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Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni hosts South West leaders over state of the nation, Igboho’s arrest, others

    Ooni hosts South West leaders over state of the nation, Igboho’s arrest, others

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi on Tuesday met with some prominent Southwest leaders over the state of the nation and arrest of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) at his palace in Ile Ife, Osun State.

    According to reports, the meeting had in attendance, about 30 persons, including Senator Abiodun Olujimi; Akin Osuntoun, a former political adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former Peoples Democratic Party Governor candidate for Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje.

    Deputy Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Francis Alao confirmed the meeting.

    Alao, who doubles as Olugbon of Orile Igbon, explained that the meeting was originally convened to discuss national developments but had to delve into Igboho’s arrest,

    He said: “The essence of our meeting is a call by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi that we need to come back to our roots and do things the way we use to do it successfully.

    “A lot of things have gone wrong in the last few years in this country, politically, economically, socially, and we want to put things in the right perspective, that is the essence of this meeting. “Coincidentally, Sunday Igboho was part of what was discussed. We did not ignore the issue but it was not the main issue we discussed.

    “We need to be at the forefront of what is happening in this country? We are going to make wider consultations whereby individuals, groups, and others will be carried along to put things in the right direction.

    “ We cut across the Southwest states at the meeting. We are going to make wider consultations with monarchs. It is time for us to get it right..”

    A former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, and erstwhile National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lai Olorode, also spoke on Igboho’s arrest yesterday.

  • Ooni rallies support for itsekiri in choosing new Olu of Warri

    Ooni rallies support for itsekiri in choosing new Olu of Warri

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has called on the Oodua descendants all over the world to be in solidarity with the Itsekiri people in the choice of the new Olu of Warri.

    The Ooni made the call in a statement by Mr Moses Olafare, the Director of Media & Public Affairs, in his palace on Sunday, in Ile-Ife.

    Oba Ogunwusi urged the Yoruba nation to support their “own Itsekiri people” , who were in the process of choosing new traditional ruler, Olu of Warri.

    The Royal Father called on the Oodua people worldwide to find the lowest common factor that existed in their shared history, fear and aspirations.

    The Ooni also noted that the unity of Yoruba people will further strengthen peace and understanding in Nigeria.

    The traditional ruler called on Yoruba people across the country to pray and work together for its peace and harmony.

    According to Ooni, the royalty in the House of Oduduwa is watching events in Itsekiri land and will appreciate if the people can continue to honour and respect the bound of oneness and common with the Yoruba people.

    “The Itsekiri are part of the greater Oduduwa family. We cherish this great history. We shall do everything to defend and uphold it.

    “Irrespective of which state you find yourself either Akoko, Itsekiri in Delta, Okun, Oworro in Kogi, we are all children of Oduduwa bound by common ancestry.

    “We wish them peace and harmony in their search for prosperity in their ancestral land.

    “The Ooni is particularly keen to see the sustainability of the blood-bound relationship between the Itsekiri and the Yoruba, a relationship that had been tested and trusted over history.

    “Generations of Yoruba and Itsekiri have the responsibility to uphold this important history,” he said.

    Oba Ogunwusi also wished itsekiri people well in their General Assembly event, coming up on Monday, April 5.

    Recall that the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, joined his ancestors on December 2020.

    The Ooni also urged Christians to use the Easter celebration to seek love and affection as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life to save many souls.

  • Ooni unveils NAFDAC approved COVID-19 herbal drugs

    Ooni unveils NAFDAC approved COVID-19 herbal drugs

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has unveiled a series of NAFDAC approved herbal medicines, (made from local herbs), that boost human’s immune system against infectious diseases, including the rampaging Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    The product launch, which held at the Ile Oodua Palace of Ile-Ife on Thursday,
    was done through a platform called Herbal Remedies with the Ooni as the Chairman, in partnership with ace traditionalist, Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, C.E.O/Chairman of YEMKEM International LTD.

    Addressing newsmen, the Ooni wondered why the African continent imports medicines and other medical ingredients from developed countries.

