Aseyin Visits Ooni, Says Son Has Come Home To See His Father

The Aseyin of Iseyin kingdom in Oyo State, His Royal Majesty Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, Adeyeri III Ajirotutu I, has expressed readiness to join hands with the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll in ensuring peace and tranquility across Yorubaland.

The new Iseyin monarch made this known during his homage the Ooni Ogunwusi at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Monday, describing the visit as a historic homage paid by a son to his father. Oba Olawale added that he came to reaffirm a continued loyalty to the Ooni, a gesture which was institutionalised by his predecessor, Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Oloogunebi

“In tandem with our traditions and history inherited from my predecessor and all our ancestors, I’m here to today accompanied by my queen, kingmakers and prominent Iseyin sons and daughters to pay homage to my father the Arole Oduduwa, OONI Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, who undoubtedly remains the overall head of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide. I am a son who has come to check on his father.

“Our ancestors had centuries ago enjoyed cordial relationship between Iseyin and Ile-Ife, our cradle. My immediate predecessor, Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Oloogunebi was able to consolidate on our ties with Ile-Ife and we are here again to continue it and make it stronger. Where you go is where I go”. Aseyin said.

Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) confirmed the relationship between Iseyin and Ile-Ife as being very cordial and mutually beneficial.

“Kabiyesi Aseyin, you are perfectly correct on the story you just narrated about Aseyin/Ooni cordial relationship. I am also very proud of your determination to step up the existing cordiality between us for the benefit of progress of our race. That’s commendable and I assure you and the good people of Iseyin kingdom of our unshaken love.”

Ooni, who is the Leader of The Southern Nigeria Forum of Traditional Rulers blessed the visiting Aseyin with prayers for good health, long life and peaceful prosperous reign for the new monarch of Iseyin kingdom. Urging him to be magnanimous in victory and asked him to always work for the peace, development and the growth of Iseyin kingdom.

“Bring everyone on board, work with them all. Even your opponents have now become your subjects today and you must be magnanimous in victory. Invite sons and daughters to Iseyin for development, if they don’t come home, you must visit them wherever they are globally and attract them home”.

Similarly, the newly installed Soun Of Ogbomoso, HRM, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III had earlier last Wednesday made his own visit to the same ancient Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife to pay a courtesy visit to the Ooni who he described as a rallying point for all monarchs particularly those of Yoruba origin..

“God is great! I once hosted the Ooni in a company of several other Yoruba Obas in Washington USA about 8 years ago when I never even dreamt of becoming a king in my life, but see what God has done, I hosted OONI as a prince 8 years ago, now I am being hosted as a King by the same Ooni.
Long before I ascended this throne, I have always admired the conduct of the Ooni and I cannot but say that he (the Ooni) has a lot to teach all Obas across Yoruba land and the entire Oduduwa race.

“I have come home today, because Ile-Ife is our collective ancestral home in Yorubaland and Ooni is unquestionably the National Head of all the traditional rulers in Yorubaland and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

“I am so happy to have witnessed the huge cultural displays here today because I believe this cannot be found elsewhere. We have ours in Ogbomoso and your preservation of the prestigious Yoruba heritage is a motivation for us to even do more in that regard.

“We are all proud to have migrated from Ile-Ife, the source where it all began and Ooni Ogunwusi has been a monarch with a difference particularly in the area of culture preservation. At times, I wondered how he does everything so easily.”

In his welcome address, Ooni Ogunwusi who described the new Soun as a king divinely made by the Almighty God, adding that Ogbomoso is an important ancient city in Yoruba land with immeasurable economic and historical significance.

“I remember about eight years ago when we met in the US during your days as a clergyman, everyone around you testified to your upright and down to earth nature, I jokingly asked you to come home and join us in the traditional institutions but you swiftly rejected the offer, you said you were a pastor and we should just leave you as that, now see see what God has done. I am confident that your emergence as the Soun of Ogbomoso will be beneficial to the ancient city.” The Ooni said.

Ooni Ogunwusi who used the medium to advocate for unity across the country particularly in Yoruba land, commended traditional rulers nationwide for their efforts in ensuring that the country remains united for the betterment of all.

Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media and Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.