Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the newly installed Ooni of Ife, at his coronation which took place on monday, December 7, revealed that part of his mandate is to create a new Yoruba nation.
Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi
The newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has promised that a new Yoruba nation will emerge in his tenure.
According to the newly installed monarch, the new Yoruba nation will focus on youth empowerment.
Ogunwusi’s coronation is coming five months after the demise of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed on at 85.
The new Ooni is the 51st Ooni to ascend the throne, and his coronation came exactly 35 years and one day after the immediate-past Ooni, Oba Sijuade was presented the staff of office.
The ancient city of Ile Ife stood still yesterday, as he was presented with the staff of office and instrument of appointment. Roads leading to the palace was on lock down by security operatives, leaving a red carpet path for the monarch and invited dignitaries.
Guests and invitees from all walks of life thronged the palace to catch a glimpse of the coronation ceremony of the Ooni of Ife.
In his speech, Oba Ogunwusi, promised to build a new Yoruba nation where all traditional rulers will unite and promote unity among the ethnic group.
Speaking shortly after receiving his staff of office, the Ooni dedicated his staff to Nigerian youth and promised to liaise with people in leadership positions to fashion out ways that the teeming youthful population can be engaged.
The monarch stated that shortly after he was named Ooni-elect, he immediately commenced interfacing with monarchs across the country, declaring that during his reign, there won’t be competition, stressing the need for a more united Yoruba nation.
“Shortly after I was named Ooni-elect, I sprang into action. I called my friend, Oba Saheed Elegushi, I spoke to the Sultan of Sokoto. I also called Kabiyesi, the Alaafin. I spoke to the Awujale and the Alake. I am prepared for the throne and this is not accidental.
“I am close to many monarchs and uniting them should not be a problem. It will be easy. No competition with anyone. And I want to announce to the entire world that a new Yoruba nation is coming,” the monarch said.
On his programme for the youth, Ooni Ogunwusi said he had experimented with a model for youth empowerment in the last three weeks, with the employment of about 3,000 youths, which has in return reduced crime rate in the town.