The ancient city of Ile Ife stood still yesterday, as the newly crowned traditional monarch, Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi was presented with the staff of office and instrument of appointment. Roads leading to the palace was on lock down by security operatives, leaving a red carpet path for the monarch and invited dignitaries.
The ceremony, which held at Afewonro Park, Enuwa, had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life. It was full of glamour as groups attired in colourful dresses adorned the perimeters of the venue. Traditional rulers from different climes, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar II, and Olu of Warri were not left out as drums and trumpets announced their arrival.
His Eminence, Saad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, noted that the coming of Oba Ogunwusi to the throne was timely; saying the demand for recognition by youth should not be taken lightly.
The Sultan said all traditional rulers in the country would give the Ooni the needed support to lead the change to get the youth positively engaged being one of them.
Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has pledged that a new Yoruba nation where youth empowerment is the focus will emerge during his tenure.
The 40-year-old Monarch also talked about his willingness to work with other traditional monarchs in the country for the sake of unity.
“Shortly after I was named Ooni-elect, I sprang into action. I called my friend, Oba Saheed Elegushi, I spoke to the Sultan of Sokoto. I also called Kabiyesi, the Alaafin. I spoke to the Awujale and the Alake. I am prepared for the throne and this is not accidental.
“I am close to many monarchs and uniting them should not be a problem. It will be easy. No competition with anyone. And I want to announce to the entire world that a new Yoruba nation is coming,” the monarch said.
Ogunwusi’s coronation is coming five months after the demise of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed on at 85. The new Ooni is the 51st Ooni to ascend the throne, and his coronation came exactly 35 years and one day after the immediate-past Ooni, Oba Sijuade was presented the staff of office.
