Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni unveils Tingo drinks, says Nigeria can lead contest for global markets

    Ooni unveils Tingo drinks, says Nigeria can lead contest for global markets

    The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has full confidence in Nigeria’s potential to lead the entire continent of Africa to compete in the global market with quality goods, especially in the carbonated and beverage drinks industry.

    He disclosed this on Tuesday, April, during the unveiling of his Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric, which are flavoured carbonated and energy drinks respectively, produced by Tingo B.V. PLC; a spin-off company from Ojaja Pan Africa Limited at Lekki Lagos.

    Ooni Ogunwusi believes that Nigeria has what it takes to become the production hub of Africa and the world, thanks to its population, human resources, weather conditions, leadership, geographic location, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

    He is confident that Nigeria can rival big beverage brands and globalize its local products to become a delight to the rest of Africa and the world.

    Ooni also disclosed that during his formative years, it was always his dream to own a brand that would produce quality drinks to serve Nigerians and position the country as a leader in the African market and the global stage. So when the opportunity came to produce Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Energy Drink, he ensured all hands were on deck to put out the best quality regardless.

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    He stated: “The license under which we are currently producing Tingo Cola, Tingo Electra, Tingo Twist (Cucumber and Cranberry), and Tingo Booze Fruit Mix is proof that we are committed to quality and standards.

    “One of our main focuses is our sheer determination to elevate homegrown brands instead of demarketing them. That’s why we have put resources together to come out with these exceptional drinks to also produce what we consume in our bid to reduce importation and save the Naira.”

    Ooni Adeyeye further disclosed that his foray into commercial activities as a monarch is not primarily for business purposes but to serve as a pathfinder who can show people how to add value for international standards in production, distribution, and consumption.

    “My delving into commercial activities was borne out of my passion for humanity, particularly the youth, to create five million direct and indirect jobs for them, mainly through retailing, recycling, and other forms of distributorship fully driven by technology.”

    Ooni also disclosed that the products produced by Tingo Foods have been certified by concerned regulators in the country led by NAFDAC, are safe for consumption, and are beneficial to the entire body system with their uniqueness.

    He said: “The Tingo Cola, for instance, is laced with lemon flavour and other natural ingredients such as cucumber, cranberry, and others that showcase the brand’s originality and uniqueness. We made it according to safe specifications for consumption.”

  • Ibadan invasion: Ignore Yoruba Nation agitators, Ooni urges Nigerians

    Ibadan invasion: Ignore Yoruba Nation agitators, Ooni urges Nigerians

    • It’s act of terrorism, says ARG

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has appealed to Nigerians to ignore the Yoruba nation agitators, who invaded Oyo State Government Secretariat last week.

    He described them as attention seekers, saying they never represented the interests of Yoruba race.

    Speaking in Lagos when he received in audience members of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, who visited him at his lodge at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos to inform him of the Sixth Annual Omoluwabi Festival, which comes up on April 27 and 28 in Ile-Ife and the grand finale holding in Lagos at LTV 8 Blue roof on May 1; the monarch hailed the President of Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan, for promoting Yoruba culture and extolling the virtues Yoruba were known for.

    Oba Ogunwusi advised Nigerians not to give the Yoruba Nation agitators any attention, stressing that it is by giving them attention they will think they are relevant.

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    He said: “We should not give those people relevance; they are achieving their aims just to seek attention. We are having challenges here and there in the country; this administration is trying its best.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing very well; he is doing exceptionally well by trying to fix the economy. We should give him the benefit of the doubt and also engage people; talk to others about success recorded by the government in power.

     “For us we will continue to uphold and support the government, to support the president to ensure everything he does is to our advantage, not as a race, but to our advantage as a nation, irrespective of where you come from in Yoruba land or anywhere.”

    On why the Yoruba Council Worldwide is organising Omoluwabi Day, Aare Hassan said the essence is to rekindle the dying Yoruba morals and values and to inculcate them into youths.

    Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has described invasion of Oyo State Government Secretariat by Yoruba Nation agitators as display of terrorism.

    ARG, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, yesterday by its state Publicity Secretary, Michael Ogungbemi, condemned the act and called on security agencies to investigate the self-proclaimed “secessionists”, to know their intention.

  • YCA greets Ooni on birth of twins

    YCA greets Ooni on birth of twins

    Coordinator of Yoruba Cultural Alliance (YCA) in United States, Abiodun Akinfenwa, has congratulated Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on the arrival of his twins.

    In a letter, Akinfenwa hailed Ooni, and thanked God for keeping mum and twins safe.

    “I greet you on the birth of your twins. We are happy for the blessings of God on the royal family. May this addition bring you double joy, love, and prosperity.

