OONI EMBARK ON SPIRITUAL CONSULTATIONS FOR THE NEW BALOGUN OF IFE
The Ooni of Ife is under consultations for the nominations of the new BALOGUN of the source.
ILE IFE, THE CRADLE WITHOUT A “WAR COMMANDER” SEARCHING FOR SUITABLE REPLACEMENT OF “THE BALOGUN OF IFE!
The Ooni of ife and Ole-Ife as the progenitor of the cradle of the Kaaro-Oojire-people of West Africa, today called, the Yorubas, has always had, from ancient Ife, the bravest of the variants as Head of its Army and defence forces, that protect its territorial integrity and gain more territories or landmass, thus lording over lesser strong communities. At all eras, there had always been, notable War-Heads. Such war-head is called; The “BALOGUN”.
Ile ife had in history, such brave men, who had fought and led others, in battles for Ife in the 17th and 18th centuries. History has records of many that have fought gallantly and victoriously while many lost their lives at battlefronts. But I’m going to touch on three of such “war commanders”, in recent history.
THE BALOGUN OF IFE
The Balogun Chieftancy is a High Chief traditional title status,answerable to the Ooni only.In the recent past,three Baloguns,history are fresh in memory, in the history of the Source;namely:
1. Balogun of Ife-High Chief Ojuade
He was a famous commander,that fought for ile ife in various Yoruba civil wars and brought honourable to ile ife and defended its territorial integrity.He effectively checkmated the excesses of the Modakeke settlers belligerency and put his feet down, against there return after been driven from ifeland.Balogun Ojuade,served Ife diligently and died during the reign of Ooni Alagunmu Ademiluyi. Today,the rest is history. However Balogun Ojuade is still remembered in history for his patriotism.
2. Balogun of Ife-Chief Remi Fani-kayode
As civilization,started taking root,peace returned to Yorubaland and ile ife.The reign of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi,was focused on education,infrastructural development and the need for modern-day,”War Commander”-BALOGUN,shifted from valiants at modernization and exposure,hence Ooni Aderemi selected,a young foremost lawyer,politician as the modern-day Balogun of Ife.In essence the educated and exposed Ooni,knewthat,development and government powers go hand-in-hand,hence the choice of Chief Remi Fani-Kayode from Gboede compound,Ilare quarters of the town.
The Balogun Fani-kayode did its best in getting government attention to the town,and was able to put Ile ife on the political map of Nigeria.He became a parliamentarian and rose to become Deputy premier of the Western region,till the Army toppled the 1st republic in 1966.Though he became a thorn in the flesh of the monarch-Sir Adesoji Aderemi later in life but history would remember him,for fighting on the side of the people,over Ife communal land.He also,did well in helping individual Ife citizens into government positions and business links.The appointment of chief Fani-Kayode, showed clearly that selection or appointment of Balogun of Ife is not hereditary and can not pass from father-to-son.It's simply on merit.
3. The Balogun of Ife-chief Bisi Omidiora
Late Balogun Omidiora was an accomplished Chartered Accountant,International business administrator and Executive Director of UAC Plc.He was a thoroughbred Ife man,lover of Ife,an inlaw to the past Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and very close associate of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade (Olubuse 11)who reigned from 1980-2015.Balogun Omidiora was a man of decorum,with cool head and complete gentleman of great respect in community,body of Christ,the nation and International corporate world.He was a quiet operator and a man devoid of scandals,who respected both the young and the old.While alive,was awarded,National honours of “Member of the order of Niger(O.O.N)by the president &Commander-in-chief of the Nigeria Armed forces,before his demise,in 2017
4.SEEKING THE NEW BALOGUN
Since it’s not hereditary,the net should be wide,to catch a big fish,as the new Balogun from among many bonafide ile ife indigenes at home and in diaspora willing to come home,and answer the clarion call of the people of Ile ife.Such choice must be a personality fitted for this era.Though there are no more wars,apart from local communal flashes@our Modakeke areas,the need for “War commander “-Balogun of modern day,is still relevant.Ile ife certainly need a cool-headed,decent personality,that would help get government and Corporate world attention to develop ile ife.Such person must help create industrial base and provide jobs for the teeming unemployed Ife youths,to fight poverty,without arrogance and disrespect to the ancient and esteemed stool of Ooni’risa and Ife elders.Such is the “wars”,left to fight.
WHILE WISHING OONI’RISA GOD’S GUIDANCE, IN CHOOSING CORRECTLY..WE ALL NEED TO HELP, KABIYESI IN THIS, TASK. FISHING OUT THE BEST MAN FOR THE POSITION. PROBABLY NOT A POLITICIAN KNOWING FULLY WELL HOW IFE PLAY “DIVISIVE” POLITICS!!!
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