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Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni of Ife reacts to Akeredolu’s death

    Ooni of Ife reacts to Akeredolu’s death

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has described the demise of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State as a huge loss to Yoruba race and Nigeria at large.

    Ooni, who stated this in a statement he personally issued on Wednesday, said that the late governor was an epitome of honesty and courage, who lived a life worthy of emulation.

    According to him, the Oduduwa race has lost a pillar of honesty and courage; a man who served humanity with his expertise as a legal luminary, experienced politician and true descendant of Oduduwa.

    “When we were challenged at the grassroots by invaders who masqueraded as herdsmen, Aketi worked with stakeholders across South-West and the national level to deliver our mandate of security and prosperity.

    “This birthed Amotekun and other initiatives through which our people are safer and more confident to embark on their lawful businesses daily.

    “He was an honest, bold and courageous leader whose legacy will never be forgotten. If Akeredolu tells you anything, that is the way it is.

    “His death is a personal loss to me because we were very close, right from our days as students of Loyola College, Ibadan till date.

    “In fact, he did a legacy project for the school through which his name will forever be remembered,” he said.

    The royal father expressed condolences to the late governor’s wife, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the family, President Bola Tinubu, the people of the state and Nigerians in general.

  • Be patient with President Tinubu – Ooni to Nigerians

    Be patient with President Tinubu – Ooni to Nigerians

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration given the current economic situation.

    The Ooni made the appeal during the visitation to his family compound as part of activities to mark the grand finale of the Olojo Annual Festival in the Oketase area, Ile-Ife on Monday.

    The monarch admitted that Nigeria is currently at its trial period when the citizens are facing a lot of challenges in all ramifications of life.

    “I know that people are passing through difficult periods in which they are not finding life easy and truly this is a challenging period.

    “But I know that after this festival, normalcy will return to the country, as the problems we’re facing will soon come to an end,” he stated.

  • Olojo festival 2023: Ooni begins 7-day seclusion+Photos

    Olojo festival 2023: Ooni begins 7-day seclusion+Photos

    The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, on Sunday kick started this this year’s annual Olojo Festival celebrations by embarking on a 7-day spiritual seclusion in which he will be seeking the face of Almighty God(Olodumare) and ancestors of the land for the recovery of Nigeria’s economy and unity of the African people for prosperity.

    The great Pan-African king who spoke to the press shortly before escorted on a procession to the ‘ILE MOLE’ ancient cult chamber located on Iremo road in Ile-Ife commended President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria over his sterling Pan-African speech recently during 78th UN General Assembly in the USA quoting him as saying “To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”

    Ooni called on the entire African continent people worldwide to unite and be peaceful for the development and desired economic liberation. He urged relevant stakeholders in Africa to prioritize the unity of the African continent, saying pan Africanism is non-negotiable.

    “President Bola Tinubu spoke very creditably well as a true Pan-African leader during the 78 edition of the UN General Assembly. I also respect Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto of Uganda and Kenya respectively for always consistently standing for Africa. I have met with them and we have always discussed Africa development.

    “For the past 8 years that I been on the throne of Oduduwa, anytime I go into seclusion, there is nothing I ask the ancestors that doesn’t come into fulfillment. Therefore, I can rest assured that this time around, the actualization of Pan-Africanism will come to reality. “Ooni said.

    Ooni who lamented the suffering and hardship in Nigeria said there is a need for the ancestors to step in so that the administration of President Tinubu, will be the renewed hope in terms of friendly economic palliatives for the poor masses, good roads, uninterrupted power supply, affordable education, employment opportunities, and above all, actualization of the ideological oneness that all sundry in Africa have been hoping for.

    He charged government at all levels to be more sensitive to the plight of the people, also urging all and sundry to support the president so as to move the nation forward for stable national security and economic advancement.

    “I will pray for the unity of Africa. Things are very hard. We all know the economic challenges that people are facing.

    “The issue of restiveness of our youths would not go beyond control, before this are sensitive issues that we need to address before it goes out of hand.

