The Powerful moment between Asake and Ooni nobody saw coming

The Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has hosted award-winning Nigerian music star Asake and his mother at the historic Ile Oodua in Ile-Ife, commending the artiste for projecting Yoruba culture on the global stage through music and personal identity.

The revered monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council and Natural Head of the Odùduwà race worldwide, received the singer in a colourful ceremony marked by rich cultural displays, prayers and traditional performances celebrating Yoruba heritage.

Asake arrived at the palace alongside popular media personality Idowu Adeyemi, popularly known as Yhemolee, students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as well as fans and supporters.

The entourage was welcomed with rhythmic drumming, traditional chants and songs that underscored the cultural significance of the royal reception.

Speaking during the visit, Asake expressed deep gratitude to the monarch for the warm reception and fatherly blessings, describing the moment as humbling and unforgettable. In a spontaneous display of reverence, the singer broke into praise songs, extolling the virtues of the Ooni and the ancestral greatness of the Odùduwà throne.

Responding, the Ooni praised the singer for remaining connected to his roots despite global fame, noting that Asake’s music continues to serve as a powerful vehicle for promoting Yoruba language, identity and values across continents.

“I am truly happy that Asake has come back home,” the monarch said, adding that “He is a son of the soil who continues to proudly promote Yoruba culture to the world, and this brings me great joy.”

The Ooni offered prayers for the artiste’s continued success, asking Olódùmarè to guide his path and crown his efforts with greater achievements.

He also paid glowing tribute to Asake’s mother, commending her sacrifices, steadfast support and prayers, which he described as central to her son’s journey.

In an emotional moment, the monarch presented Asake’s mother with special royal gifts in recognition of her role, drawing warm applause from those present.

The visit was further capped with the presentation of a sacred Ife artwork to Asake, symbolising history, identity and the enduring bond between the global music star and his ancestral heritage.

The event reinforced the growing intersection between contemporary Nigerian music and traditional institutions, highlighting culture as a unifying force that bridges generations, fame and heritage.