Art & Culture
OONI NAMES SON AFTER PREDECESSOR, SIR ADESOJI ADEREMI, TO RELEASE PICTURES AFTER 21 DAYS
The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Wednesday fulfilled his promise to name his newly born prince after his predecessor, Sir Tadenikawo Adesoji Aderemi.
The day which climaxed the first eight-day of the 3 week cultural rites traditionally observed at the Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni of Ife for naming new born princes and princess started with the traditional movement of the Ooni from his private residence in the palace to the sacred Yeyemoolu well to offer prayers and traditional rites before moving through various palace chambers; from Ile Ogun to Ile Odikeji and Ile Omirin, finally to Ile-Igbo to mount the oldest stool of Oduduwa at Ile Igbo Where a reigning Ooni occasionally sits whenever there is a very important events.
At Ile Igbo, spiritual obeisance by the Isoros and other traditional rites were offered to formally welcome the royal baby to the Ife Royal Court and announce his names to the general public.
Custodians of various deities known as ‘Oba Isoro’, Obas and Ife High-Chiefs offered prayers in the traditional way with items like sugarcane, Aadun, honey, dried fishes, money, pen, bitter colas, cola nuts, alligator peppers, snails schnapps, water, palm oil, doves and other Yoruba core prayer items.
After the prayers and sacrifices, the Ooni consulted Ifa oracle through the Araba Agbaye, head of Ifa priests worldwide, before making the baby’s names public.
Names of the prince handed by Araba Agbaye to High-Chief Lowa of Ife, Chief Adekola Adeyeye who officially pronounced them to the anxious crowd are: Tadenikawo, Adesoji, Aderemi, Eri-Ifeoluwasimi, Adeiwa, Inioluwa, Ademide, Adegbite, Diekoloreoluwa, son of Ogunwusi.
The birth of the prince on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 was greeted by three phasses of 21day traditional rites according to the dictates of Yoruba cutoms before it was rounded off today within the premises of Ile Oodua Palace of the Ooni.
The Lowa Adimula of Ife who presented the baby’s names to the public said the traditional rites which started a week ago will be concluded after 21 days from birth, saying It has become important for people to understand the culture and traditions of naming princes following the legacy established by Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, the progenitor of Yoruba race.
Ooni Ogunwusi had pledged to name his prince after the 49th Ooni of the 3rd dynasty and First African Governor of the old Western Region in Nigeria, Sir Tadenikawo Adesoji Aderemi who Ooni reigned from 1930 to 1980.
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The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Wednesday admonished all stakeholders particularly traditional rulers to prioritize youth development and capacity building, to create a greater future for the country.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN), made the admonition while playing host to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
“Let us surrender ourselves to the youths because they own this country, they are the future that we have to build today. Let us train and re-train them and we shall all be better for it. We don’t have to wait for the government, let us do our best individually and it shall be well with us.” The Ooni said.
On the agelong relationship between the Kano Emirate and the kingdom of Ife, the Ooni Ogunwusi expressed his heartfelt joy over the relationship that has been so beneficial to Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
“I am happy that the new Sarki Kano who by far is not a stranger in this palace has agreed that we uphold the heritage of our fathers; My predecessor Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, the late Emir Ado Bayero and late Obi of Onitsha were good friends and their friendship is part of what we are enjoying in Nigeria.
“Thank God for the peacefulness that greeted your emergence as the new Emir of Kano. We were so scared for the transition that occurred in Kano because we knew there would be trouble in Nigeria if there is trouble in Kano, but we thank God it all went peacefully. I love your simplicity and humility and I am so glad about the maturity displayed by you and your immediate predecessor Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. God is the only giver and taker of power. The Ooni noted.
Earlier in his speech, the Emir thanked Ooni Ogunwusi for providing great leadership across Yoruba race and Nigeria. He noted that a new channel for deepening cultural understanding between Yoruba people and their counterparts in the northern part of the country will be created towards enhancing national unity and development.
“This is a homecoming for me in consideration of the deep, warm and life-long friendship and brotherhood between the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero and my late father, Oba Okunade Sijuwade. My respect for the Ooni Ogunwusi is so much that anytime I see him, I feel like Am seeing all of my forefathers put together.
“Your Majesty, Ile-Ife, is the cradle of Yoruba civilization and centre of excellence in culture and education in Africa and it will continue to be a beacon of hope.
“We are pleased to note the prime position of the Ife Kingdom considered to be the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people all o er the world.
“As your Majesty may recall our recent meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari led by you and the Sultan, the issue of Nigerian youths was at the centre of deliberations.
” I wish to use this opportunity to suggest a cross exchange of ideas about new ways of tackling the issue of education, employment and social development amongst our youths. Because, it is through cross-fertilization of ideas that new solutions to contemporary challenges are found.” The Emir stated.
Art & Culture
5TH ANNIVERSARY: OBASANJO, SULTAN, EMIR OF KANO, ALAAFIN, OORE OF OTUN, OLUBADAN, OTHER MONARCHS GATHER TO CELEBRATE OONI
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and the
Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Oore of Otun Ekiti who is the paramount ruler of Mobaland, Hrm Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo
were among the dignitaries who stormed Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to celebrate with the Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife , Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, in commemoration of his five years coronation anniversary.