    According to him, it is a proven fact, which is equally established by the World Health Organisation, that Africa has the best herbs which can be used for vaccine production.

    “We are not doing this in isolation and I am happy to inform you that the National Assembly is currently working on a bill submitted by the Federal Executive Council.

    “The bill has passed through several legislative procedures and shall be passed into law very soon,“ he said.

    The Ooni said a foundation has been launched for indigenous research-based initiatives in traditional medicines.

    “I am very honoured to be in partnership with the oldest, YEMKEM International, which has been in the industry for the past 40 years.

    “He owns the largest (herbal medicine) production plant in Nigeria; We have been on this for over one year during which we have worked with various stakeholders in the health sector, including the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    “To the glory of God, NAFDAC gave us all the approvals last September but I insisted that the products be packaged properly.

    “To the glory of God, these products have been tested, especially on thousands of COVID-19 patients, including some in positions of authority who are currently free from the pandemic,’’ the Oba said.

    He disclosed that their focus was to employ 100,000 youths within the next fifteen months.

    In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede, commended the Ooni over the innovation, adding that many youths would be engaged productively.

    “If you study the value chain associated with this innovation right from the cultivation of herbs, production, packaging and distribution, it is obvious that many jobs will be created and countless doors of opportunities opened for our youths,’’ he said.

    In the same vein, Chairman of YEMKEM, Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, described the development as his greatest achievement in his over 40 years of practice.

    Ayeni explained that such landmark achievement was more spectacular because it is coming from Ile-Ife, the “source of mankind’’.

    “It was not easy and I wish to state that the Ooni, who conceived the idea, gave us all the support, including huge sums of money.

    “He has been supportive morally, financially and spiritually and I appealed to other monarchs to emulate these good virtues,” Ayeni stated.

    Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Osun State Ministry of Health, Mr. Gbenga Adepoju, pledged government’s support for the products, noting that the country had what it would take to solve her problems.

    Adepoju, who is the Director of Public Health in the Ministry, said the Ooni’s effort in the development of a vaccine against COVID-19 was a huge addition to government’s effort.

    “As we keep fighting against this common enemy, I want to implore us to keep observing the COVID-19 protocols, including wearing of nose masks, observing social distancing and maintaining personal hygiene.”

    In their separate speeches, NAFDAC Director-General, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Jimoh Abubakar, commended the fatherly role of Ooni in ensuring that the citizenry enjoy qualitative health.

    Also, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), represented by Mr Gideon Amosun, declared the organisation’s support for the innovation, applauded the frontline African monarch over the medical breakthrough.

    The herbal products unveiled included Verozil, an immune booster; Bitter Leaf Capsule and produced to attack diabetes and high blood pressure.

  • Ooni sends warning to members of OPC

    Ooni sends warning to members of OPC

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday cautioned members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) against taking the laws into their hands.

    The traditional ruler urged the group to be law abiding in.

    Ooni gave the advice when he received members of the OPC, led by its President, Prince Osibote in his palace.

    The traditional ruler described the association as a great promoter of Yoruba tradition, ethics and principles.

    “Do not involve yourself in extrajudicial practices that could create more problems than we are trying to solve,’’ he admonished.

    The Ooni advised members of the association to unite and avoid acts that could result in factions.

    “For the sake of the sweet memories of your late founder, Frederick Fasehun, I am appealing to all of you to have a rallying point so that you can be united.

    “You can have several leaders all over, what I am appealing for is unity of purpose and common interest toward developing the Yoruba nation.

    “If you know the meaning of the name ‘Oduduwa’, you would place it high above all forms of selfish interests.

    “I urge you all to be conscious of your words and actions, because the people out there are watching,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Osibote, who said that the OPC “is made up of responsible persons’’, said he believed “in the one Nigeria’ project’’.

    “I have told my followers and I will like to state it again unequivocally that I am only interested in the peace and development of the Yoruba race.

    “I am not a politician and would never be involved in politics.

    “We have come to greet our baba (the Ooni) to receive his blessings and also assure him that we will continue to support him,’’ Osibote said.

