Ooni Ogunwusi

When the Ooni designate, Prince Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, stormed Ife today, the city wore a festive mood. It was the first time he would enter the town, called the cradle of the Yoruba after he was, to the surprise of many, announced the 51st Ooni of Ife. This triumphal entry marks the beginning of his rites of installation.

The Ooni elect arrives

Ogunwusi arrived Ife in a cavalcade of 100 vehicles and he rode in a 2015 Bugatti model car. Resplendent in a white lace agbada with a purple cap to match, the Ooni-elect waved as he was greeted by the throng who had been awaiting his arrival since 7 am.

The Ooni’s convoy

The Ooni-elect left Monatan, Ibadan, Oyo State home of an elder of Giesi Ruling House around 11 am and made straight for Ile Ife. Ogunwusi was received at Asejire boundary of Osun and Oyo
states by members of Giesi Ruling House. He disembarked and moved into Sasa river where he performed the first traditional rite. He arrived the Ajebanbele, Ife toll gate of Ife/Ibadan express at 2.30 pm. His family formally handed him over to the palace chiefs.

The new Ooni is received by the crowd

When he got to Ife, he greeted his own father, Pa Ropo Ogunwusi, after which he was led by Prof. Adekanye Aderibigbe, to the high chiefs, led by Lowa Adimula, Oba Joseph Ijaodola. After a brief meeting there, he moved the palace of the Obalufe of Iremo where his feet were, as one of the rites, washed.

Ogunwusi acknowledging cheers

Ogunwusi proceeded, thereafter to his family compound in Agbedegbede Area, where he was installed as Sooko of Giesi (this is one of the conditions before he could become Ooni). Among the dignitaries present there were Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Otunba Oyewole Fashawe and others. Ogunwusi moved to Igbo Oro for more traditional rites.

Ogunwusi is greeted by Ife people

As at the time of filing this report, the Ooni elect is expected to move to Ilofi to begin the rites that
will last for 21 days.