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Tag: Ooni

  • His legacy endures, declares Ooni

    His legacy endures, declares Ooni

    The Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has said the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari would endure.

    In a statement yesterday by the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Otunba Moses Olafare,the monarch said he received the news of his death with shock, describing it as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s national history.

    The spiritual leader of the Oduduwa worldwide believed that while death was a divine passage that no man could escape, he emphasised that kings and leaders of great legacy were not mourned; they were celebrated because their footprints in the sands of time remained long after they had transitioned to the ancestral realm.

    Read Also: AU, ECOWAS mourn Buhari

    Ooni Ogunwusi extolled Buhari as a resilient leader, a disciplined soldier, and an unrepentant patriot, whose life symbolised selfless service, firm belief in the unity of Nigeria, and a lifelong commitment to national development.

    ‘’On behalf of the Yoruba race, the entire House of Oduduwa Worldwide and traditional institutions across the country, Ooni Ogunwusi offers heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, Federal Government, Katsina State Government, associates, colleagues, the people of Daura Emirate community, the people of Katsina State and Nigerians across the world.

    ‘’May the Almighty God grant his departed soul eternal rest in Aljanah Firdaus and console his family and the loved ones he left behind,’’ the statement said.

  • FRSC urges Ooni to help curb use of self-made customised plates by monarchs

    FRSC urges Ooni to help curb use of self-made customised plates by monarchs

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to help curb the growing use of self-made customised vehicle number plates by traditional rulers.

    The Osun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Leye Adegboyega, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the monarch at his palace, calling for stronger collaboration between the commission and traditional institutions to promote road safety.

    According to a statement signed by the Sector Protocol Officer, DRC OO Sonuyi, and released by the Sector Public Education Officer, Agnes Ogungbemi, four key appeals were presented to the Ooni.

    Among them was a request for royal blessings and prayers for the FRSC and its personnel in their life-saving mission, as well as a call for the monarch to serve as the foremost road safety ambassador in the Ife kingdom.

    The commission also urged the Ooni to use his influence to encourage compliance with traffic laws and support ongoing safety campaigns within the state.

    “We advocated for official number plates as Kabiyesi was respectfully appealed to, to influence fellow traditional rulers who still use self-made customised plates to adopt officially issued customised number plates, as a symbol of national order and respect for the law.”

    He disclosed that the FRSC sought for provision of ambulances and patrol vehicles to enhance response time and visibility, the Construction of perimeter fencing and the provision of furniture for the new Corridor Command at Erefe, Ife amongst others. 

    The release stated that Oba Ogunwusi commended the FRSC for its sacrifices in safeguarding lives on Nigerian roads and assured the delegation that all issues and appeals raised would be given due attention.

  • Olowu calls for unity between Alaafin, Ooni

    Olowu calls for unity between Alaafin, Ooni

    The Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has called on the Alaafin of Oyo, HIM Oba Abimbola Owoade, and the Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to embrace unity for the advancement of Yorubaland.

    Oba Makama made the appeal on Tuesday while hosting the Alaafin at his palace in Kuta, Osun State.

    He lamented that unlike in the North, where traditional rulers like the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Shehu of Borno enjoy widespread respect, Yoruba traditional leadership lacks cohesion, which weakens its influence and development potential.

    According to him, unity among Yoruba monarchs is key to unlocking the region’s progress and tackling pressing challenges, especially youth unemployment.

    “It is time for Yoruba traditional rulers to come together and address the many issues facing our people,” Oba Makama said, emphasizing that cultural preservation should also remain a top priority for royal fathers.

    He extended greetings to the Ooni of Ife, who is currently abroad, noting that traditional rulers from five local governments had waited over five hours to welcome the visiting Alaafin.

    “I don’t know if you’ll still visit their locality during your courtesy visit. I watched the video of your itinerary yesterday and what Olugbon said . You have become Oba at the right time. There’s a need for unity amongst the Yoruba Obas. God has placed you and Ooni as the leaders in Yorubaland. Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, you’ll use this courtesy visit to pass a strong message.

    There’s a crisis in Yorubaland. God has said it’s time to come together and unite.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Olowu urges national support for Nigerian Army

    “The unity of Yorubaland is very paramount. If you see Sultan of Sokoto and Shehu of Borno, you’ll never see any rancour, and if there’s any, it won’t come into the open. Our son, Bola Tinubu, is the president of Nigeria now. There is a need to rally round him to succeed. 

