aregbesola enjoined Oba Ogunwusi not to place personal interest ahead of the people’s interest.

    He said: “You must be guided by their interests, which include political, ideological and social. Love them, guide them,listen to them, be a father to all of them, be in touch with them and help them to achieve their goals.”

    Shops and markets in Ile-Ife were closed as a mark of honour to the Ooni.

    Early in the morning, banks in Osogbo, the state capital, were not sure whether to open to customers or not, until many of them received directives from their headquarters before clients were allowed into the banking halls.

     

  • ‘How we want Ooni to rule’

    ‘How we want Ooni to rule’

    As the His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, ascends the throne today, much is expected of him. Some kingmakers speak with Chief Correspondent ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJi on the challenges the monarch will have to tackle.

    We will not betray him’

    “We the king 16 Kingmakers will rule with the new Ooni. He will share his plans and ideas with us before he makes decision. With him, we will look for a peaceful resolution of crisis and issues and we will not betray him”-His Royal Highness, Ijio of Moore, Ile-Ife,  Yaya Elugbaju.

    ‘He must not favour any particular religion’

    “Our new King in Council, Oba Ogunwusi, is a civilized king and he will bring this to grow the economy of Ile-Ife but he must not favour a particular religion. He must practice every religion and also preserve tradition”- the head of the Kingmakers, Lowa Adimula of Ile, His Royal Highness, Joseph Olasoji Ijaodola.

    ‘He should not undermine kingmakers’

    “My advice is that the new God should put God first. He should not undermine the kingmakers. He should have the proverbial ear for getting information and he should not base his decision on one side,”- His Royal Highness, Jaaran Adimula of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Adekola Abraham

    ‘He brings wisdom from Heaven’

    “If God makes a man an Ooni, his wisdom comes from heaven. He becomes a demigod and we the kingmakers will always be around him and must not leave him,” His Royal Highness, Ilaran of Ilode of Ife, Oba Saka Kolawole.

    ‘Ooni must not destroy our culture’

    “Our culture is very dear to us and the king must do everything to protect it. It is the foundation of Ife and what makes the entire Yoruba race at home, Diaspora trace their root”-His Royal Highness, Jagun Ise of Ile-Ife, Johnson Omotoyosi

    ‘No prejudice in community crisis resolution’

    “The new Ooni is the chairman of the Kingmakers and we the 16 kingmakers bring issues from our various communities to him. We will experience a new atmosphere and a new dawn. He will ensure that issues are addressed without any biase or prejudice for the sake of peaceful co-existence.”-His Royal Highness, Arode of Ile-Ife, J.A Awe

    ‘We did not favour anyone’

    “In the Gazzette, it is the turn of Giesi. No one was cheated. We the kingmakers didn’t turn the table to favour anyone. The new king is educated and he will cooperate with us for the growth of the source”-His Royal Highness, Waso of Ilare, Olasode Akinropo

    ‘Ooni must put an end to our sufferings’

    “We want Ife to be great again. We’re suffering in silence in Ile-Ife. His agenda should be towards bringing Ife back to life. People say we are the source but we don’t have what is takes to be the source”-His Royal Highness, Iranye of Alaye, Alfred Olubunmi Elufade

  • Osun Assembly tasks new Ooni, congratulates Ife people

    Osun Assembly tasks new Ooni, congratulates Ife people

    Osun State House of Assembly through its Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Oyintiloye Olatunbosun, has congratulated Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on his coronation as the Ooni of Ife, asserting towering confidence in his ascendancy which they affirm would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba nation and the country at large.

    The legislators said they are convinced that the credentials of the monarch is a testimony to the ardor and tireless creativity the king would bring to the throne. The legislature commended the ruling houses for the manner in which they harmoniously resolved their differences during the selection process. He also congratulated the state government of Osun, the Council of Obas, and the good people of the state, especially the descendants of Ile – Ife, home and abroad for the peaceful transition.

    “The spontaneous enthusiasm that greeted the announcement of the new monarch across Ile Ife, the state of Osun, and the entire nation is a substantiation of the better days ahead,” Oyintiloye explained.

    In a goodwill message to the Ooni during a parliamentary session, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salam enjoined him to give inimitable service, and surpass the worthy legacies of his predecessors. He also admonished him to work with other traditional rulers and government at all levels to inspire harmony, peace and development in the country.

    The parliamentarians implored the Ooni to use his position as the custodian of the cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba land for the service of the people. They urged Oba Adeyeye to be father to all, using his royal office to foster peaceful coexistence not only in Ife and the Yoruba land but throughout the country and beyond.

    The assembly called on the new monarch to use his wealth of experience in business to uplift the fortunes of Ile-Ife industrially, politically and socially. They equally charged the people of the ancient town to support the new monarch in his efforts to make Ife the pride of all.

