By John Dike, Osogbo
The historic Ile Oodua Palace came alive with royal splendour as the Oluoke of Okeigbo, Oba Akintoye Adeoye, paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to seek ancestral blessings ahead of his coronation.
The visit, rich in cultural symbolism, highlighted the enduring unity and shared heritage among Yoruba traditional rulers.
The Ooni, revered as the spiritual head of the Yoruba race and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), received the monarch warmly, reinforcing the bond among royal institutions.
Oba Adeoye, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Adeola Akintoye, and a delegation of chiefs from Ondo State, expressed deep appreciation to the Ooni for his steadfast support and guidance throughout his ascension to the throne.
The Oluoke revealed that he received his staff of office in November 2025, describing the process leading to his emergence as smooth and divinely guided, largely due to the encouragement and influence of the Ooni.
He also formally invited the foremost monarch to his coronation ceremony scheduled for April 25, 2026.
Oba Adeboye said, “I am here to seek your ancestral blessings and to personally invite you to my coronation.
“Your presence will not only honour us but also strengthen unity among our people.”
Speaking during the visit, the Lowa Adimula, Ademola Adeyeye, urged the Oluoke to remain steadfast in upholding Yoruba tradition, stressing that traditional rulers are critical custodians of culture and instruments of peace and unity.
In the same vein, the Obalufe of Ife, Idowu Adediwura, counseled the monarch to lead with justice, integrity, and accountability, reminding him of the spiritual significance of Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
Responding, the Ooni congratulated Oba Adeoye on his ascension and commended his humility and readiness for service.
He urged the monarch to prioritise the development of Okeigbo by embracing inclusive leadership, fostering unity, and ensuring peaceful coexistence within his domain.
The visit reached a spiritual peak as the Ooni offered prayers for the Oluoke, invoking divine wisdom, strength, and guidance for a successful reign.
He prayed for lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in Okeigbo, expressing confidence that the monarch’s leadership would leave a positive and enduring legacy.
Reaffirming his commitment to the preservation of Yoruba culture, the Ooni emphasized the importance of collaboration among traditional rulers as a pathway to socio-economic development and cultural sustainability.
The visit marked a key moment in the coronation rites of the Oluoke, underscoring the enduring relevance, unity in tradition, spirituality and Yoruba kingship.