    ” The respect that Sultan and Shehu of Bornu command amongst their subjects is lacking in Yorubaland.” Olowu said.

    Responding, Oba Owoade thanked Oba Makama for his good gesture and warm reception.

    Oba Owoade said he has been monitoring Oba Makama for about two years now in the media how he has been promoting culture and traditions.

    Oba Owoade said he was excited with the admonition of Kabiyesi Olowu which for him really made the visit a worthwhile journey.

    The purpose of our visit is to thank you and like Kabiyesi Olowu mentioned, the unity of Yorubaland is paramount to me.

  • Ooni, Olubadan, lawmakers grace Ibadan Tennis Club’s 100th anniversary

    Ooni, Olubadan, lawmakers grace Ibadan Tennis Club’s 100th anniversary

    The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; and the lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East federal constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, were among dignitaries who attended the centennial celebration of the 1925 Ibadan Tennis Club (ITC).

    The grand event, which featured a commemorative luncheon, lecture, and a N750 million fundraising, also had in attendance the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Hon. Stanley Olajide, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole and Mrs. Oluwakemi Akala, wife of the late former governor of Oyo State, among others.

    The luncheon lecture, titled “The Burgle Blast of Financial Technology in Nigerian Economic Space: Perspective, Choice and Implications”, was chaired by Hon. Oseni. In his address, he applauded the club for its century-long contributions to community development, stressing that its efforts in societal upliftment cannot be overstated.

    Oseni urged Nigerians to embrace sports as a pathway to better health, stating that wellness goes beyond medication and that sporting activities remain a natural and effective way to stay fit, healthy, and prolong life.

    In his remarks, President of the 1925 Ibadan Tennis Club, Dr. Oladipupo Sule, described the club as a heritage-rich indigenous institution. He said marking 100 years is not just a celebration of longevity but also of resilience, continuity, and relevance in community development.

    Dr. Sule noted that the club has evolved with time, adapting to societal changes while maintaining its core values and fostering a sense of belonging among members.

    He emphasised the club’s enduring legacy in shaping the cultural and social landscape of Ibadan and its environs.

    He said, “Our club prides itself in giving back to the community, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare delivery, hence, the purpose of today’s centennial launch was to raise funds to be channelled towards this cause, along with sporting and infrastructural development

    “We intend to identify 100 brilliant pupils selected from public secondary schools across selected local government areas of Oyo State whose families are less privileged in the society for payment of WAEC fees and proceed to follow up and monitor them for eventual scholarship awards up to the University level for the duration of their courses.

    “We are partnering with 10 local governments out of the 33 local governments of Oyo State, with the support of the Ministry of Health, for a medical outreach program in the selected local government.

    “We are also collaborating with the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners of Oyo State for the medical outreach, which includes sensitisation, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar check, eye screening and cataract surgery for identified cataract patients.

    “For the centennial year, we are organising a tennis tournament for a minimum of a hundred talented school children and providing them with tennis balls, rackets, jerseys and a training coach throughout the centennial year.

    “As the club celebrates its 100 years of sporting and recreation excellence with reach history of indelible mark and contribution to the socio-economic well-being of the western region and Nigeria at large from the colonial era, we have earmarked a number of notable projects to mark the centennial celebration.

    “The above projects are the basis of our desire to host this fundraising luncheon today to raise the resources from the prosecution of these projects.”

    Meanwhile, the wife of the former governor of Oyo State, Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, said her husband, who was the former Grand Patron of the club, held the club in the highest regard and was so committed to its growth.

    She, however, said the Club shall continue to flourish for generations to come, adding that the memory of those who have contributed to the journey of the Club since 1925 will forever flourish.

  • Ooni donates land to ICIR to promote Yoruba tradition

    Ooni donates land to ICIR to promote Yoruba tradition

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, has donated three acres of land to the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) for construction of World Ifa Temple in order to promote activities of the council and establish the largest pilgrimage site for Yoruba traditional worshippers across the world. 

    ICIR President, Dr. Fayemi Fakayode, announced this  in an appreciation letter.

    The Council, with its headquarters at Oke-Itase, Ile Ife, Osun State had recently requested for the land for the purpose of construction of what the body tagged ‘Largest World Ifa Temple’ in Ile Ife.

    The letter stated that the three acres of land that is currently being cleared by bulldozers, is located around Stadium Area, Route 7, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    Read Also: Why I paid traditional homage to Ooni-Lagos monarch-elect

    Fakayode said the gesture of the monarch has demonstrated his love for tradition and Yoruba culture and spirituality. 

