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Tag: ooni of ife

  • Ooni: ‘I am not in supremacy battle with any monarch In Yorubaland’ – Alaafin

    Ooni: ‘I am not in supremacy battle with any monarch In Yorubaland’ – Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has declared that he does not need to be involved in any supremacy battle with any monarch in Yorubaland or anywhere in the world.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Oba Owoade stated this known in a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday.

    The Alaafin explained as a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, he has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects at all times and relied heavily on the will and wishes of his subjects.

    Recall that, the feud between Oba Owoade and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, started on Monday after the Alaafin faulted the latter’s decision to confer the title of Okanlomo of Oduwa on a businessman, Dotun Sanusi, during the unveiling of an indigenous social media network- 2geda, at Ilaji Hotel, Ibadan.

    The Alaafin also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Ooni to revoke the chieftaincy title, but the monarch ignored it.

    The statement reads, “Why Alaafin does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any Oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe? These immortal words of Alexander Graham Bell. The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion.

    “It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider, and progressively be able to grasp any theme or situation persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree” sum up the life voyage of Owoade, an indomitable monarch with an unequalled passion for the great good of all.

    “He (Alaafin) is a veritable custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, and has always taken into consideration the safety and welfare of his subjects and will never compromise tradition, culture and development of his people for a pot of porridge. The history has been so kind and friendly to Alaafin Owoade publicity since he ascended the throne of his forefathers, as he does not need to get into any battle for supremacy with any oba, either in Yorubaland or anywhere in the universe.

    “Alaafin combines humility with royalty to meet the modern-day demands. Kabiyesi (the king who no one questions). Iku Baba Yeye (The one who commands death/he who is parent to death). Alashe (He who wields authority). Ekeji Orisha (Second-in-command to the gods). The Alaafin was inducted into the mysteries of various gods like Ifa, Sango etc to be the direct representative of these deities on earth.

    “At the hallowed ground of the Yoruba ancient shrine, as Owoade made a covenant with illustrious Yoruba ancestors that he would defend, protect and add glamour to the Yoruba norms and tradition. Oduduwa’s Principal minister and grandson, Oranmiyan (Because Oduduwa begot Okanbi, (an only child and Okanbi begot Oranmiyan, among others, namely Ila-Orangun, Oni-Sabe, Olu-Popo, Ala-Ketu, Oba-Benin) founded the city of Oyo when prolonged drought struck Ile-Ife as a result of people’s emigration.

    “Oyo simply rose to prominence through wealth gained from trade and its military skills. It was the largest West African empire, the most important and authoritative of all the early Yoruba principalities. Moreso, the British, as it was in their tradition, recognised lineage as meaningful supremacy and legitimacy, preferring to sign the Treaty of Cessation with the Alaafin as the Superior Head of the Yoruba Nation.

    “In politics also, he is concerned about the sanctity of his position, and whatever happens on the welfare of his people. Customs and all traditional practices of today in government, religion and economic life have had distance, and possibly age-long origins which were based on valid and accepted tenets that emerged from the synthesis and aggregated experience of a particular society.

    “One of such societies is the ancient city of Oyo, reputed for cultural resources that are of rich non-material and material attributes and transmitted through generations. Moreover, the precepts and concepts of Alaafin’s administration have continued to support and nurture the people’s ancient culture and sophisticated civilisation from time immemorial.

    “The basic concept of government was monarchy with a rigid adherence to the monolithic Oduduwa dynasty and of the paternal line.”

  • ’48 Hours My Foot!’- Ooni of Ife reacts to Alaafin’s ultimatum on Okanlomo chieftaincy title

    ’48 Hours My Foot!’- Ooni of Ife reacts to Alaafin’s ultimatum on Okanlomo chieftaincy title

    Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has reacted to the 48-hour ultimatum given to him by the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade over the conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on businessman Dotun Sanusi.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Ooni’s media aide, Moses Olafare, said on Tuesday that the monarch had directed him not to issue an official response to the Alaafin’s demand.

