By John Dike, Osogbo
Eminent personalities from across Nigeria gathered on Sunday at the cradle of the Yoruba Race, Ile Ife, to celebrate the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, CFR.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, showcased the rich Yoruba heritage, elaborate cultural performances, and deep reverence for a monarch whose ten-year reign has been widely described as visionary, inclusive, and transformative.
At the peak of the festivities was Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose arrival drew a thunderous ovation from the crowd.
She shared the spotlight with distinguished national figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.
In recognition of her contributions to national development, moral leadership, and the empowerment of women, the First Lady was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Asiwaju Yeye Oodua of Yoruba Land.
The event attracted a powerful blend of political leaders including Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun; former Governor Ibikunle Amosun;
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; and former Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.
Prominent women leaders, including Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, and Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade, the Yeyelaje of Oodua, also added grace and glamour to the ceremony.
An extraordinary assembly of royal fathers honoured the occasion. They included:
Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila; Oba Kehinde Oladepo, Salu of Edunabon; Oba Wahab Oyedotun, Orangun of Ila; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Elegushi of Ikate; Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, Oloro of Oro Kingdom; Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegeshin Ogunoye; Deji of Akure, Oba Adetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; and Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Olasimbo Kiladejo
Their collective presence elevated the celebration into a majestic royal spectacle.
In his remark, former President Olusegun Obasanjo praised Ooni Ogunwusi as the foremost custodian of Yoruba culture whose reign has greatly impacted society.
He commended the monarch for establishing Ojaja University in Ile-Ife and applauded his decision to honour the First Lady, whom he affectionately referred to as his “daughter” because of her dedication to human capital development and nation-building.
In his message, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, extolled the Ooni as “an astute royal figure deeply committed to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture.”
He highlighted the monarch’s humility, bridge-building qualities, and global cultural diplomacy, noting that Ooni Ogunwusi’s efforts have strengthened Yoruba unity, created job opportunities, empowered young people, and boosted Ile-Ife’s international profile.
“In 10 years, Oba Adeyeye redefined leadership, using his stool to foster peace, unity, and progress,” Governor Adeleke said, praying for continued wisdom and divine grace for the monarch.
For the people of Ile-Ife and guests from far and near, the celebration represented far more than a coronation milestone; it was a tribute to a decade of cultural revival, socio-economic development, interfaith harmony, and youth empowerment driven by Ooni Ogunwusi.
Many described his influence as one that transcends geographical boundaries, positioning him as a unifying force and torchbearer of Yoruba civilization across Nigeria and beyond.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to the Ooni and recalled her maternal ties to the Olu of Warri. She noted that the event, held on a Sunday, a day she rarely attends public engagements, felt divinely ordained.
“Today is not a day for long speeches. I want to thank the people of Ile-Ife and thank the Ooni for bestowing such an honour on me,” she said.
The First Lady spoke optimistically about Nigeria’s future under the current administration.
She said, “Nigeria’s joy has come. Those wondering how we want to do it will be shown how things are done. By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, and other countries will come and borrow money from us.”
She added that the achievements expected in President Bola Tinubu’s administration would surprise many.
In his closing remarks, the Ooni expressed gratitude to all who honoured the occasion and prayed for safe journeys back to their destinations. He reiterated his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and the cultural values of the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