  • Ooni finally forgives Sunday Igboho, says he’s solidly behind him

    Ooni finally forgives Sunday Igboho, says he’s solidly behind him

    Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has forgiven activist Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho after the latter’s scathing remarks about the monarch.

    Ooni’s spokesman Moses Olafare made this known on Thursday, saying the reverred monarch was “still solidly behind” Sunday Igboho’s move to drive “criminal herdsmen” away from the south-west.

    Mr Olafare explained that Oba Ogunwusi was silent on Sunday Igboho’s allegations because “it is not in the style of the Ooni to make an official response on any matter that threatens the unity and peace of the country, especially as it affects the descendants of Oduduwa worldwide”.

    The activist had said Oba Ogunwusi disappointed himself by not properly presenting the herdsmen crisis in the interest of the Yoruba before President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Sunday Igboho later apologised, saying he was pained by the issue and his tongue was caught up in the moment.

    Olafare, however, said Ooni was unperturbed by Sunday Igboho’s abusive and derogatory words against him.

    He said, “Sunday Igboho still remains a son to the Ooni. Baba has already forgiven him because he had tendered an apology via a video clip he produced via social media yesterday evening.

    “The royal father could not bicker with any of his sons even in the face of quantum of provocations.”

    He added: “As the father of all, the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula remains his father who had even identified with him in the past two weeks he had begun with the struggle and he is still solidly behind him for the liberation of the Yorubas from criminal herdsmen who have adamantly terrorised our land. Just that he must watch his back so that people with ulterior motives will not hijack his movement.”

  • Fulani slave: Sunday Igboho is irresponsible – Ooni

    Fulani slave: Sunday Igboho is irresponsible – Ooni

    The Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi, has described the comments made against him by Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho), as irresponsible.

    The Ooni’s reaction which was conveyed by his spokesman Moses Olafare, stressed that the issue of the threat of violence against the monarch would be handled appropriately.

    The freedom fighter had while taking part in a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, criticised some South-West leaders, including the former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu; Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde. He also slammed some traditional rulers including the Ooni and Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

    Sunday Igboho described the Yoruba leaders as lily-livered and called them Fulani slaves.

    “Well, he said that in a video that is well circulated and the video must have got to security agents who would see beyond what we are seeing. It is a threat to life if you say that if somebody is going, you’re going to waylay that person and fire him.”

    But reacting on Thursday, the monarch according to a report published in Premium Times said no true Yoruba son or daughter would speak like Igboho, noting that his conduct and attitude cast doubt on his true intention in his “self-saddled responsibility of defending the Yorubas.”

    The Ooni’s spokesman, Olafare, said Igboho was going overboard in his conduct and that he should not believe that he is bigger than the authorities.

    He said, “We have not made any official statements on the matter and the matter does not really make any sense to us. If somebody who identifies himself with the cause of Yoruba could be talking in that manner about the Ooni who is indisputably a spiritual head of the race, then one must wonder whether or not the person has been representing us truly. It gives room for people to suspect your motive.

    “For a man claiming to be defending a race to be attacking the same people you claim you are defending leaves much to be desired.”

    Speaking on the allegation that the monarch collected money from the president, the spokesman said the allegation is not only irresponsible but also lacks substance.

    “He made some very irresponsible allegations. You know when you make allegations that you cannot back up with evidence, that can only portray you as an irresponsible man. If you make unfounded allegations and then you want to use allegations to further justify your claims as the generalissimo of the race, it is up to the public. It’s so unfortunate, if you say the Ooni has collected money, I expected him to show evidence. You say he has collected dollars. Irresponsible allegation is irresponsible allegation if you cannot back up whatever you allege with acceptable evidence.”

    He added that the support of Igboho is currently enjoying in his onslaught against some criminals that have infiltrated the South-West is not out of the blues. He, however, cautioned him against reckless comments and allegations, saying they do not portray him as a cultured Yoruba man with moral values and virtues.

    “If you’re doing something and people are hailing you, I don’t think you need to allow that credit to get into your head and start to misbehave. If you could open your mouth and call Ooni such unprintable names that you called him, that shows the kind of Yoruba man that you are.

