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Tag: ooni of ife

  • Ooni of Ife reacts over appointment of new Alaafin of Oyo

    Ooni of Ife reacts over appointment of new Alaafin of Oyo

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has lauded the appointment of Alaafin of Oyo-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade.

    He also congratulated the Alaafin-elect on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo town.

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

    Oba Ogunwusi lauded Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new king for Oyo.

    Ogunwusi also applauded kingmakers, the royal families and the people of Oyo for the patient and maturity displayed throughout the sacred process which lasted over two years.

    According to him, the decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the people of Oyo.

    “Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and cultural preservation. Oyo remains a very  important  crown jewel in Yorubaland.

    “This interconnected lineage emphasises the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage.

    “The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy,” he said.

    Ogunwusi added: “We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors, particularly the immediate past Alaafin, Late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    “Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become father of all, who must rally all other contestants for the growth of Oyo town because, you can not do it alone.

    “You must bring everyone on board; Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory.

    “Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development.”

    Ogunwusi noted that Owoade’s ascension was a testament to the resilience of traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.

    He called on the sons and daughters of Oyo, from nooks and crannies, to rally around the new Alaafin and work together to uphold the glory of Oyo town.

    “It is through collective support and collaboration that Oyo will continue to thrive and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Yoruba greatness.

    “We reiterate our commitment to fostering unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, preserving shared cultural identity, and ensuring prosperity of all Yoruba people,” he said.

  • Ooni Of Ife speaks as estranged wife, Naomi continues to languish in prison over funfair tragedy

    Ooni Of Ife speaks as estranged wife, Naomi continues to languish in prison over funfair tragedy

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has extended his support to his ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, as she faces legal challenges over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a Christmas funfair.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the police arrested Silekunola after several children died at a stampede organised by her foundation, Women in Need of Guidance and Support (WINGS) at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

    The police then charged Silekunola, alongside the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdulahi Fasasi for conspiracy, negligence leading to death, endangering public safety, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities at the event.

    Following the trio’s arrangement, the Ibadan Magistrate’s Court remanded them in prison on December 24, 2024. Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court also refused to grant bail during a hearing on Tuesday, adjourning the ruling to Monday, January 13, 2025.

    Speaking, Oba Ogunwusi, through his Chief Press Secretary, Otunba Moses Olafare, absolved his ex-wife of any malicious intent, describing her initiative as a well-meaning effort to bring joy to underprivileged children during the festive season.

    He said, “Her intention was to spread happiness and uplift the spirits of children. The case is before the court. We cannot interfere with the court process; we will wait for the court’s outcome, and we will not take any step that will jeopardise the court’s process on the matter. We hope she will eventually be exonerated. We don’t know what the court has for her.

    “The only thing we can do for her now is to pray to God to vindicate her, and the Ooni, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi believes God will vindicate her because she had good intentions for the programme. She has always cared for children, especially the underprivileged, even when she was in the palace. Nobody ever died during such events when she organised them in the past.

    “She must have organised about three or four editions while at the palace, and nobody died. We understand she had been doing it even before she came to the palace and continued doing it after leaving the palace. The Ibadan edition is not the first children’s programme she has held since leaving the palace.

    “Based on that, we are wishing her well and praying that God grants her justice. God will vindicate her. We believe she must have acted in good conscience. Nobody organises an event intending to harm people. We at the palace wish her well and pray for her eventual exoneration.”

  • Ooni of Ife reacts to ex wife, Naomi’s arrest over funfair tragedy

    Ooni of Ife reacts to ex wife, Naomi’s arrest over funfair tragedy

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi have expressed his solidarity with the ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola following the tragic loss of young lives in a stampede that occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Oyo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of organisers of the children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan on Wednesday which resulted in a tragic stampede claiming the lives of 35 children.

    In a statement released on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson Osifeso Adewale disclosed that Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the main sponsor of the event and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has also been taken into custody.

    However, the monarch’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, in a statement issued on Thursday, noted that his former queen’s genuine care for children, prompted her to organised similar events in Osun State when she was queen.

    The monarch also expressed sympathy with the Government of Oyo State and the families of children whose lives were lost in the tragedy.

