TheNewsGuru

Tag: ooni of ife

  • Ife begins Olojo festival as Ooni enters 7-day seclusion

    Ife begins Olojo festival as Ooni enters 7-day seclusion

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Sunday moved into Ile Mole, Iremo Quarters, Ile-Ife, for a seven-day seclusion as the ancient Olojo Festival kicks off in the city.

    The monarch appeared in his usual white traditional attire laced with colourful ancient beads on his way out of the Ile Oodua Palace of Ife.

    He told the newsmen that he will use the spiritual moment of seclusion as a point of contact with God Almighty towards the total eradication of the coronavirus as well as for peace and stability in the country.

    Oba Ogunwusi explained that Olojo is a festival that connotes a strong indication of God’s creation and the day of the first dawn on earth.

    “I am going into seclusion, I am going into fasting and prayer in the ways of our ancestors.

    “As you know, we’re gradually winning the war against coronavirus and we must indeed be thankful because we are not superior to those countries being crippled by this pandemic.

    “After the seven-day seclusion, there follows the climax of it, which is the procession of the sacred Aare crown with which we will pray for the entire nation and humanity.

    “Every move of the Aare procession is highly significant, including the junctions of spiritual and historical significance where I would make supplications and prayers to our ancestors.

    “The first junction indicates where the first dawn came and that is where we must stop, followed by where the pathfinder deity, which we call Ogun sighted the first dawn and that is Oke-Mogun.

    “When I came down from the hill, there was turmoil among the deities because Aare is the first monarchical crown.

    “At some point they all converged at Ita Oranfe, where they all agreed that kingship and organisation should commence and that is where the modern day democracy and other forms of government emanated from,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the seclusion rites, the monarch would be incommunicado and not grant audience to anyone.

  • JUST IN: Ooni speaks on palace fire incident

    JUST IN: Ooni speaks on palace fire incident

    The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has calmed nerves over the fire outbreak which caught a building within the palace premises earlier on Wednesday (today).

    He said the fire outbreak was just a minor occurrence.

    This was confirmed in a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare.

    The statement read, “The Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, wishes to inform the entire public that a minor fire outbreak involving a tiny part of one of the administrative buildings within the premises of the palace occurred at about 1:15pm today, Wednesday 19th, August 2020, leaving no harm to the oldest palace in Yoruba land.

    The minor inferno which lasted for about 20 minutes was immediately put out by collective efforts of people in the palace led by the Ooni’s Chief Security, Kolawole Emmanuel, later joined by men of the fire services from the state government, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife..

    “Aside from the fact that there was no causality whatsoever, the fire was just a minor occurrence which was nothing to be compared to the misleading huge pictures being painted in the media, particularly the social media.

    “While it is suspected to have emanated from an electric spark, measures are currently in place to reveal the cause of the inferno.

    We wish to thank men of the Osun State Fire service, Obafemi Awolowo University Fire Service and OAUTH Fire Service for their swift response, while efforts of well meaning Nigerians who reached out to the Palace for objective analysis are equally appreciated.

    “Once again, the ancient Palace of Ife remains as rich as before in culture, traditions and tourism.” The Statement read.

  • BBNaija should be crapped, misrepresents Nigerian youths – Ooni of Ife

    BBNaija should be crapped, misrepresents Nigerian youths – Ooni of Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has averred that the BBNaija reality TV show misrepresents Nigerian youths and so should be scrapped.

     

    The monarch made this known when he received members of the Nigerian Youth Council in celebration of the International Youth Day.

     

    The Ooni of Ife, however, called for a new show which will be more beneficial to the Nigerian youths.

     

    “Nigerian youths are fond of accusing and abusing our leaders. Stop abusing them. Contribute your own quota. Let’s wear our thinking caps and begin to act like the real future leaders that we are.

     

    “In the last general election, the total number of votes cast was around 27 million while over 170 million people voted during the 2019 Big Brother Naija reality show.

     

    “This is a practical reality of who Nigerian youths are and where our priorities lie as Nigerians.

     

    “The funny side in all of these is that we still go to bed, have a good sleep and wake up with the hope to meet a Nigeria we didn’t create. Nigerian Youths! Nigerian Youths!! Nigerians Youths!!!

     

    “Unfortunately, every time I talk about this kind of attitude, everyone just laugh and move on. What kind of nation are we building?

     

    “When people say this country, or what kind of country is this, they are indirectly saying these people – it is the people that make a country; so what kind of Nigerian youths are we?” Ooni asked.