    “I do not see any reason that will make me describe a Baale, who is of lower rank on the traditional rulers ranking, with such unprintable names. If I cannot do that to a Baale, why should I say such a thing to an Ooni? It’s not good. It does not portray anybody as an Omoluabi, as a man of Yoruba virtues and values.

    “In any case, if you’re fighting for the liberation of the people, this is a responsibility that is self-saddled, you choose to and for you to succeed, you need the same people that you’re representing, otherwise you would not succeed. Is this the way you’re going to get the support of the people you’re representing when you start attacking the same people? People will back out, that is just it. Whether you like it or not, some people are following you because of that same Ooni. They will back out.”

    According to Premium Times, Igboho was alleged to have threatened to unleash terror on some of the leaders. Commenting on this Olafare said, “Well, he said that in a video that is well circulated and the video must have got to security agents who would see beyond what we are seeing. It is a threat to life if you say that if somebody is going, you’re going to waylay that person and fire him.

    “If you’re bold enough to say that, to anybody not to talk of even the Ooni of Ife, I believe that security agents will see that as a threat to life. While we’re not ready to report any matter to security agents, I believe that they will know what to do.”

  • Video: Sunday Igboho apologises to Ooni of Ife for calling him ‘Fulani slave’, says it was slip of tongue

    Video: Sunday Igboho apologises to Ooni of Ife for calling him ‘Fulani slave’, says it was slip of tongue

    Oduduwa right activist, Sunday Igboho on Wednesday made an emotional appeal for forgiveness from Ooni of Ife on Wednesday, saying his disparaging comments against the frontline Yoruba traditional ruler was unwarranted and in bad taste.

    Sunday Igboho, whose real name is Sunday Adeyemo, said his comments during an Instagram Live appearance was a slip of the tongue that he could not have been bold enough to repeat before Enitan Ogunwusi, who has been the king of historic Yoruba town of Ile-Ife since 2015.

    Speaking in Yoruba in the video on Facebook Wednesday night, Igboho said he was frustrated about widespread abductions and killings linked to herdsmen of Fulani origin — a perennial crisis he said Yoruba leaders appeared to have been too timid to take up with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Igboho said his agitation for the expulsion of criminal elements of Fulani origin from Yoruba land was a quest to secure Yoruba children’s future, according to the video published by Isokan Omo Odua TV. But it has been widely controversial because the Nigerian Constitution accords all citizens the right to settle in any part of the country.

    Nonetheless, he said he had been in touch with Ooni, and both have had a discussion on the matter with the traditional ruler assuring his forgiveness. A spokesman for the Ooni’s Palace did not immediately return a request seeking comments about Mr. Igboho’s apology.

  • Fani-Kayode begs Ooni to forgive Sunday Igboho over ‘Fulani slave’ comment

    Fani-Kayode begs Ooni to forgive Sunday Igboho over ‘Fulani slave’ comment

    Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation and critic of Buhari led administration has begged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi to forgive Oduduwa Republic agitator and renowed political thug, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho for verbally attacking the monarch.

    TheNewsGuru had earlier reported that Igboho, slammed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, for allegedly failing to represent the Yoruba nation well during his recent meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on killer herdsmen in the South West.

    Reacting to the development via his official Twitter account on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode said, “I just spoke with Sunday Igboho and he confirmed to me that what he said about our revered Ooni of Ife was said in the heat of the moment.

    “He expressed his regrets and I was relieved to hear that. To err is human and to forgive is divine. I appeal to Kabiyesi to forgive him.

    “For the record let me state clearly and categorically that no Ooni of Ife, whether living or dead, has ever been a slave of the Fulani and neither will they ever be.

    “I can also confirm that my friend and brother Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo state, is a deeply courageous individual who would never bow before anyone let alone be a slave to the Fulani.

    “We in the South-West must remain united in our quest for liberty and justice and in the face of the common enemy and we must move forward as one.