    The letter reads in part: “On behalf of the Council of Araba and Oluwo, under the Chairmanship of His Eminence, Owolabi Awodotun Aworeni, the Araba/Olu-Isese Agbaye and all practitioners of Ifa and Orisa worldwide, we thank His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja11 for this good and historic gesture. 

    “With this step, Ooni’s commitment to preserving and promoting Oduduwa’s cultural heritage and spirituality is obvious to all to see.

    “This project is going to be the largest World Ifa Temple across the world and it will serve as a major pilgrimage site for practitioners of Oduduwa’s spirituality across the globe,” he declared.

  • Ooni, Olofa, other dignitaries to grace first African fashion fusion show in Offa

    Ooni, Olofa, other dignitaries to grace first African fashion fusion show in Offa

    A wave of elegance, tradition, and high fashion is set to sweep through Offa, Kwara State, as the town prepares to host the maiden edition of the African Fashion Fusion Show from June 14–15, 2025.

    The groundbreaking event will take place at the Imperial Event Center, opposite Summit University, and is expected to draw a blend of royalty, dignitaries, and cultural icons in a grand celebration of African creativity.

    Organizers describe the show as more than just a fashion event, it’s a vibrant showcase of culture, arts, crafts, and identity. “This is not just another runway show,” said Raji, a lead organizer. “It’s a celebration of identity, creativity, and African excellence across diverse art forms. We aim to promote cultural preservation while empowering fashion entrepreneurs.”

    He added that the event offers a valuable platform for creatives to gain visibility, network with industry leaders, and showcase the richness of African aesthetics.

    Top on the guest list is the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, globally renowned for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and African heritage. 

    Read Also: 10,000 admission seekers subscribe to Offa Poly

    Joining him will be the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I, a prominent figure in youth empowerment and cultural advancement in Kwara State.

    Also lending royal prestige is the Onigboko of Igbokoland, Awori Kingdom, HRM Oba Itu Olasunkanmi Yusuf, Ilemobade II, who will be coming from Ogun State in support of the fusion of traditional art with contemporary design.

    Adding further cultural weight is HRM Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, celebrated for her promotion of Adire and African fabrics. 

    A respected cultural ambassador and fashion icon, her presence underlines the show’s mission of heritage preservation.

    From the political sphere, the First Lady of Kwara State, H.E. Amb. Prof. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, founder of the Ajike People Centre, will grace the event. She will be joined by H.E. Omolewa Yetunde Ahmed, former Kwara First Lady and a staunch advocate for women and youth development.

    The two-day spectacle will feature exhibitions, runway showcases, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for designers, stylists, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs.

    Backed by royal endorsements and a high-profile guest list, the African Fashion Fusion Show is set to position Offa as a new cultural and fashion hub in Nigeria.

  • Ooni hosts female bank executives, applauds nation-building roles

    Ooni hosts female bank executives, applauds nation-building roles

    In celebration of the recently concluded Mother’s Day, His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, has praised mothers across Nigeria for their steadfast support in nation-building. 

    He emphasised their crucial role as co-pilots in managing family affairs, highlighting their dual responsibilities as caregivers and role models to their children. 

    This commendation was delivered during a gathering with two prominent figures in the banking industry: Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank, and Lady Ada Chukwudozie, the Chairman of Keystone Bank Limited, who also heads the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in the eastern region.

    During the event in Lagos, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed his admiration for the exceptional qualities of both women, describing them as consummate professionals who skillfully balance their demanding careers with their roles as mothers and wives. 

    He noted that their remarkable achievements in the banking sector have not only created opportunities for other women pursuing careers in finance but have also established them as exemplary role models. 

    Ooni highlighted that their success stories illustrate that it is indeed possible to excel in professional endeavours while nurturing one’s family.

    Read Also: Ooni urges Nigerians in Diaspora to invest at home

    “You both are devoted mothers, virtuous wives, and top-tier professionals in your respective fields,” Ooni stated. “Your influence serves as an inspiration for young women in our society. You challenge me, not just as a monarch but as a man, and I will forever celebrate your contributions on this sacred throne of Oduduwa.”

    In his remarks, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed his desire to have the meeting to showcase the two women as mentors to a broader audience, especially aspiring female leaders. He conveyed his commitment to documenting their journeys for future generations, ensuring that their legacies as successful professionals and dedicated mothers are preserved and celebrated.

    Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, in her response, expressed gratitude to the Ooni for his unwavering support of women’s development. She reiterated Fidelity Bank’s commitment to fostering growth among women in society, stating, “Kabiyesi, thank you for the kind words. This recognition serves as motivation for both me and the organisation I represent to continue our efforts in empowering women and contributing positively to all Nigerians. Your acknowledgement of our roles as mothers, wives, and professionals is deeply appreciated, and we need more leaders like you to make our society a better place.”

    Lady Chukwudozie also offered her thanks to Ooni for his encouraging words. She spoke about the importance of collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions, emphasising that such synergies are vital for fostering development. She further committed herself to empowering more women in her capacity as the Chairwoman of Keystone Bank and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, vowing to continue making strides that uplift women across the nation.

  • Ooni endorses Alaketu designate

    Ooni endorses Alaketu designate

    Ooni of Ife, Oba  Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has endorsed the  Alaketu-designate of Ketu Land in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Adekoya Babajide Adefowora.

    He congratulated  Adefowora and prayed for his reign to be  filled with wisdom, peace, and prosperity.

    “You are embarking on a sacred duty that requires wisdom, patience, and a deep commitment to your people. I pray that your reign brings unity, progress, and development to Ketu Land,” he said.

    The monarch  underlined the importance of upholding Yoruba customs and fostering unity among Yoruba kingdoms.

    “Our heritage is our strength. Leadership is a divine responsibility. Work with your people, uphold our customs, and ensure that Ketu Land continues to thrive,” he add

     Adefowora described his visit to the Ooni’s palace as a homecoming, while thanking the Ooni for his blessings.

    Read Also: Makinde, Ladoja inspect Ibadan circular road project

    He  reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Yoruba traditions.

    “I have come home to pay homage to my father, the Ooni of Ife. My love for my people inspired me to accept this sacred call to the throne of Ketu. This journey is about upholding our heritage and leading my people toward a future of growth and unity,” he said.

    On the controversies surrounding his ascension, he condemned attempts to manipulate the selection process with fraudulent documents.

    “I am aware of certain fraudulent documents being submitted to the authorities. I call on the government to investigate this and ensure that due process prevails. The Supreme Court has already affirmed my right to the throne, and I urge everyone to respect the rule of law,” he stated.

  • Oluwo, Ooni clash over alleged dethronement plot

    Oluwo, Ooni clash over alleged dethronement plot

    A quiet but bruising war is raging between the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over alleged dethronement plots.

    Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi was seeking his downfall despite playing a prominent role in his emergence as the Ooni of Ife.

    He stated that the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan at a tender age. 

    Oluwo recalled how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, then a close ally of Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.

    He said: “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me.

    “He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired.

    “He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilise my territory.

    “He attacked me last month in the presence of the governor, that I am discouraging deity worship.

    “He was one of those who used my former wife against me.

    Read Also: Elebuibon: Why there’s growing urge for money rituals

    “He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come true.

    “No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.

    “He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret. His cohorts that tried it in the past failed.”

    However, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking through his Director of Media, Otunba Moses Olafare, denied the allegations raised by Oluwo.

    He said: “Oba Adeyeye has been ordained as a king from heaven, regardless of who does what. He is a king with God on his side.

    “When Oluwo wanted to be king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.

    “At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything they feel is good for them.”

  • Oluwo, Ooni at loggerhead over alleged dethronement plot

    Oluwo, Ooni at loggerhead over alleged dethronement plot

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are at loggerheads over alleged dethronement plots.

    Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi is seeking his downfall after he played a prominent role in his emergence as Ooni of Ife.

    He claimed the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan but he underrated his status.

    Oluwo narrated how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, a close ally to Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.

    He said “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me. He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired. He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilize my territory.

    “He attacked me last month in the presence of the Governor that I’m discouraging deity worshipping. He was part of those who used my former wife against me. He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come through. No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.

    “He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret, his cohorts that have tried it in the past failed.”

    Read Also; UN, NHRC, NITDA advocate human rights protection in AI deployment 

    But the Ooni of Ife, through its Director of Media, Otunba Moses Olafare, denied the allegations.

    He said: “Oba Adeyeye has been ordained as a king from heaven, regardless of who does what. He is a king with God on his side.

    “When Oluwo wanted to be the king, Ooni supported him with cash and other logistics that we can’t even mention here.

    “At the last Council of Oba meeting, Ooni only jokingly told Oluwo that he should not condemn any monarch for worshipping deities but should allow anyone to practice anything that they feel is good for them.”