  • 100-year old Olubadan to attend Ooni’s coronation

    100-year old Olubadan to attend Ooni’s coronation

    The 100-year old Olubadan of Ibadanland , Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 will join hundreds of monarchs across yorubaland , Nigeria and abroad to witness the 51st coronation of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi slated for Monday.

    The revered traditional ruler who said he was delighted to be part of the epoch event wished the new Ooni a peaceful reign and long life on the throne.

    Oba Ogunwusi, a successful real estate magnate and developer, from the Ojaja Royal Compound of Agbedegbede , Giesi Ruling House ,Ile-Ife will on Monday receive the instrument of office as the 51st Ooni after the passage of the ebullient and influential Oba Okuade Sijuade .

    Olubadan of Ibadanland who spoke through one of his High Chiefs, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun said “we see the coronation as a great event for all  yoruba people and we should all rally round to ensure that it goes well and that we all make it a success .

    “The Olubadan further more wishes the new Ooni a great tenure, long life and prosperity.”

  • Ooni begins work on N7.6b resort in Ile-Ife

    Ooni begins work on N7.6b resort in Ile-Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has begun work on a N7.6 billion resort in the ancient town.

    The Ife Grand Resort & Leisure is sited near the Ile-Ife toll gate on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

    The project will be a replica but a far better model of his Inagbe Grand Resort in Lagos, built for N3.5 billion.

    A close associate of the monarch said the project, a seven-star hotel, would consist of 300 rooms.

    Facilities in the resort will include an artificial lake on which an 8,000-capacity floating bar will stand, spas, a golf course, three swimming pools, a lawn tennis court, an indoor sports hall, 30 horses and quad bikes for pleasure ride.

    The resort will also feature a children’s play centre, mud brick houses, and a 5,000- guest hall.

    Most of the materials to be used will be sourced from Ile-Ife and processed by the monarch’s factory.

    Operating under the corporate name Gran Imperio Limited, Ogunwusi’s company specialises in developing estates and resorts.

    The source added that the sites for other resorts had been acquired in Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Maiduguri.

    The monarch, in his speech after his selection, said he would embark on activities to develop Ile-Ife.

    Oba Ogunwusi is to be inaugurated as the 51st Ooni on December 7.

  • Ooni Ogunwusi enters palace as traditional rites end

    Ooni Ogunwusi enters palace as traditional rites end

    •Monarch completes rites 

    The 51st Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, entered the palace yesterday to begin his reign after performing the last series of rites.

    The monarch also visited some historical compounds.

    His performance of the rites marked the end of his 21-day seclusion.

    He started from the Obatala shrine at 3am and ended at the Enuwa Square at 7pm.

    Clad in white lace and a pair of black shoes, Oba Ogunwusi wore the Sesefun crown and held the white beaded stick given to him at the Obatala shrine.

    At Oke Ilode, he alighted from his black classic Mercedes Benz Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and performed a rite on the road surrounded by his subjects.

    The Oba crushed kolanut with his thumb and washed his legs.

    He was blessed there by the traditional chiefs of Imole cult and the Oluorogbos.

    Owa Walode  led the Ooni to Odo Egudu at his Akodi Walode for some sacrifices involving use of a ram.

    Oba Ogunwusi’s head  was also washed behind close doors.

    A traditionalist said the same ritual was done for Oduduwa. It is to ensure peaceful and long reign.

    Also, at a junction in Ilode, other sacrifices were performed amid drumming by the traditionalists.

    The Ooni danced for some minutes before proceeding with other rites.

    Drumming had been banned in Ife since Oba Okunade Sijuwade ’s death.

    It was lifted yesterday with the traditionalists’ symbolic drumming.

    The monarch was also taken to Oke Ora, where Oduduwa was believed to have entered Ile-Ife, to wear the Aare Crown.

    Oba Ogunwusi could only wear the Aare crown temporarily at Oke-Ora. He was asked to take it away to wear once every year during the  Olojo festival.

    By 7pm, Oba Ogunwusi was led to the Enuwa Square, the entrance into the Ooni’s Palace, where he prostrated on a mat for the last time for his subjects, before entering.

    The gate was first opened yesterday since Oba Sijuwade’s death.

    Oba Ogunwusi blessed his subjects, including  traditional and palace chiefs.

  • Ooni crowned in secret

    Ooni crowned in secret

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was early this morning crowned in a secret traditional ceremony.

    The monarch will enter the palace and be received by palace chiefs.

    An informed source said he would meet the press at 10 am at the palace.

    The source said Ogunwusi was crowned traditionally in a confidential ceremony between 3am and 5am.

    According to him, there was nothing like coronation in the Ife tradition.