    Mr Olafare wrote on Facebook, “My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the Empty Threat of the Alawada Babasala. I beg to disappoint you gentlemen of the press.

    “We cannot dignify the undignified with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion as it is already being treated.

    “Let’s rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us.
    No Press Release pls. 48 Hours My Foot!!”

    On Monday, the Alaafin,  Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, had issued the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the Okanlomo of Yorubaland chieftaincy title recently conferred on Ibadan business tycoon, Engineer Dotun Sanusi.

    In a statement on signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the Ooni’s action as an “affront.” He also claimed it was a direct challenge to his authority.

    The Alaafin reiterated that he holds the exclusive right to bestow titles that cover the entire Yorubaland.

    According to the statement: “The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland.

    “The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts.”

    The Alaafin warned that if the Ooni fails to withdraw the title within 48 hours, “consequences will follow.”

  • Ooni announces new Ife chief

    Ooni announces new Ife chief

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has approved the appointment of Prince Olagoke Owoyomi as the new Obajio of Ife.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media and Public Affairs of the Ooni’s Palace, on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

    Ooni said the selection followed a screening process involving three eligible princes from the Alayo and Bamidein ruling houses.

    The traditional ruler explained that Prince Owoyomi, a farmer and businessman from the Alayo ruling house in Moore, Ile-Ife, was picked after a “rigorous process.”

    He said the Ooni-in-Council had set up a five-man committee to screen the three contenders.

    According to him, other contenders are Prince Olagbenga Owoyomi and Prince Kola Ogunrinola of the Bamidein ruling house.

    “This appointment is in recognition of your integrity, dedication to the values of our heritage, and proven commitment to the service of the Ife kingdom.

    “As the Ejio of Ife, you are expected to uphold the dignity of the title, serve with loyalty, wisdom, and humility, and contribute the unity, peace, and progress of Ile-Ife and her people.

    “Your installation and formal presentation shall be communicated I’m due course in accordance with palace protocols and customary rites,” the appointment letter, personally signed by the Ooni, reads.

  • Ohanaeze condemns bill to elevate Ooni of Ife, Sultan of Sokoto

    Ohanaeze condemns bill to elevate Ooni of Ife, Sultan of Sokoto

    The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned the bill in the Senate seeking to permanently elevate the Ooni of Ife and Sultan of Sokoto as the exclusive Co-Chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council.

    The group said the move would be at the expense of apex traditional rulers from other ethnic nationalities and geopolitical divides.

    Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said this in a statement on Sunday in Enugu.

    The bill has passed second reading.

    Chukwu said the Igbo body was astounded with the rationale for such an asymmetric bill by the Senate with its utter disregard for fairness, equity, justice and the principle of Federal Character, as enshrined in the constitution.

    “The Senate in this vein has failed in its capacity as the highest legislative carrier and custodian of the nation’s democratic mandate.

    “This bill is not only inequitable, discriminatory and ethnocentric, it is equally distasteful, reprehensible and objectionable.

    “It lacks all the ethical considerations, objective metrics and unbiased categories for national unity and social justice in a pluralist nation-State like Nigeria,” Chukwu said.

    He said Ohanaeze Ndigbo called for the urgent withdrawal of the bill and the need to review it in consideration for ethnic differences, cultural sensitivity, geopolitical balance, inclusive governance and equitable representation.

    “It is only by so doing shall the bill foster national unity, peaceful co-existence and social stability,” he stressed.

  • Alaafin Of Oyo reacts to backlash over refusal to stand and greet Ooni Of Ife

    Alaafin Of Oyo reacts to backlash over refusal to stand and greet Ooni Of Ife

    Oba Akimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has addressed  a viral video showing him seated while greeting the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during a recent public event.

    In the footage that surfaced on social media, captured the moment the Alaafin’s was seated while other monarchs rose to greet the Ooni.

    The incident, which took place at an event hosted by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Ibadan, sparked significant buzz on social media.

    Reacting in a statement issued through his special assistant, Kolade Oladele, the Alaafin dismissed the insinuations, saying, “The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife—and all institutions of Yoruba heritage—in high regard.”

