Ooni
• We commend Ooni’s historic visit to Alaafin
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, not only made history when he dramatically paid a historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary on January 17. He also demonstrated that he is a new king with new ways.
The two kings represent perhaps the most prominent and culturally significant Yoruba thrones, and it has not always been rosy between the occupants of the traditional positions.
In particular, there was no love lost between Oba Adeyemi and Oba Ogunwusi’s predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed away last year. The long rivalry that existed between the two preeminent monarchs was a minus, and unhealthy for Yoruba unity.
Indeed, the beauty of Ooni Ogunwusi’s visit to Alaafin Adeyemi is that it was a surprise visit. It is noteworthy that Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the objective of Yoruba unity at the thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary. He said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity with any of them.”
The Ooni added: “I am ready to damn any consequence or insinuation
from anywhere. My mission here is to preach peace among nations of
Yoruba, both home and abroad. And I am ready to work with the Alaafin of
Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi, to project the unity and love which we
believe existed since the days of our forefathers.”
Interestingly, the historical background supplied by the Alaafin on the occasion sufficed to show the extent of the unity that existed and the extent of the disunity that has existed. He said: “This special visit was done last in March 1937. That was the first time kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua and the Ooni of Ife. I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”
It is reassuring that the traditional rulers expressed their mutual readiness to pursue the path of peace and unity. There is no doubt that this is the path that should be pursued for the benefit of the Yoruba race.
It is worth mentioning that, historically, Ife is the fount of the Yoruba and the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual head of the race. Also, historically, Oyo once enjoyed the status of an empire and the Alaafin is regarded as a political symbol.
This backdrop notwithstanding, their different spheres of importance and influence need not be a source of conflict. The paramountcy of peace and progress should be more paramount to the occupants of these royal seats than any battle for supremacy.
Ooni Ogunwusi particularly deserves kudos for his monumental move. His example testifies not only to his cultural relevance but also to his leadership sense. He brought radiance to his throne by rising above royal ego and other petty considerations to connect with Alaafin Adeyemi.
It is a measure of Ooni Ogunwusi’s sense of mission that he has also taken concrete steps to resolve the age-long antagonism between Ife and Modakeke. He has set up the House of Oduduwa Development Trust Fund to reconstruct buildings damaged in communal clashes between the two communities. This is another plus for Yoruba unity.
At bottom, as a custodian of the values of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ooni Ogunwusi has commendably projected its Omoluwabi ethos, which emphasises the importance of a positive character in the social environment. He has shown himself to be a true ambassador of unity.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, not only made history when he dramatically paid a historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who celebrated his 45th coronation anniversary on January 17. He also demonstrated that he is a new king with new ways.
The two kings represent perhaps the most prominent and culturally significant Yoruba thrones, and it has not always been rosy between the occupants of the traditional positions.
In particular, there was no love lost between Oba Adeyemi and Oba Ogunwusi’s predecessor, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed away last year. The long rivalry that existed between the two preeminent monarchs was a minus, and unhealthy for Yoruba unity.
Indeed, the beauty of Ooni Ogunwusi’s visit to Alaafin Adeyemi is that it was a surprise visit. It is noteworthy that Oba Ogunwusi highlighted the objective of Yoruba unity at the thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary. He said: “I am here today, though not invited, but as the Arole Oduduwa, the onus is on me to felicitate with all sons and daughters wherever they are and to show my solidarity with any of them.”
Interestingly, the historical background supplied by the Alaafin on the occasion sufficed to show the extent of the unity that existed and the extent of the disunity that has existed. He said: “This special visit was done last in March 1937. That was the first time kings in Yorubaland met in Oyo town and today history was made with the visit of Arole Oodua and the Ooni of Ife. I feel delighted to host you and to reassure you that I will be ready to work with you.”
It is reassuring that the traditional rulers expressed their mutual readiness to pursue the path of peace and unity. There is no doubt that this is the path that should be pursued for the benefit of the Yoruba race.
It is worth mentioning that, historically, Ife is the fount of the Yoruba and the Ooni is regarded as the spiritual head of the race. Also, historically, Oyo once enjoyed the status of an empire and the Alaafin is regarded as a political symbol.
This backdrop notwithstanding, their different spheres of importance and influence need not be a source of conflict. The paramountcy of peace and progress should be more paramount to the occupants of these royal seats than any battle for supremacy.
Ooni Ogunwusi particularly deserves kudos for his monumental move. His example testifies not only to his cultural relevance but also to his leadership sense. He brought radiance to his throne by rising above royal ego and other petty considerations to connect with Alaafin Adeyemi.
It is a measure of Ooni Ogunwusi’s sense of mission that he has also taken concrete steps to resolve the age-long antagonism between Ife and Modakeke. He has set up the House of Oduduwa Development Trust Fund to reconstruct buildings damaged in communal clashes between the two communities. This is another plus for Yoruba unity.
At bottom, as a custodian of the values of the Yoruba ethnic group, Ooni Ogunwusi has commendably projected its Omoluwabi ethos, which emphasises the importance of a positive character in the social environment. He has shown himself to be a true ambassador of unity.
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