    Ogunwusi also pledged to support all efforts to bring solace and healing to those affected by the deaths.

    “We share in the grief and pains that have engulfed the affected families. We pray that Olodumare grants them the fortitude to bear this trying time.

    “While at the Ile Oodua here as a queen, Miss Naomi Silekuola Ogunseyi demonstrated love and care to the children of Ile-Ife through similar events which she executed passionately to give succour to children of indigent parents every December periods like this.

    “The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss. The House of Oduduwa calls for immediate actions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for rigorous adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions,” the statement read.

    The monarch also condemned what he called the sensationalisation of the tragic incident and called for solemn reflection and collective responsibility of all citizens.

    “While the situation calls for solemn reflection and collective responsibility, we would want to express dismay at the unprofessional conduct of some bloggers who have chosen to sensationalize the tragic incident rather than uphold journalistic integrity.

    The House of Oduduwa encourages all stakeholders, from government officials to the media and citizens, to unite in compassion and constructive dialogue. Let us honour the memories of the departed by fostering a culture of care, respect, and accountability in our communities,” the statement added.

  • Photos: Ooni Of Ife visits former president, Buhari in Katsina

    Photos: Ooni Of Ife visits former president, Buhari in Katsina

    Oba Adeyeye Enita Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife on Wednesday visited the former President, Muhammadu Buhari at his Daura residence in Katsina State.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that a former media aide to the ex-president, Ahmad Bashir, via the microblogging platform, X disclosed this in a post via X, alongside photos of the visit.

    He added that Oba Ogunwusi later visited the 60th Emir of Daura, HRH Faruk Umar Faruk, at his palace, accompanied by Buhari.

    He wrote: “Today, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) was in Daura with his entourage to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before leaving Daura, the former President led the Ooni of Ife and his entourage to the historic Daura Emir’s Palace.”

  • Prophetess Naomi meets estranged husband, Ooni Of Ife years after ‘messy’ break up

    Prophetess Naomi meets estranged husband, Ooni Of Ife years after ‘messy’ break up

    The estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the monarch, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, during the weekend reunited for the first time since their marriage crashed in 2021.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) recalls that Naomi, in December 2021,  had via a post shared on her Instagram page announced that she had left the monarch and no longer interested in the union.

    Following their marriage break up, the Ooni replaced Naomi with six wives, and the prophetess neither hinted at returning to the palace nor giving love a second chance.

    However, in a video that surfaced on social media during the weekend, the Ooni held the grand opening of Ojaja Park in Akure and Naomi, alongside their son, Prince Tadenikawo Ogunwusi, was seen at the event.

     

     

  • What First Lady, Remi Tinubu said, before Ooni of Ife erected a statue in her honour – Queen Tobi reveals

    What First Lady, Remi Tinubu said, before Ooni of Ife erected a statue in her honour – Queen Tobi reveals

    Queen Tobi, one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, has revealed the request of Senator Remi Tinubu before her husband erected a gold statue in Osun State in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the golden statue, a significant addition to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State, was unveiled In October 2024.

    Sharing photos from the unveiling ceremony, Queen Tobi said that the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu, had said she wished someone would make a statue in her honor.

    She further urged her followers  to speak what they want into existence

    She said, “This Day, A Statue was Unveiled in Honor of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at Obafemi Awolowo University, iLe Ife. By Ooni Of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi Ojaja2 as part of his 50th Birthday Celebration Program. 

    “The First Lady said she wished someone would make a Statue of her when she saw the trending story of Mark Zuckerberg’s Wife Statue. 

    “When she said that, all that came to mind was to say it Loud and Clear that we shouldn’t underestimate “The Power of The Mind” & “The Power of the Tongue” cos your THOUGHTS and WORDS Shapes Your REALITY. 

    “Always Think and Speak Positivity over Your Life. 

    “Don’t Let anyone Speak Negativity into your Life “so be conscious of who/what you listen to”.

