By John Dike, Osogbo
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Alberta, Canada, for their hospitality and support during the maiden Oodua Global Concert, while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening cultural ties between the Ooni’s Palace and African diaspora communities.
He conveyed the message through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, at the historic concert held on June 26, 2026, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre, Calgary, Alberta.
The event, hosted by the Okin International Cultural Association Canada, attracted members of the African, Caribbean and multicultural communities, particularly Yoruba descendants resident in Canada.
Speaking on behalf of the monarch, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Olafare conveyed the Ooni’s gratitude to the Alberta Provincial Government and its people for the warm reception accorded to the royal delegation.
He specifically appreciated Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for her goodwill message to the palace and praised Minister Rajan Sawhney for facilitating protocol arrangements for the delegation.
According to him, unresolved protocol challenges beyond the control of the Alberta Government prevented the monarch from attending the event personally.
“Baba would have loved to be here in person today, but certain protocol mishaps made it impossible. However, because of his unwavering love for his subjects across the world, he ensured he was represented by a high-powered delegation comprising members of the Ife Royal Family and senior palace officials,” Olafare said.
He assured participants that the Ooni remains committed to visiting Alberta once the outstanding issues are resolved.
The palace also conveyed the monarch’s appreciation to Calgary-based physician, Dr. Akin Osakuade, for sponsoring and organising the concert, describing his commitment to promoting Yoruba heritage and Nigerian culture abroad as commendable.
Other organisations recognised for their contributions included the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, the Yoruba Foundation of Calgary and Edmonton, the Okin International Cultural Association and several cultural groups that contributed to the success of the event.
The Ooni further commended members of the planning committee, including Dr. Akin Osakuade, Joshua Apesinola, Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi and Derick Obafemi Greer, for their dedication in ensuring the success of the programme.
Olafare also highlighted the Ooni’s longstanding commitment to reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral heritage since ascending the throne in 2015.
He noted that the monarch’s cultural diplomacy began shortly after his coronation with visits to the United States, the United Kingdom and Ghana, all aimed at promoting Pan-African unity and strengthening ties with Yoruba descendants worldwide.
He recalled that the Ooni had previously visited Canada on three occasions, travelling to Toronto and Ottawa, and assured the audience that he looks forward to visiting Calgary and Alberta in the future.
The Ooni thanked organisers and attendees for their understanding and goodwill, expressing confidence that future engagements would further strengthen friendship, cultural cooperation and mutual respect between the House of Oduduwa and African diaspora communities in Canada.
The concert featured a headline performance by Nigerian Afro-pop star Adekunle Gold, whose energetic performance thrilled the audience as guests sang and danced throughout the evening.
The royal delegation, led by the Sooko Laekun of Ife and Head of the Princes of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Princess Foladade Ogunwusi-Fadairo and Otunba Moses Olafare, also toured the scenic mountain town of Banff before departing Canada for Nigeria via Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