    He described the online reactions as part of a deliberate attempt by bloggers and online commentators to sow discord among Yoruba traditional rulers, afterwhich reaffirmed his deep respect for the Ooni of Ife, stressing the importance of maintaining strong inter-royal collaboration.

    He emphasised that their shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress in Yorubaland remains a cornerstone of their leadership.

    The statement reads fully, “It has come to our attention that certain bloggers and online commentators are generating needless controversies surrounding the interaction between our revered monarchs in Yorubaland- namely, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife- at a recent public function. This latest instalment in a series of manufactured debates is an unhelpful exercise that distracts and detracts from the truly important issues to which sons and daughters of Yorubaland should devote their energy and focus.

    “At a time when our people face profound socio-economic and security challenges, it is incumbent on all of us- leaders, youths, traditional institutions, and citizens alike- to rise above pettiness and prioritise the work of uplifting our communities. The welfare of our people, the protection of lives and property, the empowerment of our youth population, and the revitalisation of traditional values for development- these are the matters that truly deserve attention.

    “His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo, remains unwavering in his commitment to these priorities. He believes in a future of collaborative progress and views synergy between traditional institutions as a vital pillar for stability and advancement in Yorubaland. The Alaafin holds the Ooni of Ife- and all custodians of Yoruba heritage- in high regard and is deeply committed to working hand-in-hand with them to chart a new path of unity, justice, and sustainable development across our land.

  • Alaafin of Oyo under fire over refusal to stand and greet Ooni of Ife at public event

    Alaafin of Oyo under fire over refusal to stand and greet Ooni of Ife at public event

    Nigerians on social media have criticized the newly crowned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, for refusing to stand up to greet the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during an event in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In a video that surfaced on social media captured the moment the Ooni arrived at the commissioning of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub built under the Renewed Hope Initiative and named after former Minister of Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande.

    When the monarch greeted dignitaries at the venue, he reached Oba Owoade’s seat. However, the Alaafin remained seated and only extended his hand to the Ooni.

    The singular action have sparked speculations about a cold war between both prominent Yoruba monarchs.

    Some netizens noted that the Alaafin’s behavior indicated an ongoing struggle for supremacy between the two royal houses.

    One user wrote, “Alaafin of oyo can do better than this sha.After all Ooni of ife is still father of all Yorubas.”

    Another user noted “The Alaafin stool is not a small stool. Historically the Alaafin is mightier than the Ooni. The rivalry between the two kings has been in existence from ancient of days. The new king just followed suit based on history.”

    Someone else commented, “The new Alaafin is bring respect back to the throne!!!!”

    In contrast, another user called for peace, “It’s obvious everywhere that Ooni [is] well recognized and respected to be their leader. Alaafin pls we need love and peace in our land stop all this Drama don’t be pushed. Ooni Adeyeye [is] a cool man to work with. Alaafin pls be a pacifist. Respect ought to be reciprocated.”

    One added, “Make we leave greeting alone oonii senior alaafin. Just look for the sitting arrangements…. Even alaafin was shaking confused but Wetin people don tell m make him do like that. He should sit shake then stand to embrace him as adult to adult.”

    Another remarked, “Irrespective of the circumstance that had thrown him up as the king, he knows his place. If at this time and age Ooni still holds on to bad practice of habitual late comer to event, no need to harague him to drop it. Alaafin’s conduct reflected civility and firmness.”

  • Ooni of Ife used my former wife against me – Oluwo

    Ooni of Ife used my former wife against me – Oluwo

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has accused the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, of using his ex-wife against him and plotting his downfall.

    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.

    “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.”

  • What Ooni of Ife said about Okupe’s death

    What Ooni of Ife said about Okupe’s death

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the sudden passing of Dr Doyin Okupe as a rude shock and a profound loss to his family and Nigeria, as a whole.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by Mr Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace,  Ile-Ife, Osun.