    Read Also: God gave me double for my trouble, Ooni’s wife speaks after birth of twins

    “May they grow up to be embodiment of finest qualities of royalty and lead the kingdom to even greater heights.

    “Wishing you and your Queen abundant health , strength, and joy as you embark on this chapter of parenthood with your twins’’, said  Akinfenwa, international financial expert.

    He is  a former president of Ibadan Descendants Union in Dallas, Texas, USA.

  • God gave me double for my trouble, Ooni’s wife speaks after birth of twins

    God gave me double for my trouble, Ooni’s wife speaks after birth of twins

    Olori Tobi Phillips, one of the wives of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife has shared heartwarming pictures from her baby shower after the arrival of their twins.

    She expressed deep thankfulness to God for the priceless blessings bestowed upon her.

    Amidst the festivities, she delivered a touching message, reflecting on the profundity of God’s gifts and proclaiming that He had really given her double for her sufferings.

    Read Also: Traditionalists commence rites as Ooni, wife welcome twins

    “God Said “Watch Me Do This!” Agbanilagbatan Gave Me Double For My Trouble” she captioned the photos.

    According to the photographs, the royal couple welcomed a boy and a girl into their household.

  • Traditionalists commence rites as Ooni, wife welcome twins

    Traditionalists commence rites as Ooni, wife welcome twins

    Traditionalists led by the Isoros (chief priests) yesterday commenced spiritual rites as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and her third wife, Queen Tobilola welcomed a set of twins.

    Oba Ogunwusi had taken to his Instagram page yesterday to announce the arrival of the set of twins, a male and a female.

     In October 2022, barely a month into her marriage to the Ooni, Olori Tobi, who the monarch married on October 9, had revealed how she prayed their union into existence.

     The ex-beauty queen and native of Okitipupa, Ondo State, was one of the youngest of the Ooni’s six new brides.

     Confirming the news of the newborn babies, Ooni’s official X account said: “To God be the glory great things He has done.

     “Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Tobiloba, who today birthed a Prince and Princess to the Royal throne of Oduduwa.

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     “Mother and children are doing well to the glory of God Almighty.”

    A statement by the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, confirmed that the set of twins and their mother were in good conditions.

     Olafare said: “While the palace has since become a beehive of well wishing activities and visits from far and near in felicitations with the Ife Royal Family, other necessary spiritual rites as a buildup to the formal arrival of the new royal babies to the palace expected to happen very soon have begun.

     “This is being handled by the Ife Chief Priests otherwise known as The Isoros in conformity with the traditional customs and culture of the Ife Kingdom, which is the ancestral home of the Yoruba and several other races around the world.

    “Details of events shall be made public later.”

     Olori Tobi is a fashion entrepreneur and a model.

     She is a graduate of Marine Science from the University of Lagos. A former beauty queen, in 2012, she was crowned the winner of the World Miss University Africa (WMUA) beauty pageant.

     She is the owner of QTP Luxury Fashion, a fashion outfit. She is also a skilful 3D artist.

  • BREAKING: Ooni, Olori Tobi Philips welcome twins

    BREAKING: Ooni, Olori Tobi Philips welcome twins

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and one of his wives, Queen Tobi Philips, have welcomed a twin.

    Taking to his Instagram page on Saturday 16th March, 2024, the monarch announced the arrival of the set of twins, a male and a female. 

    Olori Tobi Phillips is the third wife of the Ooni of Ife.

    In October 2022, barely a month into her marriage to the Ooni, Olori Tobi, whom the monarch married on the 9th of October, revealed how she prayed their union into existence.

    Olori Tobi is a native of Okitipupa in Ondo State. The ex-beauty queen was one of the youngest of the Ooni’s six new brides.

    Confirming the news, Ooni’s official X account said: “To God be the glory great things he has done. 

    “Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Tobiloba, who today birthed a Prince and Princess to the Royal throne of Oduduwa. 

    Read Also: Ooni supports 60 Reps over bid for parliamentary system

    “Mother and children are doing well to the glory of God Almighty.”

    Olori Tobi is a fashion entrepreneur and a model.

    She is a graduate of Marine Science from the University of Lagos. A former beauty queen, in 2012, she was crowned the winner of the World Miss University Africa (WMUA) beauty pageant.

    She is the owner of QTP Luxury Fashion, a fashion outfit. She is also a skilful 3D artist.

  • Ooni supports 60 Reps over bid for parliamentary system

    Ooni supports 60 Reps over bid for parliamentary system

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has backed the efforts of 60 members of the House of Representatives pushing for the establishment of a parliamentary system of government.