    “No one can dispute the fact that Sunday has fought hard and done well. He has won the respect of all and sundry in Yorubaland and he has inspired millions of our people all over the world. Let us forgive him for this slip and continue to support and pray for him.”

  • Ooni congratulates Oyinlola at 70

    Ooni congratulates Oyinlola at 70

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former Governor of Osun on his 70th birthday.

    The Ooni felicitated with the former governor in a statement issued by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

    Ogunwusi described Oyinlola as a cultured Yoruba prince, a worthy politician and an elder statesman per excellence.

    He said that the ex-governor had always lived a life of service to humanity, including his days as a gallant officer in the Nigerian Army.

    “The good works of Prince Oyinlola during his days as the Military Administrator of Lagos State stand out as an unbeatable legacy.

    “This is the reason why his name is written in gold as distinguished founding fathers of Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

    “Back home in Osun where he served as a civilian governor, Olagunsoye defined leadership uniquely through the provision of basic amenities,’’ the royal father said.

    He noted that one of the legacies of Oyinlola as a former governor of Osun was the state-owned university.

    “As he (Oyinlola) joins the septuagenarian age of 70, I have no doubt in my mind that he will continue in his humanitarian services to Nigeria, Osun and the entire race of Oduduwa.

    “I wish him a healthy long life filled with prosperity,’’ the Ooni added.

  • Trending video: Sunday Igboho lambasts Ooni of Ife, labels Makinde, Tinubu Fulani slaves

    Trending video: Sunday Igboho lambasts Ooni of Ife, labels Makinde, Tinubu Fulani slaves

    Oduduwa right activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho, on Tuesday lambasted and labelled the Ooni of Ife Enitan Ogunwusi; APC national leader, Bola Tinubu and the Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi as Fulani slaves.

    Igboho also alleged that the Ooni has refused to support the ongoing struggle to liberate the Yoruba from Fulanis after visiting Buhari in Aso Rock, where he (Ooni) was allegedly greased in palms with dollars.

    Speaking during a virtual town hall meeting, Igboho said the Ooni is now shifting grounds against Yoruba interest on the expulsion of Fulani herdsmen in yorubaland.

    A video obtained by TNG on the said meeting, slated for 11:00pm on Tuesday had more than 1000 participants from Nigeria and the Diaspora.

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    Speaking in the course of the meeting, Igboho briefed the participants that he just arrived Oyo town to see Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, for a meeting. He said the monarch is in supporter of his struggle.

    However, he begged the participants to query Ooni of Ife for refusing to ell Buhari the truth on the the troubling trend of killer herdsmen invasion of South-west region.

    He said: “When Ooni visited Buhari, the president received him by standing up but he said something I don’t like. That is why the Alaafin called me. He wants to tackle what Ooni said.”

    “Ooni should be able to tell Buhari about what Yoruba want. But he has collected dollars from Buhari. He called me but I don’t want to see him. Only Alaafin is supporting us and he has written a letter to the president. Ooni disappointed me. Politicians are with him,” he added.

    Igboho also criticised Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo f Iwo, for calling himself an Emir. He said some Yoruba leaders have turned themselves into slaves of the ethnic tribe that oppresses their people because of money.

    “The Oluwo will wear turban and start calling himself an Emir, our people should call him and tell him to stop what he is doing. Our leaders are lazy and slaves to Fulanis. They visit Abuja to collect money, we will attack them and destroy their property. Ooni should be dealt with. I am annoyed. Why should we be afraid of the crown they (Yoruba monarchs)wear?

    “Tinubu and other Yoruba politicians are Fulani slaves. We need not be afraid. I have not collected any money from anyone. I am a full Yoruba man and I will not allow Fulani people to enslave me, we do not look or behave alike in any way. The herders should go. Makinde is also a slave to the herders because of second term ambition,” Igboho said”

    Igboho had issued a seven-day ultimatum to herders in Ibarapa area of Oyo state, blaming them for kidnapping, killings, destruction of farmland and insecurity in the state.

    After confronting the herders in Ibarapa with some youths in the area at the expiration of the ultimatum, he moved to Ogun state on Monday and was received by thousands of youths.