    “My prayer also would be to pray for divine intervention for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to turn things right because expectations of people are so high”, Ooni stated

    The Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) praised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil for his love for Africa saying the large turnout of the Afro-Brasilians and other diaspora Africans is an attestation that Olojo festival.is indeed a rallying point for connecting the Africans together.

    Ooni Ogunwusi who was earlier this year hosted by the Brazilian President to unveil the African Religion ISESE Day in Brasilia, Brazil has also been hosted in recognition of his Pan-African initiative by several African leaders like President John Mahama of Ghana and King of Kumasi, Asantene Osei Tutu in 2016, President Ruto of Kenya in March this year and President Museveni of Uganda barely a month ago.

    Signed:
    Otunba Moses Olafare
    Director, Media & Public Affairs,
    Ooni’s Palace.

  • Ooni’s handshake with actors, Pete Edochie, Kanayo spark outrage on social media

    Ooni’s handshake with actors, Pete Edochie, Kanayo spark outrage on social media

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan handshake with veteran actor, Pete Edochie and Kanayo o kanayo have sparked reactions from Social media users.

    In a now viral video, Edochie and Kanayo approached Ooni’s table at Elizabeth Jack Rich’s 40th birthday party on Tuesday and exchanged Igbo “cultural” handshakes with the monarch.

    Some Social media users have knocked the actors for disrespecting the Monarch, while others praised Ooni for being very respectful.

    Another user Onyemauchi tweeted: “This man supposed be King for him community”

    Man of Letters said: “Igbakeji Oorisa?! It’s acceptable that he received the  cross-culture respect handshake with Pete Edochie because the man Pete carry, but what’s his excuse for doing it with Kanayo O Kanayo??”

    Another tweep tracesorba wrote: “Igbos don’t bow down to any man, An evolved or wise man is their our own Chi.”

    Kelvin Odanz said. “Is this ceremony holding in the Ooni palace? I mean, if an Igbo man (from a culture that doesn’t bow to another man) meets the Ooni in the UK for instance, is it disrespectful if he chooses to greet the respected Oba in a way he was brought up to respect dignitaries?”

  • Ooni’s new wife, Mariam steps out with hubby for the first time at Olojo festival

    Ooni’s new wife, Mariam steps out with hubby for the first time at Olojo festival

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja ll stepped out with his new wife, Mariam Ajibola for the first time at the olojo Festival presently holding in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

    The Olojo festival is an annual event that takes place in Ile-Ife.

    Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and Osun state Deputy governor, Benedict Alabi, among many others.

    The new Yeyeluwa of Ife is attending Olojo, a major cultural celebration in Ile-Ife, during which Ooni will adorn ‘Are crown,’ for the first time as Ooni’s wife.

    The new queen was ushered into Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife at 8 pm on Tuesday, September 6 by her mother and other members of her family from Kogi and Kwara states and since then, she had not attended any public outing.

    The Olojo Festival is an ancient festival celebrated annually in Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.

    The festival is one of the popular festival in the Yoruba land, it was once described by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi as a festival that celebrates the Black race all over the world.

  • Aregbesola consults Ooni, Alaafin to help him beg Tinubu

    Aregbesola consults Ooni, Alaafin to help him beg Tinubu

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting in Ibadan with the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in respect of his rift with Bola Tinubu, a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to reports, the meeting was conveyed to resolve the lingering strained relationship between the two prominent Yoruba political leaders- Bola Tinubu and Rauf Aregbesola.

    It was also gathered that the meeting, held at a private residence of the Alaafin of Oyo in Ibadan, lasted for about two hours.

    The meeting was said to be a first step toward finding a lasting reconciliation between the two political gladiators, Tinubu and Aregbesola.

    A source closed to the meeting told newsmen that after consultations, the leaders agreed to move to the next stage of the meeting, which would be held at a later date.

    Recall that Aregbesola, had in the build-up to February 2022 Governorship primaries of the APC in Osun, allegedly disparaged Tinubu for taking sides with Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, his brother.

    A source told newsmen in Ibadan that Aregbesola had asked the traditional rulers to resolve his feud with Tinubu, who is eyeing the presidential ticket of the APC in 2023 election.