    He said “experts” had enlightened those in charge of the process that there could only be an inauguration for the Ooni instead of coronation.

    He added: “Ooni gives crowns to traditional rulers and he is not expected to receive one like others. His crowning is usually done in secrecy or confidence, not in the open.

    “And traditionally, whoever is pronounced by the kingmakers and the government becomes the Ooni. He does not need to wait  till he undergoes rites and crowned before he is referred to as Ooni.”

  • Ooni moves to Obatala shrine for five days

    Ooni moves to Obatala shrine for five days

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has moved to Obatala shrine at Ilofi for some rites.

    It was gathered that Ogunwusi, who moved there yesterday as part of his pre-installation rites, will remain there for five days.

    A source said the last days of his worship at the Obatala shrine would be marked with the celebration of a bean festival.

    The Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Adekunle Abdul Mahroof Magbagbeola,  said the rites would not end without the sacrificial worship of Obatala.

    The traditional ruler also said “being the first son of Obatala, I must move to Ile-Ife to participate in the rites”.

    The Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba James Adedokun Adegoke, Akunraledoye II, has congratulated Oba Ogunwusi.

    Oba Adegoke said: “Our people delightfully express their joy, love and felicitation to Oba Ogunwusi and wish him not only a long, peaceful reign, but also a tenure in office as glorious and majestic as that of his predecessors.

    “We also pray that God will grant the Ooni the wisdom of his ancestors to rule with justice and mercy, to uphold and promote the values, culture and progressive traditions of our Yoruba nation. And above all to work hard and unite our people.”

  • Huge welcome for Ooni

    Huge welcome for Ooni

    Ile Ife, the historic town in Osun State, was aglow yesterday as it welcomed home its monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    Ogunwusi will bear the title of Ojaja II. He was named the Ooni on Monday to succeed  Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, who died on July 28.

    Ife was in a festive mood. Men, women and children were gaily dressed. Markets and shops were closed.

    There were no vehicles on the road. It looked like a public holiday in the ancient town.

    Oba Ogunwusi, in immaculate white, arrived at Moro Junction where he had his first stopover, around 1pm.

    He proceeded to the Ife-Ibadan toll gate, where many of his subjects joined his motorcade.

    The Ooni swept into town in royal splendour, passing through May Fair, Lagere, Iremo, Enuwa, Moore to get to his Agbedegbede Ojaja family compound in the Giesi Ruling House, where he was installed as Sooko.

    Ife tradition demands that he should first be Sooko (head) of his ruling house before mounting the Ooni stool.

    The Ooni was received by the Ife Traditional Council led by the Lowa of Ife, High Chief Joseph Ijaodola, at the Ile-Ife end of the Ibadan expressway.

    At the toll gate, Ogunwusi switched cars.

    He stood on the open roof of the car to acknowledge cheers from the mammoth crowd.

    Before his arrival, all the roads leading to the Ooni Palace, Lagere area, Giesi Ruling House, among others, were filled with his subjects.

    Security was heavy. The police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps and local vigilante were at strategic locations to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

    The security agents had a hectic time controlling the crowd.

    Two persons died in a head-on collision between an Honda Saloon car and a motorcycle on Ibadan road. The men on the motorcycle died on the spot; the motorist was injured.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in the Giesi Ruling House to witness Ogunwusi’s installation as Sooko.

    Obasanjo was accompanied by his friend, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

    The Ooni raised clenched fist to acknowledge cheers as he moved to the Obalufe’s palace at Iremo to perform some rites before going to his family compound.

    He arrived at the Giesi ruling house few minutes after 5pm and was installed the Sooko. The installation was held in the inner room of the hall at the ruling house. It was conducted by Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, who led all Ife Sooko to the ceremony.

    After the ceremony, the Ooni was led to an unknown destination.

    But it was gathered that he retired to his private residence last night before moving into Iledi, at a forest on Ilesa road, where some rituals will be performed till 2am.

    The other rituals and rites, according to a source, will continue at the Ilofi, where a series of initiations and further rituals will be done in the next 21 days.

    During his stay at Ilofi, the Ooni will be taken through the rudiments of his duties as the custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.

    Ogunwusi will bear the tittle Ojaja II, Secretary to the Giesi Ruling House, Adelowu Ogunleye, announced yesterday.

    The Ojaja family is part of the Giesi ruling house.

    “The Kabiyesi has promised to further the development of Ife and provide jobs for the unemployed,” he said.

    “I am sure he will explain better when he is finally installed.”

    Immediate past Chairman of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency  (FERMA) Olajide Adeniji, yesterday congratulated the Ogunwusi on his appointment.