    This was as he expressed support for the ongoing nationwide consultation for the adoption of a home-grown system of government.

    Oba Ogunwusi expressed his support in Abuja while addressing a delegation led by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda and Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, who solicited for his counsel, blessings and support for the three proposed bills which seek to restructure elections at Local, State and Federal levels.

    Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Chinda, who expressed grave concerns over the challenges facing the country, said the ongoing consultation was aimed at getting the contribution of critical actors in the project.

    He said, “If we try the Local Government system and it works, we graduate to the stage where members from the State Assembly among themselves elect a Governor. If that works, while that is happening, we are looking at the faults, the problems, the loopholes and we keep making consequential amendments to our law before we get to the national level.

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    “So, that’s why we are looking at 2031 for the presidential, then we would have tried the local government, we would have tried the state and then before we come to presidential. If there’s a need and Nigerians think that look, we need to put A, B, C in place, we will have time to do all that.

    “But your Majesty, what we have come like I’ve said earlier, is to seek your consent, seek your blessings, seek your advice and tap from your wealth of knowledge.”

    Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki also expressed optimism on the ongoing consultation, arguing that the move towards a parliamentary system of government would help address various concerns raised by all Nigerians.

    He said: “We as parliamentarians are saying system – parliamentary system of government. I think there’s no better time to put our words into action than now. So your Majesty, we are here on behalf of the 60 of us that have started this very important journey, together with you and all Leaders…”

    In his response, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who showered encomium on the Parliamentarians, expressed the need to create healthy competition among the six geopolitical zones in the bid to effectively harness and unlock the country’s huge natural and human resources.

    Oba Ogunwusi described the current system of government as accidental, stressing that the mix of parliamentary and presidential systems of government pioneered by the late Azikwe and other early politicians was short-lived during the military incursion into democracy.

  • Ooni, Iba Gani Adams, others proffer solutions to insecurity in Yorubaland

    Ooni, Iba Gani Adams, others proffer solutions to insecurity in Yorubaland

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, and other prominent Yoruba Obas on Thursday, February 29, proffered solutions to the prevailing security challenges in Yoruba land.

    No fewer than 200 traditional rulers were also in attendance at the summit.

    Oba Adeyeye, who convened the Yoruba Security Summit held at the Ife Grand Resorts, Ojaja Arena, in Ile Ife, Osun state, said the unity of all the traditional rulers in Yoruba land is key to the success of the region.

    Oba Adeyeye stated also that the security challenges in Yoruba land can be tackled with measures and approaches that are capable of putting an end to the scourge in Yoruba land.

    “We are concerned about the prevailing security challenges in Yoruba land and that is the reason for this security summit. All Yoruba Obas are united on this and I am sure we will salvage the situation in no long time.”

    Meanwhile, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, who was one of the keynote speakers with the theme: Kidnapping and Banditry: “Overcoming the twin Menace and the Yoruba Legacy of African Science, Yesterday, today and Tomorrow,” said he was deeply concerned about the protracted security deficit in Yoruba land.

    Iba Adams insisted that his concern formed part of the issues raised during his visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi in January that eventually led to the Yoruba security summit.

    The Yoruba generalissimo also stressed the need for cooperation from Southwest monarchs in tackling insecurity in the region, adding that the parliamentary system of government remains the best option that could help restore the respect and dignity of Yoruba Obas.

    “This summit is a welcome development, I implore Yoruba traditional rulers to put pressure on the state governors in the region to engage local security groups to succeed in the fight against bandits and kidnappings in all the forests across Yorubaland.

    “We must also collectively make a case for true federalism where proper federal structure with adequate security measures would be put in place to allow for effective and adequate policing of the region.

    “I have assembled 13 different security outfits under the aegis of Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG). The group include the three Agbekoyas, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) the three Vigilante groups, COMSAIC and Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye among others are ready to secure our land and give us the needed synergy to combat the spate of insecurity across the south-west region.

    “As far as I am concerned, there is no doubt that the parliamentary system of government remains the best option for us to address the security challenges and also allow for proper recognition of the Yoruba traditional rulers.

    Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi said it is important for the traditional rulers to protect themselves using the traditional means. He added that it is very important for traditional rulers to protect their subjects.

    “We need to look inwards in our attempt to secure our communities that is the best way to go.”

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    Meanwhile, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, said the best way to solve all the security challenges in Yoruba land is to restructure the country, adding that true federalism would take care of all the security challenges.

    “Let us go back to restructuring as it is the best way to tackle both our security and economic challenges. As traditional rulers, we need to be aggressive in promoting our culture and tradition. In Owo, for instance, we stick to our tradition. We will not allow the government to denigrate our tradition and that has been keeping us on top of the situation.”

