OONI OF IFE CELEBRATES 6IX YEARS ANNIVERSARY ON THE THRONE

It's six years today when the Ooni of Ife Mount the throne of his predecessor in the ancient city of Ile-Ife.

On the 7th December 2015, Ile-Ife and the entire universe were set agog upon the coronation of Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) as the 51st Ooni of Ife. 

Descending from the royal house of Giesi of the Oranmiyan Dynasty, Ooni Adeyeye is no doubt an anointed man by the ancestor for the oduduwa throne to steer the prosperity and growth of the expanse of Yoruba cultural value to the next level of good fortune. 

Since the ascension of Ooni Adeyeye in 2015, he has continually shone the brighter light of the Yoruba race to the universe. Adorned in his cultural garment, he has never faulter in any of his Royal heritage in its representations. He seems to have embodied the burden of the gigantic duties dropped on his shoulders by his predecessors. Up till date, he has ensured the cultural beauty of Ile-Ife is appealing to the global eye.

Critical in his thoughts and pragmatic in his dispositions, Ooni Adeyeye has in the last six (6) years curated different initiatives that would bridge the gap between the medieval times and the new age.

Little wonder he is often referred to as a "modern monarch with a cultural heart". Ooni Adeyeye has also been pivotal in different youth empowerment programs that would enhance the skills of young individuals.

As a man who is devoid of bigotry towards ethnicity and religion, his arms are open while his hands are stretched to everyone. In his bid to accentuate the dexterity and creativity of young Nigerians in all walks of life, Ooni Adeyeye founded the Royal African Youth Leadership Forum (RAYLF), which is geared at recognizing industrious individuals who are successfully thriving in their respective fields.

Also, Ooni Adeyeye has been vocal about bringing unity to play amongst the Yoruba people and Nigeria in general. As part of his plans to unify Ile-Ife and its environs in one accord, the traditional ruler established a monarchical form of leadership in every village around Ile-Ife with a " baale" as the traditional leader, who is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring prosperity and sanctity across his local territory.

His idea has so far fostered peace and tranquility among Ife sons and daughters for the greater good of progress. Revered as  humble and an advocate of peace royal in Nigeria and across the Atlantic, Oba Adeyeye has been avidly passionate about ensuing peace in Nigeria, thereby always calling on the government to prioritize dialogue and peace over unfavorable policies that would throw the nation and the continent in disarray.

Notable of his classic speeches was the heartwarming, yet thought-provoking speech he gave during a gathering which had all the Nigerian leaders in attendance. In his speech, Ooni Adeyeye reiterated the need for the leaders to recognize and empower the youths, who are the major tier of Nigeria.

According to him, when the youths are neglected, there is a propensity for the country to be caught up in tumult. This and many public gatherings are where Ooni Adeyeye has lent his thought towards sustainable nation-building and development.

Furthermore, Ooni Adeyeye has assiduously worked to promote some of the ancient festivals in Ile-Ife to the appeal of tourism and culture enthusiasts across the world. Since his ascension to the throne in 2015, he has redefined the narrative surrounding festivals like the Olojo Festival and Aje Festival, such that people around the world can see the beauty, epic, and fascination that surrounds the festivals.

However, he has also been at the frontline of ensuring that the Yoruba Language is spoken and well understood beyond the shores. Today, the Yoruba Language is the second official language in Brazil, as it is also widely spoken in Cuba, the United States, and so on.

We wish the King a long and healthy tenure on the throne of his forefathers.