    The source said: “Rauf Aregbesola came before the Ooni; after he entered, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi joined shortly.

    “Nobody was allowed to enter. Nobody was briefed. They later finished and entered their cars. All those photos you see online were taken by their aides.”

    However, details of the meeting were still unknown as at the time of filing this reports.

    The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) had waded into the rift.

    “This is with a view to finding amicable solutions to the feud between Aregbesola and his political mentor, Tinubu,” the source said.

  • Shonekan’s death: A collosal loss nationawide – Ooni

    Shonekan’s death: A collosal loss nationawide – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the death of former Interim Leader of Nigeria, Chief Ernest Shonekan, as a colossal loss to Nigeria.
    Ooni made this known in a statement signed by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare on Wednesday, in Ile-Ife.
    According to him, the ex-interim president who died on Monday was an illustrious descendant of Oduduwa and and great stabiliser, who contributed immeasurably to the peace and development of Nigeria and Africa at large.
    The royal father noted that the elder statesman gave his best to the Oduduwa race, the country and the continent of Africa which he loved so much.
    “Chief Shonekan was a great Pan-Africanist and great descendant of Oduduwa, who came to lead the country from the front at a very challenging time, when Nigeria was at the brink of collapse due to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, reportedly won by late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
    “As a patriotic Nigerian that he was, Shonekan used the brief moment to set the country on a path of prosperity with workable policies and programmes.
    “He achieved so much in collaborations with other critical stakeholders driven by patriotism.
    “Outside office, Shonekan kept on contributing to national development until his last day on earth. In short, he gave his all to Nigeria and we are so proud of him,” the Ooni stated.
    He condoled with Shonekan’s family members and associates globally, the Egba people, Nigerians and all descendants of Oduduwa, praying that God rest the departed soul.
    Similarly, Ogunwusi has condoled with the immediate family of the former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, who during his lifetime was a Chief in the Kingdom of Ife, over the demise of the Ogbomoso-born politician.
    He described the late Akala as a great leader who gave his best in service to his people, adding that his departure would be missed greatly by everyone.
    He however, wished the departed soul an eternal rest in the world beyond.
  • Ending the unroyal squabbles at Ooni’s palace – By Michael West

    Ending the unroyal squabbles at Ooni’s palace – By Michael West

    By Michael West

    Considering the messy and scandalous level the controversy generated by the separation announced by Queen Naomi has assumed especially on social media, I think His Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, should back off and allow Queen Naomi Silekunola go away. I propose this as my humble and sincere counsel for the royal father in order to preserve the dignity and sacredness of the highly treasured throne of Arole Oodua.

    The controversy keeps mutating and rolling in the orbit of rumoured accusations and counter-accusations between the two camps. While those on the side of the throne heap blames on the Queen and her family members for alleged unruly and fraudulent behaviours, those who are sympathetic to the beautiful Queen are blaming the Kabiyesi, his sisters and the palace clique of “jealous” oloris for the unconventional behaviour by Queen Naomi. I don’t want to recapitulate the dirty details and gossips flying all over the social media about the dispute since none of the rumoured allegations has been verified or made official by the disputing parties.

    To start with, Queen Naomi erred! She committed a big blunder by first externalizing what supposed to be a family issue. Going on the social media to announce her separation from the throne is antithetical to African culture and tradition. Her action has caused a big stir in the palace. In the first place, she ought to know that marrying an oba, the most revered monarch in Yorubaland for that matter, is not going to be a normal marital deal like she would possibly have with any other man out there. Queen Naomi, by the virtue of marrying the Ooni has become the royal mother of Yoruba people. Her position is so valued and celebrated that she can’t just do whatever she likes. Becoming the Queen is tantamount to sacrificing her privacy, social life, and, to a large extent, her missionary assignment for the throne. That is why some people are insinuating that perhaps she was enamoured with the opulence, prestige and benefits attached to the throne. I refuse to debate this thought because she is not available to defend herself. One thing I desire to know is whether she received divine approval for her marriage to the Ooni. We have cases where good believers have married obas successfully without denying the faith. However, such women are not gospel ministers like Queen Naomi. This is why many Christians disapprove of her marriage to Ooni in the first place. “Knowing what it entails to be a Queen to a deep-rooted traditional throne like that of Ooni is practically irreconcilable with her faith and calling as a minister of God. If she has left on the basis of her faith, it would have been a different matter altogether.” A female gospel minister has said in her comment. And since the Queen has not made it public if she had divine leading to go into the marriage or not, it will be preposterous for anybody to assume what nobody is sure of.

