Group to organize Multi-Million Naira Carnival for Ooni Ogunwusi’s 1st Anniversary

By Abdulrofiu Agboola

Arrangements have been concluded to mark one-year in office of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II in Ile-Ife by the Mainstreetz Promotions, in conjunction with the Royal Court of Ife with a multi-million Naira carnival slated for December 7, 2016.

This was disclosed by the Project Lead f the programme, Mr Desmond Onyebuchi at a press conference held in the Press Centre of the Palace of Ooni in Ile-Ife on Tuesday, September 6.

Onyebuchi said that the festival tagged “Oti se se (it is positive) Carnival is a cultural festival conceived for the office of Ooni Ogunwusi to celebrate his ascension and landmark reign.

He explained that “the carnival is also projected at bringing all Yoruba (Odua descendants)and well wishers from different parts of Nigeria and in diaspora to rejoice the reign of the new Ooni of Ife and revel the legacy of Odua.”

Onyebuchi stated: “About one million guests are expected at the two-day carnival which includes top government functionaries at the Federal and State levels, royal and traditional rulers, foreign embassies and missions, distinguished associations from Nigeria and abroad, visiting guests and dignitaries, among others.”

Stressing the importance of the carnival, Onyebuchi said; “We are using this opportunity to draw the attention of the general public to this upcoming event which is poised to be one of the biggest cultural show in Osun State and Nigeria.

“Ile-Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilization and to have an annual celebration bringing people together from far and wide is an opportunity that should be utilized.

“We want to create a platform for entertainment, education and re-awakening of the youths to the cultural values of Odua that will help foster unity and prosperity of Nigeria.”

Onyebuchi assured that all guests to the carnival would be adequately and appropriately secured as arrangements by the organizers in collaboration with all the security agencies, the vigilantes and the youths who would be fully mobilized and get paid for their services have been mapped out.

In his contribution, the Chief Operating Officer of the group, Seun Famodu said: “The carnival is aimed at consolidating the vision of Ooni Ogunwusi in transforming Ile-Ife as the cultural and tourism capital of Nigeria, promoting the vast business opportunities and potentials that abide in Ile-Ife.”

“The cultural interactive and entertainment activities would include tour and sightseeing of prestigious Ile-Ife landmarks and colourful fete parade, star studded musical concert and a royal banquet among others.”