    The traditional ruler described the death of Okupe as a celebrated and glorious passing of an illustrious son of Oduduwa and a distinguished statesman, bidding him farewell with deep respect.

    According to him, the deceased was a man of great intellect, unwavering patriotism, and remarkable contributions to national development.

    Ooni emphasised that Okupe’s voice resonated with courage, wisdom, and a firm commitment to democracy and good governance.

    The royal father explained that, through decades of service, Okupe played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s political discourse and public service, leaving a legacy of diligence, resilience, and progressive leadership.

    Ogunwusi stated that his departure created a void in national politics, yet his impact would continue to inspire future generations.

    “The House of Oduduwa stands in solidarity with his family, the government and people of Ogun, the entire descendants of Oduduwa globally, and all Nigerians mourning this irreparable loss.

    “As we bid him farewell, we pray that the Almighty Olodumare grants his soul eternal rest and comforts his loved ones during this difficult time,” Ooni stated.

  • Ooni breaks silence on Pa Adebanjo’s death as friends, associates throng residence

    Ooni breaks silence on Pa Adebanjo’s death as friends, associates throng residence

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has paid tribute to the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as not just a political figure, but a guardian of Yoruba ideals.

    “Ogunwusi joins other eminent Yoruba people to celebrate the passage of an iconic elder statesman, Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.

    “Ooni does not mourn, but rather celebrates the legacy and indelible impact of those who have walked the path of honour and left behind footprints of greatness,” a statement by Mr Moses Olafare, the Director, Media and Public Affairs to the Oba, said on Saturday.

    The traditional ruler also described Adebanjo as a relentless advocate for fairness, equity, and the true federalism upon which Nigeria was envisioned.

    Ogunwusi said that the voice of the deceased was always firm and unrelenting and was a moral compass for generations of leaders and followers alike.

    He said that Pa Adebanjo lived and fought for democracy, justice, and the welfare of the common man, standing tall even in the face of opposition.

    “Pa Adebanjo’s transition is not an end but a passage into the realm of the ancestors where he has joined the league of great Yoruba forebears like late Obafemi Awolowo, late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and all other true Awoists who shaped the destiny of our people.

    “His exemplary life serves as an eternal blueprint for leadership, courage, and selfless service.

    “The House of Oduduwa celebrates his legacy, praying that the ideals he upheld will continue to guide our leaders and inspire the younger generation to embrace the values of truth, justice, and unity.

    “May his soul find rest among the noble ones of our land,” Ooni Ogunwusi prayed.

    Gov. Abiodun, Gbajabiamila visit Adebanjo’s residence, extol his virtues

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and the Chief of Staff to the  President , Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday visited the  residence of the late Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo,to  commiserate with his family over the death of their patriarch.

    Abiodun arrived at the Lagos home of the Yoruba leader at 4.50p.m. Gbajabiamila joined him 15 minutes later.

    After a meeting with the children of the deceased, Abiodun told newsmen that Adebanjo was part of his life when he started his political career.

    The governor said: “He (Adebanjo) was a role model, a father figure to us, he was an iconic Yoruba man who we all became fond of because of his dogged principles.

    “He was irrevocably principled, bold, audacious, consistent, fearless, Baba would say it as he was it and as he felt regardless of how anyone feels about it.

    “Perhaps, Baba’s training as a lawyer helped his ability to articulate himself unapologetically.

    “Baba’s love for the Yoruba race was second to none. He fought for the emancipation of the Yoruba through different platforms.”

    Abiodun said that though everyone would miss the late elder statesman, the people were celebrating his life and legacies.

    According to him, Adebanjo was one of those voices that would be missed in the country’s political firmament.

    In the condolence register, Abiodun wrote: ” Baba, finally, God has called you home. You were bold, consistent, fearless, principled, focused till the very end.

    “Your legacies are and will remain enduring for the world and many generations unborn. You will be solely missed. We thank God for the impactful life you life. May your soul continue to rest in peace.”

    Also, Gbajabiamila praised  Adebanjo’s service to mankind and the country.

    The former Speaker of the House of Representatives said: “To God be all the glory, we will miss Baba but we are consoled, knowing he rests in Peace.