The event which was organized by the Ooni’s 5th Coronation Anniversary signals the commencing the two-week activities earmarked for the commemoration of Ooni’s five-year reign on the throne of his ancestors, held at Premier Hotels Tower, Ibadan.
While addressing the cheering crowd, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar described the Ooni as great companion who is committed to the national interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Ooni is a friend, brother and a worthy companion who has performed creditably well in accordance with the status of the Ooni within the last five years. Let me also add that he has visited Sokoto five times and I have equally visited Ife.
“One of the unique features of the Ooni is the esteem at which he carries Yoruba culture with huge dignity, this means a lot because anyone who throws away his culture is throwing away his life. I remember when I visited Brazil, I saw Yoruba culture being displayed live, that sends a great message.” The Sultan said.
It was a moment filled with amusement when Alaafin took the microphone, rendering several Yoruba ancient literatures including incantations, to pray for longevity for the Ooni on Oduduwa stool.
Oba Adeyemi who will be commemorating his 50 years on the throne next January, assured the Ooni of his readiness to keep supporting his good moves towards uniting the Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.
Represented at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, “In only five years as the Ooni of Ife, you have earned your place in history as a patriot, peacemaker, bridge builder, beacon of unity; a rallying force not just for the Yoruba race, but also for the entire nation and the Black World.
“Your emergence has come at a very auspicious time; an era when our country, states and traditional institutions more than ever before require leaders with a great sense of purpose, intentionality and the ability to carry the people along.
“Thank you for extending your love to us in Lagos State. You have been immensely supportive, always willing to listen to and encourage us, and also importantly, render insightful advice when needed. We deeply cherish our relationship with you.”
Similarly, the Odole Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu hailed the Ooni over what he described as the monarch’s strong start, particularly the task of unifying the Yoruba nation worldwide, which he said has earned him great respect across the world.
In his reaction, the Ooni thanked all dignitaries present for their love and support over past five years, adding that he will continue to work with them for the betterment of all.
“I am so honoured today with your royal presence and I pray that God Almighty will continue to honour you.
“The journey in the last five years has been so wonderful and I give God all the glory and I want to thank all traditional rulers across the country for the love and kindness.” The Ooni noted.
Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, Oniru of Iruland, Elegushi of Ikateland, Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Okere of Saki and other Yoruba monarchs attended the event which was spiced with several traditional performances.
The event continued in the evening at the hotel’s poolside where a dinner/banquet party was held with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II is set to commence activities lined up in commemoration of his five years coronation anniversary tomorrow Friday 27th.
Rising from a meeting on Thursday, the Ooni’s 5th Coronation Anniversary Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon Sola Lawal said the iconic celebration is scheduled to kick off with the coronation anniversary lecture and banquet by 11am. on Friday, November 27, 2020, at Premier Hotel Tower, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
According to the committee, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and other dignitaries are expected to deliver speeches at the event taking place at Premier Hotel Ibadan.
Going further, Friday December 4th is slated for 3 different activities; a Juma’at service at the Ife Central Mosque; Ile’Ya Omo Oodua, a programme which runs till 8th December; Olofin day 5/12/2020 when all Aworis will be at the palace to launch the Olofin Nations Assembly and. Ipejopo Mothers Council on the 8th, all designed for reuniting all persons of Yoruba origin across world with their source
Also on the same Friday 4th December, there will be free medical cares to women suffering from Urinary Tract Infections(UTI) provided HAI-Hopes Alives Initiatives, an NGO owned by the Ooni.
On Saturday 5th December, a historic Home Coming Visit the Ooni by sons and daughters of Otun Ekiti led by the Oore of Otun & Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, HRM, Oba Adekunle Adeagbo. The formal handing over of the site for the proposed International University of Global Peace, along Ifewara road, Ile-Ife will be held and followed by a Dinner for the Ooni organized by Asiwaju of Ife, Chief Alex Duduyemi.
The second Conference & Convention of South-West Traditional Rulers by the Heritage Forum will hold on December, 6th at Ife Grand Resorts in Ile-Ife, where several topical issues affecting the Yoruba nation worldwide will be discussed and way forward decided. The day will also witness the grand finale party at the Ooni’s Palace organized by the 5th Year Coronation Anniversary Committee led by Sola Lawal and supported by Princess Toyin Kolade Team.
Among programmes slated for Monday 7th December QMA-Queen Moremi Ajasoro Initiative by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi in conjunction with Her Excellency, Yeye Moremi Olufunso Amosun presenting the Moremi Olufunso Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Grants for women.
Same day is also for the official presentation a special documentary by Story TV, a cultural TV channel owned by Ekundayo Balogun, a Dublin based indigene of Ile-Ife.
Ooni’s Day With The Kids will hold on Wednesday 9th December while the Thanksgiving Service will climax the celebrations of the Ooni’s 5th Coronation Anniversary on Sunday 13th December 2020 by 10am at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju in Ile-Ife.
Signed;
Comrade Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.
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