Ile-Ife is the city of the ‘source’ and the cradle of Yoruba speaking people. The new monarch for the city of the ‘source’ Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi must be all smiles now. It is the desire of any eligible prince to look forward to enjoying the privilege of mounting the throne of their forefathers.
The activities and programmes lined up for his coronation have begun; Monday 30th November, Interdenominational service and press conference, Tuesday 1st December, a coronation carnival round town, Wednesday 2nd December Artistes Convocation Day, 3rd December Traditional Worshippers Day, Friday 4th December Jumat service and Youth Carnival, Saturday December 5th Soccer Competition between Ajiroba FC and Shooting stars, Ife Summit Lecture on ‘Development Prospect and Unity of the Land of Oduduwa’ delivered by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
Sunday, December 6th, Interdenominational service while the main event is slated for Monday, December 7th, which is the official inauguration and presentation of staff of office. Thanksgiving service holds on Sunday, December 13, at the St. Paul Anglican Church, Ayegbaju.
His Imperial Majesty, the Oonirisa, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi would today Monday 7thDecember be officially presented with the staff of office. No doubt that the city would be shaken to its ancient foundation considering the galaxy of personalities, celebrities and prominent faces from the country and outside the nation that would register presence at the event. Expected at the event are President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Queen of England, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan and others. However, the man who is most happy and elated is Prince Ropo Ogunwusi, his being alive to witness the choice of his son as the Ooni is what he would surely continue thanking God for. Described as humble, amiable and resourceful, Pa Ropo Ogunwusi is better known for his smartness which earned him the alias ‘Kebe’ by colleagues and friends. ‘Kebe’ is coined from the Yoruba words ‘O ta kebe’ meaning ‘he is smart’. As an Audio Officer, he was a pioneer staff of the Television Service of Oyo State before it metamorphosed into BCOS, he also moved to Osun as pioneer staff of OSBC following the carving out of the state from the old Oyo State.
Meanwhile, there were good signs that the new Ooni would not have his induction into the body of the state Council of Traditional Rulers free of dramas that could be dimensional in nature and features. The council which had not met since 2010 until the recent reconstitution held a meeting and picked the Owa of Ijesha land, Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Aromolaran as its Chairman.
Such a development naturally raises question and breeds curiosity in people’s minds as to what becomes the status of the Ooni in the council. The immediate past Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade had functioned as Permanent Chairman of the council.
-Akinlolu Abayomi
