EMINENT NIGERIANS GRACE OONI OF IFE'S 5YEARS CORONATION ANNIVERSARY LECTURE

Premier Hotels Tower, Ibadan the Oyo State Capital was stormed by dignitaries yesterday Saturday 28th of November, 2020 to grace the 5th Coronation Anniversary Lecture and Banquet, part of the activities marking the 5th Year Ascension Anniversary of the Arole Oduduwa His Imperial Majesty, Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

Among those present were the former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Alaafin of Oyo Iku Baba Yeye Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

According to @ooniofficialphotojournalist reports on Instagram, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar while eulogising Ooni was quoted saying "The Ooni is a friend, brother and a worthy companion who has performed creditably well in accordance with the status of the Ooni within the last five years.

"Let me also add that he has visited Sokoto five times and I have equally visited Ife. One of the unique features of the Ooni is the esteem at which he carries Yoruba culture with huge dignity. This means a lot because anyone who throws away his culture is throwing away his life", the  Sultan said.

The eminent monarch recounted his contact with the Yoruba Culture on one of his international visitations. "I remember when I visited Brazil, I saw  Yoruba Culture being displayed live, that sends a great message", he said.

In His remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III prayed for longevity of the Ooni on the throne. 

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also ably represented at the event organized by the Oodua Group Worldwide. In his contribution, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the Ooni as a patriot, peacemaker and a vanguard of unity.

"In only five years as the Ooni of Ife, you have earned your place in history as a patriot, peacemaker, bridge builder, beacon of unity, a rallying force not just for the Yoruba race, but also for the entire nation and Black World", the Gonernor said.

The epoch-making event came up a couple of days after the Ooni named his new born prince in a glamorous traditionally rich and culturally radiant royal ceremony at his House of Oduduwa, his palace at enuwa, Ile-Ife.