The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams, has praised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for his mediation in the legal dispute between Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, and human rights lawyer and activist, Barr. Dele Farotimi.
Speaking in Ile-Ife on Wednesday at the 2025 edition of the annual Oodua Festival held at the Ooni’s palace, Gani Adams described the intervention as a reaffirmation of the revered monarch’s leadership in fostering unity among the Oodua race and beyond.
He emphasized that the Ooni’s timely action prevented the situation from escalating beyond repair, which, if left unresolved, could have negatively impacted the unity and legacy of the Yoruba people.
"It is unnecessary for two highly respected Yoruba sons to be entangled in such a dispute. The Ooni, as the Arole Oduduwa and father of all, alongside other eminent royal fathers, has taken the right step to resolve the issue,” Adams stated.
"This singular act underscores His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to fostering unity and prosperity within the Oodua race."
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Adams noted that celebrating Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba people, is both an honor and a sacred duty. He explained that the event, now in its 13th year, serves as a ceremonial extension of the sacred Oduduwa Festival rites performed by the Ooni in December.
"This journey began 13 years ago as a platform where the OPC, now supported by the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), exclusively celebrates the legacy of our ancestor, Oduduwa," he said.
"The Ooni has already conducted the sacred rites and atonements in December, and this festival serves as an extension, bringing together delegates from across the globe to celebrate our roots."
Representing the Ooni of Ife at the event, the Obalufe of Ife, HRM Oba Idowu Adediwura, commended the OPC, under Gani Adams’ leadership, for its dedication to preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage through the Oodua Festival.
He reaffirmed the Ooni’s commitment to strengthening unity among Oodua descendants worldwide.
"On behalf of our father, Arole Oduduwa, I salute your dedication to keeping this heritage celebration alive while fostering peace and unity among the Yoruba people," Oba Adediwura said.
"His Majesty remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that promote the unity, progress, and prosperity of the Oodua race both at home and in the diaspora."
The Oodua Festival, organized annually by the Olokun Festival Foundation in collaboration with the OPC, celebrates Yoruba culture and heritage. The event also features the annual Miss Oodua Beauty Pageant, adding to its vibrancy and appeal.
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