     

    He urged the Nigerian Youth Council to work on a new show which will be called “The Big Nigeria Reality Show” aimed at showcasing the country’s traditions.

     

    “The proposed show will be structured in a way that young professionals, talented individuals and others across several field of endeavour will be showcased and helped to reach their peak.

     

    “This would help the participants and also help viewers to have access to people that can be seen as role models,” Ooni added.

     

  • Ooni opens up on why Osun festival was celebrated amidst COVID-19

    Ooni opens up on why Osun festival was celebrated amidst COVID-19

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has said Nigeria will overcome the dreadful Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    The monarch stated this while playing host to Osun devotees in his palace as the ancient city celebrated the Osun festival on Saturday.

    Ogunwusi, who admitted that the pandemic was still ravaging the country, urged Nigerians to always observe laid down precautionary measures and avoid circulation of fake news.

    “Unlike the way we used to have it in Ife, we were forced to restrict this celebration which is a major festival in Ife.

    “Our restriction made us to ensure that we don’t create more problems while trying to solve the one at hand.

    “Osun festival as the world knows is the celebration of water and we all know that water is life.

    “We’re using this instance to reconnect with our Creator through nature to cleanse the world, and especially to end the pandemic.

    “We are remembering our ancestors and it is unfair to call us idol worshipers,” he said.

    The Osun Government was represented at the event by Mrs Sola Duro-Ladipo, Director of Field Research, Festival and Documentation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    Other dignitaries also graced the occasion which was held in adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures.

  • Ooni to name his prince after 49th Ooni of Ife

    Ooni to name his prince after 49th Ooni of Ife

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has promised to name his prince after the late Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the 49th Ooni of Ife, as a mark of appreciation to Aderemi for his good works.

    Ooni Ogunwusi made the promise on Friday in his Palace at Ile-Ife.

    Ogunwusi was speaking at the 40th remembrance anniversary of the late Ooni organised by his princes, princesses and grandchildren in memory of the late Ooni who reigned from 1930 to 1980.

    The monarch described his predecessor as a great icon who would be remembered for his immeasurable contributions to the independence, stabilisation and growth of Nigeria.

    “I wish to implore our politicians across the country to look deep into the life, times and accomplishments of Sir Aderemi and learn great lessons of servant leadership.

    “He was selflessly committed to the development of the country.

    “Among several tangible virtues to be emulated from the good life of Sir Aderemi is the good name he left behind which still speaks volumes till date.

    “Houses, cars and other material gains of life will surely fade away, while one’s name remains in the book of history forever.

    “Today, the ancient city of Ile-Ife and indeed the entire human race is proud to have had Sir Adesoji Aderemi whom we shall continue to celebrate.

    “Plans are underway to immortalise him and I have discussed it with members of the family.” Ooni Adeyeye said.

    Speaking on behalf of the family members, Prince Owoade Aderemi, thanked Ooni Ogunwusi for the warm reception and acknowledgement of their father’s giant strides during his lifetime.

    “I am sure that our father would be so happy in the world beyond to realise how great and united his family is after four decades.

    “As princes and princesses, we have done a lot to develop Ile-Ife and I wish to state that we shall continue to be active in the growth of our beloved city,” Owoade said.

    Mr Segun Omoworare, who spoke on behalf of the late Aderemi’s grandchildren, described the late monarch as an epitome of traditional and political leadership.

    “While on the respected throne of Oduduwa, Baba served Nigeria in several political capacities including being among the first set of the country’s Ministers and Governor of the then Western region.

    “He was among the nationalists, who fought a great fight for the nation’s independence and we are so proud to be his descendants.” Omoworare said.

    Earlier, Ogunwusi had led members of the Aderemi family to lay wreath on the tomb of his predecessor as a mark of respect.

    Ogunwusi later led dignitaries to inspect the White House built by Sir Aderemi in 1937 which he (Ooni Ogunwusi) has modified.

  • Ooni of Ife loses grandmother

    Ooni of Ife loses grandmother

    Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has announced the passing away of Madam Comfort Olasoji (Soji-Opa), his maternal grandmother.

    She was 103 years old.

    Ooni’s Spokesman, Moses Olafare said the woman died Saturday night in her home in Ile-Ife.

    “Mama Agba’, as fondly called, gave up the ghost at her residence in Ile-Ife last night Saturday 7th, 2020 at the ripe age of 103 years.

    “The industrious old woman during her lifetime was a prominent trader who majored in food stuffs at Oja Itaakogun, Oja Titun and other markets in Ile-Ife and environs during her active days.