    Former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, said there is a need for a proper understanding of the best way to tackle the twin menace of banditry and kidnapping.

    He said there is a need for proper surveillance, adding that anybody who bears arms without proper licensing would bear the consequences under the law.

    Prominent traditionalist, Pa Ifayemi Elebuibon also urged the traditional rulers to always observe the rites before taking up the position of an Oba.

    He added that any Oba who is disinterested in Yoruba culture and custom should abdicate his throne to anyone who is deeply versed and interested in Yoruba traditions.

    At the end of the summit, all the traditional rulers later came out with a Communique that was read by the chairman, of the security summit planning committee; Prof. Siyan Oyeweso.

    Other traditional rulers that spoke at the event include the Osemawe of Ondo, Alayeluwa Oba Victor Kiladejo, Akarigbo of Remoland, Olowu of Owu, Oludo of Ido-Osun, Aragbiji of Iragbiji among others.

  • Ooni to Southwest monarchs: return to use of spiritual power

    Ooni to Southwest monarchs: return to use of spiritual power

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged monarchs in Yoruba land not to jettison the use of supernatural power in protecting themselves and territories against attacks by marauders.

    He warned traditional rulers not interested in supernatural power to vacate the throne.

    The monarch spoke yesterday during the maiden edition of Yoruba Security Summit held as a result of insecurity in the Southwest and killings of royal fathers in Ekiti and Kwara states.

    At the end of the summit, a communique was issued and signed by Ooni of Ife, alongside other monarchs, including Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade; Owa-Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, among others. The monarchs agreed that Southwest governors should organise regional security summits to tackle insecurity.

    The communique said: “Yoruba people should take full control of their forests, homelands and farmlands.

    “Amotekun Corps should be strengthened in terms of; motivation, finances, training and retraining of personnel and that those who are familiar with nooks and crannies of our forests should be recruited into the Amotekun Corps.

    “Provision of training grounds for its personnel.

    “Provision of modern, state-of-the-art weapons to tackle insecurity as security is local.

    “Provision of adequate budgetary allocations to the Amotekun Corps.

    “The Yoruba, especially traditional rulers, should make recourse to their natural resources, including natural powers, to combat banditry and kidnapping; that Yoruba Obas should not jettison traditional values.

    “Government at all levels should recognise the roles of traditional rulers and factor them into the national security architecture.

    “The entire Obas in Yorubaland should work in unison to ward off the evils of banditry and kidnappings, as each of the states can only succeed in chasing the marauders to another state.

    ‘Any Oba who is disinterested in Yoruba culture and custom should abdicate his throne for anyone who is deeply versed and interested in Yoruba traditions.

    “The judicial process should be strengthened to mete out appropriate punishments to culprits or bring them to justice.

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    “Southwest governors should organise Regional Security Summit at the earliest practicable time, including all stakeholders to chart the way forward and give teeth to all the concerns raised at this summit.

    “The security summit calls for strong support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the larger interest of Yoruba race.

    “The security summit calls on Yoruba traditional rulers to return to the pristine Yoruba traditional, spiritual and cultural values. At all times, the traditional rulers should recognise that, in spite of whatever nature of religion they practise, they must recognise that the stool they preside over is traditional.

    “The summit calls on Yoruba traditional rulers to take full possession of their forests, homelands and farmlands.

    “The summit calls on local, state and federal governments to employ use of drones and other appropriate technology for the effective surveillance of Yoruba forests and roads.

    “The summit agrees that the Yoruba security summit should be held on a quarterly basis so as to capture intervening and supervising variables in our polity.”

  • Ooni, Oba’s Council extol Ogiyan on 50th coronation anniversary 

    Ooni, Oba’s Council extol Ogiyan on 50th coronation anniversary 

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Osun State Council of Obas have extolled the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode, as he marks 50th coronation anniversary. 

    Ooni and the Council of Obas in a statement they jointly signed, including Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin and Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba Michael Ajayi, described the Ogiyan as a vibrant and a visionary monarch, who has been at the forefront of bringing development to Osun State, especially Ejigbo community. 

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    The Oba said for 50 years on the throne, he had worked with relevant stakeholders and institutions to advance the socio-economic development of the entire community.

    Osun State Council of Obas chaired by the Ooni, said: “We commend Oba Oyeyode for his interest and contributions to the socio-economic development of entire Ejigbo land, while congratulating him on the positive impact, leadership and achievements recorded among fellow monarchs in the state and beyond.

    “Ogiyan is versed in Yoruba culture, custom and tradition; he is a philanthropist who always searches for the welfare and betterment of his subjects.”