It's a new dawn in Ile-Ife, says Ooni Ogunwusi as he gets staff of office
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has said that with his emergence as Arole Oduduwa, something needed to be proven to the world. The Ooni said this after the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, presented the staff of office and instruments of appointment to him. According to the Ooni, it was important that Ife showed the entire world its uniqueness and richness in culture.
While pushing for the industrialisation of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi appealed to the youths in Ile-Ife and other parts of the country to desist from activities that could breach peace and progress in the society. To show his passion for youth development, the Ooni said his staff of office was dedicated to young people in Osun State and Nigeria. "I want us (youths) to work towards cohesion, team building, and not condemning our leaders all the time. Let us look at their positive side; nobody is perfect. It is not by my doing nor by my power; it is ordained by God, and I have something to prove to the world. "I thank God for bringing me to this throne. He's the King of kings. It is a new dawn in Ife." Oba Ogunwusi, however, assured that he would unite the different interest among people, especially traditional rulers in the Yorubaland.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, during the presentation of the staff of office to the Ooni, urged him to ensure the interests of people he is ruling over were protected. Aregbesola described the Ooni as being fortunate but warned him against ill-advice. He said: "You are a very fortunate King to be surrounded by chiefs who loved you like their own son when you were a prince. And now they embrace you as their father. You should be in close touch with these wise elders to draw on their wisdom for the success of your reign. "I must point out that for you to get the total acceptance of your people, you must be guided by their interests. The people belong to many interest groups such as religious, political, ideological and social. Your attitude to your people will be the determinant of your success. Love them, guide them, and listen to everyone."
Members of the Osun State Traditional Council attended the Coronation despite speculation that they may shun the ceremony. It would be recalled that the Osun State Traditional Council of Obas had vowed to shun the coronation ceremonies of the Ooni of ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, if no invitation was sent to its members. The Chairman Traditional Council of Obas, his Imperial Majesty, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Owa Obokun Adimula, said this at the meeting of the council held in Osogbo, the state capital. Apart from threatening to boycott the coronation, members of the Traditional Council of Obas had also unanimously adopted the Owa Obokun, Adimula of Ijesa Kingdom, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, as the chairman of the council during their council meeting.
But the Ife Development Board faulted the resolution of the Council to make the Owa Obokun of Ilesa, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the permanent Chairman of the state council of Obas. Our correspondent learnt that it took the intervention of Gov. Aregbesola to make the traditional council members to attend the coronation. The chairman of the Osun State Traditional Council, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, on Monday, led the traditional rulers from the state to the ceremony in grand style.
Not quite long that the Traditional Council members marched in, members of the Isoro cult at exactly 12:52 ushered the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The Isoros, who wore similar outfit, commanded ovations and applauds from the crowd with their orderliness as they led the Ooni to the venue where he was to be presented the staff of office. The goodwill address being delivered by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar, was interrupted when the crowd saw the Ooni coming.
The Ooni, who was dressed in white attire with beads and a white crown, was led in during the goodwill address of the Sultan. The Ooni subsequently waved at the cheerful crowd in the midst of drumming and jubilations. However, in his goodwill message on behalf of the Federal Government, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, tasked the Ooni to be virtuous in his leadership style. While hailing the emergence of a young king, the VP said: "As we celebrate with pomp and pageantry today, we are reminded of the great responsibility that is thrusted on you as the representative of the virtuous."
Written by NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE
Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner
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