  • Oluwo of Iwo reacts as Ooni of Ife reveals monarch chased him when he visited

    Oluwo of Iwo reacts as Ooni of Ife reveals monarch chased him when he visited

    Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi has responded to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who recently alleged he was walked out “like a child” from his palace.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi on Sunday in a trending TikTok video revealed that he was chased out when he visited the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

    Speaking, the Ooni of Ife said, “When I visited Oluwo, he chased me out like a child, since that incident, I have always maintained myself going close to him. Now that you people (attendees) are imploring that I visit him again, what if he does what he likes to me?

    “But I have to contain his excesses as an elder, although I am a young person sitting on the throne of the elders. Oluwo, I greet you.”

    Reacting, Oba Akanbi through his spokesman Alli Ibrahim on Monday, said the video was old and that the Ooni has never been to his palace.

    “The trending video is old and that there was never a time Ooni came to the palace. The palace will officially react to the trending video,” he said.

  • Be patient with my husband – Mrs Tinubu begs Nigerians

    Be patient with my husband – Mrs Tinubu begs Nigerians

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, assuring hope for a better future.

    Mrs Tinubu made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday, in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

    She said the current administration is committed to providing sustainable development for Nigerians and will do all it takes to ensure that Nigerians are not disappointed.

    She said the president was aware of the current challenges facing the country and working hard to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges.

    “This administration just spent less than 18 months. So, it is not the cause of the economic challenges on ground.

    “We are trying all our efforts to ensure that the economy is stabilised and masses are living meaningful lives since the removal of fuel subsidy,” she said.

    The First Lady charged the youths to be hardworking, stating,”there is no food for the lazy man, even God worked for six-day and rested on the seventh-day”.

    “Nigeria is a land that’s flowing with milk and honey, but we need to sustain it for generations to come.

    “God has richly blessed my family before getting to the presidency and we are contented with what we have,” she said.

    Mrs Tinubu reassured the commitment of the administration to take the nation to its promised land.

    The Ooni acknowledged the visit of the First Lady to the ancient city of Ile-Ife and the Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to ensure that Nigeria become the best country.

  • Nigeria’s first Lady Oluremi Tinubu storms Ooni’s palace for monument unveiling

    Nigeria’s first Lady Oluremi Tinubu storms Ooni’s palace for monument unveiling

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday arrived at the Ooni of Ife’s palace, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for the unveiling of a new monument in the historic town of Ife.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Mrs Tinubu was joined by a host of dignitaries at 11:23 a.m., for the commissioning of the newly named “Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way” and the unveiling of the Grand Pavilion and Monument at Obafemi Awolowo University, her alma mater.

    This event also marks part of the birthday celebrations and thanksgiving for Ooni Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

    The Osun State Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Kafayat Oyetola (wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy), Senator Jide Omoworare, and the Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were amongst the Notable figures present to welcome the First Lady.

    Other esteemed guests include the wives of the governors of Oyo and Osun states, Tamunominini Makinde and Titilola Adeleke, respectively, as well as various traditional rulers.

  • I became a subject of mockery over my failed marriage – Ooni of Ife

    I became a subject of mockery over my failed marriage – Ooni of Ife

    The Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has shared how he endured mockery after his marriage crashed.

    According to his Imperial Majesty, when his marriage crashed, many people mocked him and said there was no respect for a king who had no queen.

    He further revealed he was sleeping and waking up alone, which pushed him to call on God and asked questions like, ‘who did he offend’.

    The monarch claimed that God assured him to put his mind at rest and fast forward to now, he has queens everywhere in the palace.

    He said, “When my marriage broke and I became single, many people mocked me and said there is no respect for a king that has no queen. I was sleeping and waking up alone. I called on God; I asked questions: who did I offend? I never did evil to anyone. He told me to put my mind at rest. Look at me today. There are queens everywhere in the palace”.

    In December 2022,  the second wife of the monarch, Olori Naomi surprised many when she announced the end of her 3-year marriage to the Ooni on her Instagram page.

    Following the crashed marriage, Ooni moved on from her to marry 6 wives: Olori Mariam, Olori Elizabeth Akinmuda, Olori Tobi Phillips, Olori Ashley, Olori Ronke, and Olori Temitope, in the space of three months.