    He urged the Ooni to see the unity of the Yoruba nation as a priority, adding: “The role of traditional rulers in nation-building cannot be over-emphasised. Of course, our traditional rulers should use their good offices to minimise the use of religion and politics as instruments of violence. I humbly urge your imperial majesty to please see your appointment as a call to service and to the upliftment of humanity.

    “Build a solid super structure on a super foundation laid by your predecessors,  Oba Adesoji Aderemi  and Oba Okunade Sijuwade.”

    Also yesterday, Sooko Adewoyin said it was time to support the Ooni in the interest of Ife and the Yoruba race.

    Speaking with reporters at the Giesi Ruling House Compound, he said he had come on behalf of all Sooko of Ife to solidarise with the Ooni.

    According to him, the Lafogido Ruling House,where he hails from went to court to establish that there was error in using the 1980 ife Chieftaincy Declaration in selecting the candidate for the Ooni stool and the court ruled against it.

    Also, Sooko Bunmi Adegoke of Lafogido, said: “We believe we have been cheated and the court is the best place to judge whether we are right or wrong and the court has spoken. Let us all Ife support the new Ooni, you can’t be a rebel because anything can happen. Reason for our acceptance and support.”

  • Ooni appears in public as rites begin

    Ooni appears in public as rites begin

    •Markets shut for royal homecoming

    Three days after his appointment as Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi will today appear in public for the first time.

    He is expected in Ife to the warm embrace of his subjects.

    Ahead of his historic home coming, the two local governments in the ancient town – Ife East and Ife Central – yesterday ordered the closure of all major markets in his honour.

    The councils also ordered that vehicles should not be parked on the roads leading to the Ooni’s Palace. Those abandoned should be removed before the Ooni’s arrival.

    On arrival, the Ooni will go to the Giesi Ruling House to be installed as the Sooko because tradition demands that he must first be the Sooko of his family before he mounts the stool.

    After his installation as Sooko, the Ooni will head to the Obalufe Palace to perform some rites at the Orunto River inside the palace. From there, he will move to a forest on Ilesa road for another round of rituals.

    A source said: “The Ooni will also go into seclusion in Ilofi for a minimum of 21 days for series of rites and initiations. Though the rites could last 30 days in some circumstances but 21 days may be sufficient. And finally, he would meet an old woman in spirit to receive the power left by Oduduwa. The old woman will give him all the power over the Yoruba race. Then after all these, he will be installed as the Ooni.”

    Oba Olajide Ifaloba, the Obadio of Ife and Head of Isoro cult, to which the Ooni must belong, has confirmed that he will arrive in Ife today.

    Speaking with reporters in Ife last night, he said the arrangements  had been concluded to receive Ogunwusi.

    According to him, the Ooni will be received at Ife end of Ife/ Ibadan expressway and will subsequently begin installation rites as demanded by tradition.

    Ifaloba said tradition demands that Ooni must enter Ile Ife in the day time after his name had been announced

    It was also learnt yesterday that some rites to herald Ooni’s entry into Ife have been concluded.

    It was also gathered that the Lowa Eredumi of Ile Ife, Oba Eluyele Olawenu,  according to tradition, will officiate at the installation rites.

    Ife was calm yesterday and the residents in high spirits as they await the Ooni’s arrival. Strategic areas of the ancient town are being heavily policed.

    In a broadcast on  an Ife-based private radio station, Crown FM,  the palace urged all residents to dress gorgeously to receive Oba Ogunwusi.

    The announcement directed markets and shops to remain closed during the period as a mark of honour for the monarch.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, among others yesterday congratulated Ogunwusi on his appointment as Ooni.

    The All Progressives Congress in Osun State congratulated the people of Ile Ife, Osun State and the Yoruba nation on Ogunwusi’s appointment.

    In its  congratulatory message, APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said a new era has begun with Ogunwusi as Ooni.

    According to the party: “The spectacular antecedent of the new Ooni in the corporate community of Nigeria’s business institution, the Yoruba nation and indeed Nigeria as a whole expect the new Ooni to take off from where the late Oba Sijuwade ended his glorious reign.

    “We expect the Ooni to drive the traditional institution with similar if not stronger zest and panache that Oba Sijuwade deployed to promote culture, especially that of the Yoruba nation throughout the world.

    “We have no doubt in our mind that the choice of Ogunwusi as the new Ooni must have been based on his pedigree and antecedent and exalted achievements he has attained that would be of significant value to his reign as the paramount ruler in Yorubaland.

    “It is, therefore, with great expectation that we all look forward to the eventful reign of the new Ooni, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II.”

    In his congratulatory message,Senator Babajide Omoworare prayed for good health and long life for Ogunwusi.

    Omoworare also prayed that Ife would thrive and enjoy peace during Ogunwusi’s reign.