Olayiwola Matthew
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday installed High Chief Otunba Stephen Ajose as the Kinniun Onile Oodua and Prince (Dr.) Victor Adekunle Alonge as the Awokose Omoluabi Oodua
The grand event, held at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including traditional rulers, top politicians, business moguls, Nollywood stars, and captains of industry.
According to a statement by Otunba Moses Olafare, the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, during the ceremony, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the new chiefs as worthy ambassadors of the Yoruba nation, commending their contributions to human development and their unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, and cultural heritage.
The Ooni who is also the Chairman of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) told the new recipients of Yorubanationhood titles, “Use your new positions to further the cause of the Oduduwa race globally.”
Otunba Ajose expressed profound gratitude to Ooni for finding him worthy of the exalted traditional honour.
He lauded Ooni for his continuous efforts in preserving Yoruba heritage and promoting unity among traditional institutions across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Also, Prince Alonge described the Ooni’s gesture as a divine endorsement of his dedication to humanitarian service and cultural advocacy.
“Yoruba people must continue to uphold their identity and values in a rapidly changing world; we must continue instil the Omoluabi principle in the younger generation,” he noted.
The new installations are coming few weeks after the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade had warned Ooni to desist from installing Yoruba nationhood chiefs, saying only the Alaafin has such privilege.