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Friends, Families Serenade the Ooni with Love and Gifts at 50

Published

1 year ago

October 20, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Golden jubilee anniversaries are one of the most special moments of anyone’s life because for some, it marks halfway into existence, and to many others, it is a moment to reflect and calculate the milestones so far achieved.

Consequently, the milestone age is celebrated with pomp, and for the great custodian of Yoruba culture and Arole Oodua, the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the moment was a time to pull all the stops in thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercies among a whole lot of reasons to celebrate.

As a result, friends, family members, colleagues, associates and the general public gathered at the palace grounds in Ile-Ife, where a mother of all celebrations was held.

Among a host of dignitaries that joined the Ooni to celebrate were Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, Aare Dele Momodu, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Ajagunla Olubiyi Fadeyi and wife, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu among a host A-list guests.

Others were Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, Chief Mrs. Joko Oni, Mrs. Laoye Tomori, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, Dr. Quincy Olasunbo Ayodele & husband, Evangelist Olufunke Fayose and many others.

Much as by tradition, and by implications of the spiritual tool he occupies, the Ooni was limited to celebrations except for the anniversaries of his coronation, the Monarch, who has from one, found ways to inject modernism into culture and tradition without contradicting principles, gave his 50th birthday a distinct shot, using the opportunity to commission various community based projects. As a result, beyond celebrating birthday, the Ooni used the occasion of his golden jubilee to back to the society that has so honoured him.

The projects commissioned and launched cut across several sectors of the economy including education, health services, youth empowerment/intervention and sports among others. The commissioning had started a few days before the birthday thanksgiving day, and noaedived into the main day proper.

While commissioning the community cinemas in Ile Ife, and supervising the groundbreaking of the Ojaja Film City at Ile Ife Grand Resort and Industrial Park, Osun State, two of the major projects of the Ooni, the special guest of honour, who doubles as the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, described the Ooni as a toast and a gift to the modern age as he has given traditional rulership a face and a place of absolute pride.

A former governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, was also on hand to commission some of the projects.

The Oni, whose value in Yoruba mythology, is huge, took time out to cut some of the eight gigantic cakes gifted him by several individuals and bodies.

The cakes, on their own, were a showpiece of class, representing the calibre of personality the Ooni has become in the close to nine years since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers. One of the cakes was even designed to reflect the style of the throne, rotating in its magnificent. Others also have a depiction of something significant to the culture and tradition of the people.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of two car gifts to the Ooni: a black Toyota Land Cruiser and a white brand new white Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) from GAC. The cars were donated by Princess Olubukola Abitoye, Dr. Ayo Abina, Asoju Oodua, Mr. Ayoku Liadi, Mr. Niyi Oyedele, Dr. Oluwatosin Olatujiye and Mr. Bola Adeyinka.

The well attended event, which featured traditional rulers from various parts of Yorubaland, industrialists, politicians of various creed and entertainment buffers, was seranaded by the melodious tunes of ageless King Sunny Ade, Tolu Obey, son of juju music maestro, Chief Ebenezer Obey and others.

Born on October 15, 1974, the Ooni is a people-oriented person, whose passion to help the needy is legendary, prompting him to create diverse avenues to touch the lives of the people including the The House of Oduduwa Foundation, which is the parent structure often used, among other as machinery to achieve these patriotic and philanthropicgestures. He has been variously described by a larger number of the society as a cheerful giver, owing to the selfless ways he has touched people’s lives materially or financially.

An unpentantable lover of Africa and everything African, Ooni operates a medium, TellAfrica, a known information hub in Nigeria and online, notable for connecting Africans all over the world to the realisation of who Africans really are, and not what other races think of them.

In April 2023, Ooni donated 100 hectares of land, situated along Ilesa road, Abayagani, Ile-Ife, to the Nigeria Peace Corps ( NPC) for the construction of South-West Zonal Training School.

The monarch said that his love for the corps warranted the need for the gift to enable them to position their training ground for the southwest zone.

“I have decided to support you in providing vehicles for easy movement in the zone and also provision of housing for officers and the 100 hectares of land.

“Any other things that you forgot to mention please let me know and I will do such at my level best,” the Ooni said.

According to a Wikipedia narrative, Ooni Ogunwusi, shortly after coronation in 2015, met with the Alaafin of Oyo, initiating a new era in the history of the Yoruba States, and marking a significant event in the history of the Yoruba States as it helped to reduce the tension between the two thrones. The Oba is an advocate for the empowerment and emancipation of women and young people.

As a result of the Initiative, Ile-Ife has experienced notable transformations characterized such as beautification, urban redesign, and architectural reconstruction, all directed towards augmenting its attractiveness as a prominent tourist destination under his reign.

Oba Ogunwusi is also a renowned philanthropist, who is committed to humanity and an advocate for the less privileged. He has granted support over the years through the House of Oduduwa Foundation and, most recently, through the Hopes Alive Initiative.

He was born as Prince Adeyeye Enitan of Giesi, one of the four royal families of the House of Oranmiyan, and started his elementary education at Subuola Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Ibadan, and Ibadan District Council, Akobo, Ibadan. He then proceeded to Loyola College, Ibadan, and later to St. Peters Secondary School, Ile-Ife, where he received his secondary school certificate (SSCE). He graduated as an accountant from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

The Ooni is blessed by with many wives and four children.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Felicitates with Nigerian Muslims, Urges Renewed Patriotism

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

Eric

As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, urging renewed commitment to the nation and humanity.

President Tinubu enjoined Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the noble teachings of the holy month, which emphasise piety, empathy, and unity among humanity.

The President’s message was contained in a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu urged all Muslim faithful to extend a hand of kindness to the needy of all faiths, to further show unity and camaraderie.

The President also tasked Muslim leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace and prosperity to prevail in the country.

On Wednesday, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, approved the declaration of Friday as the day for Eid-el-Fitr.

He congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and called for sustained prayers for national unity and development.

The Sultan’s announcement came after the Federal government of Nigeria declared Thursday, 19 March, and Friday, 20 March 2026, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”