    “Her uprightness and goodness as a genuine family woman and disciplined Christian earned her the enviable position of Iyaale-Opa (Matriarch of Opa’s Compound) and Alatunse of Ethiopian Church, Ile-Ife through which she meritoriously served her creator and humanity.

    “Mama would be greatly missed by all, especially her immediate family, relatives, members of Opa’ Compound (Ile Opa) members of the church, the market women all of whom she devoted her whole lifetime to in service till she took her last breath last night”. he said.

    Madam Olasoji was born in 1907 to Chief and Mrs Aina Akinyemi of the Ajigbayin Compound of Ile-Ife.

    She is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    The late Ooni’s grandmother is scheduled to be buried on Saturday, 13th June, 2020 at her residence in Ile-Ife.

  • Queen Naomi Ogunwusi breaks silence on reports of crashed marriage to Ooni of Ife

    Silekunola Moronke Naomi Ogunwusi, queen of the Ile-Ife monarch, has sent a message to rumour mongers, spreading falsehood about her marriage to the Ooni of Ife.

    ” Ours is a love no earthly force is strong enough to break, we are very fine and healthy”, she said.

    She took to her Instagram page on Monday night to trash rumours that her marriage has crashed.

    Please read her full post:

    “There have been strange rumours and unfounded news making rounds on social media in recent times.I want all believers of good news to know that, it is all lies and a picture of how the peddlers of the evil news would have loved our love story to turn out.

    “I would have loved to maintain silence, however, due to concerns being expressed by well meaning people something has to be said.

    “Now, the gospel truth is that I have been busy with ministry off the social media space and you’d all agree with me that with the ongoing pandemic which suddenly sprung up on all of us, only means more work needs to be done. I can’t sit still (as nobody privileged enough should) and this isn’t a time for social media presence but a time that calls for solemnity. Hence my break from what people now call normal.

    “Finally, as duty will have me do, I have been in and out of the palace doing Gods bidding.With all being said, I am compelled to ask the following questions :

    “Why can’t people verify that which is the truth ?

    “Why do people believe more in falsehood and negativity?

    “Well, the Bible has something to say about them in Psalm 2:1-12. Now i say to you all, please disregard and jettison every fake and malicious news about me and my husband (Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi) for ours is a love no earthly force is strong enough to break, we are very fine and healthy

    “I will leave you with this “please be comforted and know that boredom is a killer and people do unimaginable things when they are” Peace and love always.”

    Oba Ogunwusi’s marriage to Naomi, a prophetess was his third.

    In 2008, he married Adebukola Bombata, from whom he separated in 2016.

    Then he married Zaynab Otiti Obanor in Benin. The marriage barely lasted a year. Both separated in 2017.

    Ooni then married Prophetess Moronke Naomi in October 2018.

    The monarch’s only child, 26 year-old Adeola Aanuolouwapo Ogunwusi came from a relationship with Omolara Olatubosun in Ibadan. They are co-parents.

  • Ooni hosts Oduduwa festival, says Yoruba are unique

    Ooni hosts Oduduwa festival, says Yoruba are unique

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday hosted the 2020 edition of the annual Oduduwa festival.

    While addressing the cheering crowd at the event, Ogunwusi described the Yoruba as a uniquely different people created by God.

    “Take a close look at our people, their conducts and lifestyle anywhere in the world, you will agree with me that we are uniquely different.

    “No matter where we find ourselves, we are pace setters and that is the value we must continue to uphold.

    “What we need to add to our uniqueness is love, let us love ourselves and others in order to record more wins.

    “I am confident that if we live in love and unity, we will soar above whatever challenges that may confront us,”he said.

    He commended the Are Ona Kakanfo, Ganiyu Adams, for his commitment to ensuring the consistent celebration of Oduduwa festival annually.

    Adams had earlier expressed his joy over an improved level of unity in Yorubaland, saying this was fully displayed in the formation of Operation Amotekun.

    “Let me commend Kabiyesi, the Oonirisa, the Alaafin of Oyo and other prominent Obas, leaders of socio cultural organisations, civil society groups and individuals for supporting the crusade for Operation Amotekun.

    “The events that played out during the crusade for Operation Amotekun clearly indicated that the Yoruba blood truly flow in our veins.

    “When the issue of Amotekun came up, I took up the challenge, and like a lone ranger, I made my position known to the world, without minding whose ox is gored.

    “I said it clearly that whoever is against the initiative is an enemy of our race, which shows that in unity, everything is possible.

    “So I am using this opportunity to appeal to all the state Houses of Assembly to do the needful by legislating the initiative and giving it the necessary legal backing.

