By John Dike Osogbo
…Urges monarch to promote peace, unity, cultural preservation
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has congratulated Oba Mayowa Aroloye on his emergence as the new Owa of Idanre Kingdom in Ondo State, expressing optimism that his reign would usher in peace, unity and accelerated development.
The Ooni, who is the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), also offered ancestral blessings and prayers for the success of the new monarch’s reign.
His congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Ooni Ogunwusi described Oba Aroloye’s emergence as a significant development for the people of Idanre, expressing confidence that the new monarch would deploy his experience and leadership qualities to advance the interests of the ancient kingdom.
He emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in preserving cultural heritage, values and identity, particularly among the Yoruba people.
According to him, royal fathers have important responsibilities in promoting peaceful coexistence, community development and the preservation of indigenous traditions.
The Ife monarch expressed confidence in Oba Aroloye’s ability to bring dynamism to traditional leadership and steer Idanre towards greater accomplishments while sustaining the historical and cultural legacy inherited from his forebears.
He also prayed for divine guidance, wisdom, sound health and the strength for the new Owa to discharge the enormous responsibilities of his office.
Ooni Ogunwusi further called for stronger unity and collaboration among traditional rulers across Yorubaland, noting that collective efforts by royal fathers would strengthen the traditional institution and advance the interests of the Yoruba race.
Welcoming the Owa of Idanre-elect into the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, both under his leadership, the Ooni wished him a peaceful, fulfilling and impactful reign.
He prayed that the new monarch’s tenure would be marked by remarkable achievements, prosperity and the overall wellbeing of his subjects.
Idanre, historically associated with Ile-Ife, is believed to have been established by a prince from the ancient Yoruba city. It was formerly known as Ufe Oke or Ife Oke, meaning “Ife atop the hills”, reflecting its historical and spiritual connection with Ile-Ife.
The Owa of Idanre is also among the traditional Yoruba monarchs whose institutions received recognition during the colonial era. The late Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Tadenikawo Aderemi, reportedly recommended 51 Yoruba traditional rulers to the British colonial administration in the mid-1930s following a request by the colonial government.