    From the snippets obtained from sources, Queen Naomi might have been wrongly advised to act in an unroyal manner by those she listens to. Apparently, she’s now overwhelmed by the turn of event which is contrary to her expectation. I perceive the Queen to be a strong-willed young woman. I have been conscious of her strong personality way back at the beginning of her marriage. While speaking, her tone and choice of words depict a bold and intelligent personality. Her beauty and calling as a missionary ostensibly fleece over her real person. She is not disrespectful but fearless and vocal. I have never met or encountered her one-on-one but the unfolding scenario seems to lend credence to my opinion and perception of the Queen. Initially, she may not have envisaged the ensued uproars trailing her separation, but when the issue became festered, she’s scared of her missteps and the manner in which she handles the matter.

    As it is now, the public is aware of deft moves to reconcile her with the Ooni. But I want to sincerely advise her not to return to the palace no matter the pressure. Regardless of who is involved in the peacemaking efforts, if she truly loves herself, she should agree to any arrangement that would engender a lasting peace and forgiveness but excluding returning to the palace. Returning to the palace might not be in her best interest, and it should not be part of the conditions for peace and forgiveness. His Royal Majesty should please let go. He should also plead with those who may feel slighted by her action to please forgive the ‘uninitiated’ Queen from their hearts so she can live her life in peace. It is feared that the traditional high command in Ile Ife may want to ‘discipline’ the Queen in their own way. Kabiyesi and Ile Ife traditionalists should consider the grace of the crown and the interest of the prince, Tadenikawo, and let go. The mess is too much for the throne such that her return cannot atone for the violation of palace rules which could mean a passive affront on the royalty. In fact, Kabiyesi should demonstrate his love for the Queen by not bringing her back to the palace. Instead, he should be more concerned with protecting and preserving the dignity of the throne. This suggestion is to protect the Queen from the backlash of her action, as well as for the sanctity of the ancient throne.

    The whole issue is basically marital. Gossips, lies and disparaging stories flying all over the place should be ignored. Going forward, Ooni Eniitan Ogunwusi should please allow due diligence to be executed in the choices of new oloris. Cases of desertion and acrimony in the palace is not adding credit to the image of the throne. I see this as a challenge in the life of the monarch. This is the time to support him and not to vilify or harshly criticize him for his choices and the manner in which the women were quitting. This is a serious challenge that requires the intervention of the elders. In the time past, apart from the wife or wives an oba already had before ascending the throne, many other wives came in as ‘gifts’ or through matchmaking; yet, the women were made to go through the rigours of screening and spiritual purification as prerequisites to qualify as oloris. Ooni Eniitan Ogunwusi is a cross bearer in this respect. He is not the only traditional ruler that keeps a harem of women in his palace. It is their norm. The fact that it is becoming an issue for him should rather be a source of concern than attracting scathing remarks or reprimands.

    I want to conclude by advising Queen Naomi to embark on a prayer retreat in order to rediscover herself and realign with her assignments and purpose. She should watch videos, listen to online conversations and read diverse stories and gossips about her family members. I’m not sure everything said about them is true but she should frontally address and work on the areas that she knows are dishonouring. It will be disappointing if some of the things said about her family members are true. If and when another opportunity presents itself for her, she would handle things differently knowing that she’s the one going into marriage and not her entire family. Let them remain respectful in-laws they ought be without constituting any problem to her life again.

    From the Mailbox

    Re: Bad Marriage: ‘Why We’re Scared to Quit!’

