OONI-IN-COUNCIL APPROVES PRINCE ELUDOJA ELUGBEMI FOR THE THRONE OF OBALAAYE OF IRAYE-IFE AS HE ENTERS 7 DAYS ILOFI FOR TRADITIONAL RITES

The Ooni-In-Council under the leadership of the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has approved the selection of Prince Eludoja Temitope Elugbemi as the new Obalaaye of Iraye in Ile-Ife.

A release signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni of Ife's Palace, Comrade Moses Olafare on Monday confirmed the approval.

This according to the statement followed the nomination and a request for approval by the kingmakers of Iraye-Ife to fill the vacant stool of the Obalaaye.

"Sequel to the nomination and request for approval by the kingmakers of iraye-ife to fill the vacant stool of the Obalaaye, the Ooni-in- Council under the leadership of the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has approved the selection of Prince Eludoja Temitope Elugbemi as the new Obalaaye of Iraye in Ile-Ife.

"Prince Eludoja Elugbemi is a South African based Ife born Travel and Tourism consultant, a versatile 41 year old dynamic young man and a product of the prestigious University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. 

"His emergence came through a thorough selection process conducted by the elders and kingmakers of the Iraye community who had about two months ago forwarded the name of Prince Eludoja Elugbemi as the unanimously chosen 'Omo Oye' for the approval of the Ooni as guided by the Chiefs Laws of 1957 regulating the selection of Obalaaye of Iraye-Ife. 

"The Obalaaye designate has today entered in a 7 day seclusion at 'Ilofi' from where he is expected to be fully taken through the 'dos and don'ts' attached to the the ancient throne of Obalaaye and the traditional customs of the Iraye people. 

"Oba(elect) Eludoja Temitope Elugbemi, Agunloye II, the Obalaaye of Iraye Ife succeeds late Oba Alfred Fadiora who reigned for 35 years before joining his ancestors on the 20th February 2020 at the age of 91.

"Obalaaye, a member of the Ooni-In-Council on the Ooni's right hand side also known as 'Agba Ife' is the traditional ruler of 'Ile Iraye' one of the six ancient sections/communities that make up Ile-Ife. 

"Other activities for the coronation and official presentation of staff of office by government will be announced later.

Signed:

Comrade Moses Olafare,

Director, Media & Public Ooni's Palace:

31-05-2021", the statement read.