    “When this is done, we can be sure of winning the war for a better future,” Adams said.

  • Court sacks Ooni of Ife second-in-command

    Court sacks Ooni of Ife second-in-command

    An Osun State High Court on Wednesday sacked the Obalufe of Ife, Chief Idowu Adediwura, and directed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to, within 21 days, fill the stool with a candidate from the Aga Ruling House.

    Obalufe is the traditional prime minister of Ife and he is next to Ooni in rank.

    Justice Foluke Awolalu of the Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, in her judgment on the suit instituted by Abayomi Elugbuji on behalf of himself and the Aga Ruling House, held that the installation of Adediwura was not in accordance with the provisions of Ife Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957.

    The court had earlier dismissed the preliminary objection filed by Adediwura seeking that the matter be dismissed because there were similar cases already instituted on the same matter.

    On the merit of the case, the court held that going by the Ife Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957, it was the turn of Aga Ruling House to produce Obalufe and not Ajagbusiekun, where Adediwura that was eventually installed hails from.

    The court also restrained Adediwura from parading himself as the Obalufe.
    Commenting on the matter, counsel for the plaintiff, Mr. Babafemi Akande, described the judgment as “sound and clear,” adding that a Chieftaincy Declaration once registered had become the law.

     

     

     

    “The law is very clear, nobody is above the law and no one is below it. So, the judge gave the judgment in accordance with the dictates of the law,” Akande said.

    Efforts to get Adediwura’s reaction to the judgment proved futile, as calls to his phone number rang out, while text message sent to him was not replied as of the time of filing this report.
  • Ooni of Ife to inaugurate maiden Oduduwa Mobile Library

    Ooni of Ife to inaugurate maiden Oduduwa Mobile Library

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in conjunction with Brazilian government, is set to unveil an Oduduwa Mobile Library on Sept. 7, to boost cultural awareness in the country.

    The cultural ambassador, House of Oduduwa Foundation, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos, that the project would redirect interest of culture among the youths.

    According to her, the N5 million worth of museum is an initiative from the Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀, in conjunction with governments of Brazil and Cuba as well as over 20 other countries.

    She said that the countries involved in the exercise would have the artifacts moved round to them.

    Ademiluyi told NAN that the project would have economic, political, and socio-cultural benefits to the country as it would attract global attention to the richness of Odùduwà culture.

    She said that the historic event, which would have tourism potentials, would be flagged-off on Sept. 7, at the Brazilian Embassy in Lagos.

    “The whole event will last 60 days, as cultural materials of African origin will be strategically moved from place to place within Lagos and exhibited for all to see.

    “The event that is scheduled to coincide with the 197th Independence Anniversary of Brazil of Sept. 7, 1822,” she said.

    Ademiluyi, the founder of Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria/London, noted that choice of collaborating with Brazil, was because it was a country with over 80 million Odùduwà population.

    “Brazil is the first country to collaborate with the House of Odùduwà on the promotion of African Heritage due to her acceptance of Yoruba people and culture.

    “It is noteworthy to mention that Brazil had gone as far as adopting Yorùbá language as one of it’s official language in the country,” she added.

    She said that the programme would include a four- day exhibition of antiquities, art recreations of divinities, and treasures of ancestors of the Odùduwà people.

    “The cultural items combine to reinforce the belief that, indeed, humanity originated from Ilé-Ifẹ̀, the acclaimed origin of the Odùduwà people located in South Western part of Nigeria,” she said.

    The cultural ambassador added that researches had shown that the Odùduwà people started the tradition of arts in casting, sculpturing, carving, and molding.

    “Remains of ancestors of the Odùduwà race dating back to over 13,000 years ago have also been discovered inside Ihò Eléérú (ashes cave) at Ìsàrun near Ìgbàrà-Òkè in Ondó State, through valid academic research.

    “Somewhere in Ìresi in Ọ̀ṣun State also, tools showing civilization dating back to about 5, 000 years ago have been discovered by certified researchers,” she said.

    Ademiluyi noted that the Museum project was aimed at attracting and coordinating various interest groups for sustainable global peace and development that placed emphasis on youth encouragement.

    “Specifically, it will serve as the hub for the collection of diverse African cultural productions and knowledge-retrieval, renewal and production centre for ancient African cultures.

    “This gesture will also work for the reinforcement of “the historic ties of Brazil with Africa” as recognized by the UNESCO,” she maintained.

    Ademiluyi then added that the mobile Museum Initiative would serve as “the center for the collection, protection, exhibition, and promotion of antiquities, treasures and traditional art forms of Africa.”