    “Thank you for your service to mankind and to Nigeria,” Gbajabiamila, who declined  media interview, wrote in the condolence register.”

    Friends, associates and family members have been thronging Adebanjo’s Lekki residence since his passing was announced on Friday afternoon. Adebanjo died on Friday in his Lagos home at the age of 96.

    Gov. Mbah mourns Pa Adebanjo

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in mourning prominent leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Pa Ayo Adebanjo

    Pa Adebanjo died on Friday morning at his residence in Lekki, Lagos State at the age of 96.

    Mbah in a post on his verified X handle — @PNMbah on Saturday, described the late nonogenerian as a courageous and principled leader who said it exactly the way he saw it, irrespective of whose ox was gored.

    He also described him as a patriot, soldier of democracy and a respectable statesman.

    He added that “I received with utmost shock and deep sense of grief, the passing of Pa Adebanjo.

    “He was a forthright, courageous and principled leader, who spoke the truth without fear or favour. Always at the vanguard of equity and justice, Pa Adebanjo stoutly defended what he believed to be true, right and just.

    “He was a soldier of democracy. Whether it was in the days of Pa Obafemi Awolowo or during the military era and the struggle for democracy under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), he was fearless in the trenches, fighting for democracy and the blessings it promises.”

    The governor said “on behalf of my family and the good people of Enugu State, therefore, I send heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and people of Ogun State, Afenifere, and indeed the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large over this irreparable loss.”

    He also prayed for peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

    PDP mourns Adebanjo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed sadness over the death of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, describing it as a national tragedy.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Saturday, the party described Adebanjo as a nationalist and a foremost advocate of democracy in Nigeria.

    He said Adebanjo was a fearless lawyer, forthright and principled politician, uncompromising democrat, and a leading national figure.

    Ologunagba said Adebanjo stood for people’s rights and championed democratic values such as adherence to the rule of law, good governance, and transparency.

    “He also fought for accountability, social welfare, justice, equity, fairness, and mutual respect in national life.

    “He was a national icon, a torchbearer, and a passionate advocate of true federalism, restructuring, and devolution of powers,” Ologunagba said.

    He described these principles as the only workable templates for effective governance, political stability, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

    “Chief Adebanjo was an audacious and outspoken patriot, committed to the nation’s unity, stability, and development by always speaking the truth,” he added.

    He said Adebanjo provided practical solutions to complex national issues and remained a source of inspiration, vision, and direction for leaders.

    Ologunagba noted that through the years, Adebanjo distinguished himself as a true nationalist, prioritising Nigeria’s interests and the welfare of its people.

    “He was a fighter for Nigeria’s independence, a staunch Zikist Movement member, and later the Organising Secretary of the Action Group (AG).

    “Adebanjo was also a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and a respected Afenifere leader.

    “His death at this critical time is a huge blow, as his wisdom, experience, and guidance are needed now more than ever.

    “Though we mourn, we take solace in knowing that Chief Adebanjo lived an accomplished life, leaving behind invaluable legacies for future generations,” he said.

    The PDP extended its deep condolences to the Adebanjo family, the Afenifere community, the Ogun government, and democracy advocates worldwide.

    Ologunagba prayed for strength and fortitude for all who mourn this great loss.

  • Ooni of Ife welcomes third son in grand ceremony

    Ooni of Ife welcomes third son in grand ceremony

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has formally welcomed his third son Prince Ademakinwa Ogunwusi into the palace in a grand homecoming ceremony held on Friday.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the royal family received the young prince and his mother Olori Ashley Ogunwusi with joy and celebration.

    Prince Ademakinwa was born on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the Princess Royal Hospital in London, United Kingdom.

    Announcing his birth at the time, the monarch took to social media, saying, “…Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Folashade, who today birthed a Prince from the mother side of Ooni Adagba Royal Compound of Lafogido Ruling House and father side of Ooni Agbedegbede Royal Compound of Giesi Ruling house combined to the Royal throne of Oduduwa.”