    May God deliver everyone in the prison of bad marriage. May He give them the courage, strength, wisdom, ability, boldness, resources, and everything they need to break free from the prisons. And for the captors, an end shall come upon their activities and set their captives free in Jesus’ name. – Becky Olorunpomi, Lagos.

    Many crazy women who would not allow their husbands to sleep at night by tormenting them with endless quarrel and nagging are the ones you are defending. Please let’s not make it look as if men are the only problem. – Chief Emo Diadenaru.

    08035304268

    08059964446

    Quote:

    “The mess is too much for the throne such that her return channot atone for the violation of palace rules which could mean a passive affront on the royalty. In fact, Kabiyesi should demonstrate his love for the Queen by not bringing her back to the palace.”

  • How Ooni packaged Christmas gifts for Prophetess Naomi hours before divorce announcement -Aide

    How Ooni packaged Christmas gifts for Prophetess Naomi hours before divorce announcement -Aide

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, sent Christmas gifts to his estranged wife, Prophetess Naomi, hours before a divorce notice surfaced Instagram, one of the monarch’s aides.

    Though the Prophetess was said to have left the palace before the divorce notice on social media, it was learnt that Ooni packaged Christmas gifts and sent them to her.

    “We were asked to package the Christmas gifts on Wednesday and it was sent in the afternoon to her. We sent the gifts before day two of the music programme in Lagos. Only for us to wake up and find the statement on divorce on social media. Something must definitely be wrong somewhere,” he told Punch.

    Before the incident, Ooni of Ife was participating in a three-day music programme tagged, ‘Memorable Moments With Music’ at the Muson Centre, Lagos State.

    On his part, Ooni’s media aide, Moses Olafare, said his boss was still in love with the Prophetess before the divorce notice on social media.

    “On Wednesday, Kabiyesi (Ooni) was still packaging special gifts for her. If you want to separate with someone, you cannot be packaging gifts for her.

    “I was aware that Kabiyesi was putting a special Christmas gift together for her. If he is not in love with her, he cannot be doing that. In fact, the Christmas gift has been delivered to her already.”

     

  • Ooni was absentee father, didn’t raise daughter as claimed — Princess Adeola’s mother alleges

    Ooni was absentee father, didn’t raise daughter as claimed — Princess Adeola’s mother alleges

    Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi did not raise his daughter Princess Adeola Ogunwusi as a single father, her mother Omolara Olatubosun has claimed.

    Oba Ogunwusi had on social media recalled how he suffered to raise his daughter which he had at age 19. The post was in celebration of her birthday on October 18, 2021.

    However, Olatubosun said in a statement that Oba Ogunwusi was not present in the child’s life in the first 10 years.

    She said, “Yeye Ogunwusi was never present in Adeola’s life for the first ten years of her growing up which makes the ‘single father’ narrative shocking, annoying and disrespectful to hear by all who know the truth of the story. I, Omolara, took care of my daughter physically, financially and emotionally, with the moral support of my mother and my siblings.

    “I was a pregnant teen, but he was nowhere to be found, and I bore the responsibilities for our child, and paid the physical and social cost of raising her alone in my mom’s house.

    “Yeye Ogunwusi saw Adeola for only five minutes at the hospital when she was born. The next time he saw her was when she was already four years old and ten years old respectively.

    “I got NO monetary or material support from him or ANYONE while raising my child. I could not have, because he was also just finding his way in the world.

    “Adeola started spending holidays with Yeye Ogunwusi and his then wife (Bukola Bombata) in Lagos when she was thirteen in 2007, and started living with them when she was fifteen in 2009. This was when he began any financial and personal involvement in her life at all.”

    Tubosun said she kept mum about it all this time because of her daughter, adding that she had also reached out to him privately “to stop repeating the lie that he ‘raised my daughter as a single parent since she was born.’”

    She dared the monarch to post pictures of him and Princess Adeola or the receipt of any expense he bore on her before she clocked 10.

    “If Yeye Ogunwusi is proud of the daughter we have raised, he can say so without any attempt to minimize or denigrate the very foundation on which he’s now attempting to build, and from which he cowardly fled when the going was tough,” she said.