Installation rites for the new Ooni in progress, as Ogunwusi spends Day Two in Ilofi

Traditional Installations rites for Ooni-designate, Prince Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has entered its second day as members of Isoro cult barred visitors from paying visit on him. Although Prince Ogunwusi entered Ilofi, a place an Ooni-elect is prepared for the throne on Thursday, full traditional rites only commenced yesterday.

Investigation in the ancient city of Ile-Ife yesterday revealed the heavy presence of security around Iremo where Ilofi is located and residents appeared to be avoiding the area.

Other rites expected to be performed on the Ooni designate according to sources is lighting of ancient traditional lambs, each of which has its significant role in the ancient town.

A shop owner around Iremo Quarters told our correspondent that the deserted street was not unconnected with the ongoing rites, adding that many people, despite assurances by the traditional chiefs, still entertained fear.

Another source also said heavily armed security men were guiding Ilofi, and that, only members of Isoro Cult were allowed into the premises. A shop owner along Iremo road, in a chat with newsmen, said: “some of us chose not to open shop for business because of the ongoing rites.

“We have been assured that business can go on. Apart from the ongoing rites, Ife is also in celebration mood and some of us chose to just enjoy the moment with other Ife indigenes.” Across Ife metropolis, the ongoing installation rites dominated discussions, while residents were also speaking on their expectations from the the new monarch.

Meanwhile, the Oluomo of Ife and former Chairman Ife East Local Council, State of Osun, Chief Gbenga Owolabi has described the emergence of Ooni elect as long expected one saying, he would transform the town beyond expectation. He felicitated with him on his appointment by the state government as Oba elect and prayed to God to guide and give him wisdom of governance.

Owolabi expressed delight at the choice of the new Ooni-elect by Ife kingmakers while speaking with journalists at Ile-Ife. He said “I charge the new Oba to bring his vibrancy of youth, wide contacts and wealth of business experience to bear in the development of Ile-Ife and the State of Osun. “I also implore him to work assiduously towards the enhancement and sustenance of the globally- acclaimed rich cultural heritage of the Yorubas as a means of uniting the race for peace and progress.”

What people say about him He’ll bring development for the people

Mr. Sunday Akere, Osun State Commissioner for Information,

The emergence of the new Ooni is a clear reflection of the disposition of the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni ‘Rauf Aregbesola, towards allowing fairness, transparency and openness in every process. Contrary to some opinions that because of the closeness of some of the contestants to the governor, that transparency may not be allowed, but the governor allowed the people Ile-Ife to make their choice.

The emergence of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi shows that there is nothing God cannot do. The father even reflected that when he said they had a revelation that he would become the Ooni. And the government believes that his emergence will bring development, peace and prosperity to Ife, Osun and the Yoruba race in general.

“We believe like others that Ife is a cradle of civilization everything will be done to ensure that we support what will bring peace, orderliness and tranquility to the area. The reception given to the new Ooni by the entire citizenry of lle-Ife is a reflection that he is the man of their choice and our prayer is that his period should bring development and progress to Yorubaland.

His resume speaks for him

Professor Muheeb Opeloye, former Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. We thank God and we are happy that God has given us a new monarch within three months of Kabiyesi Oba Sijuade Onibuse’s demise. And, that is God’s choice for us and we believe God will do the right thing for Ife because we are a prayerful people.

So, as for the new Ooni, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, his resume is all about peace and development which we need in Yorubaland and in Nigeria. Because of his exposure, I believe that he will be able to help Ife especially as an industrialist. I believe that the people of Ile-Ife will cooperate with him. The elite, the young, the elderly, the educated and the uneducated, everybody should rally round the new Ooni to ensure that he succeeds throughout his reign.

He’ll pursue policies of his predecessor

Professor Ishaq Akintola, Lagos State University

The Ooni-elect, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is young, agile and he has a good record of commitment to industry and growth and I think during his reign, such a person is most likely to change the game. He has the capacity to be a game changer in the area of employment, youth empowerment and others. I wish him all the best.”

The king makers did their best. Doubting Thomases can continue to doubt. From all we know so far, they were transparent and they followed the due process and I also commend the state government for its prompt as it did not dilly-dally. We expect the new King, the Ooni of Ife, to be objective and we also expect him to be non-partisan. I equally expect that the new Ooni will pursue the policy of the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi regarding peace, cordial relationship and mutual respect between Ile-Ife and Modakeke.

Well brought up

Professor Fola Lasisi, pioneer Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

It is not just that the new Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi is a young man, I learned that the selection process which led to his emergence was transparent. Oba Aderemi must also be congratulated even though he has gone because in his time, he wanted things to be done well not just for Ife and for Yorubaland but for the whole of Nigeria.

Many people forget very easily that Oba Aderemi was very much involved in governance in his time but he was not a noise maker. I congratulate the young man, Adeyeye. He did not talk much while they (the contestants) were running around and I congratulate the father because he brought him up very well.