Ooni of Ife bags historic diaspora title

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has been honoured with the prestigious title “Emperor of Yoruba Kings in Africa and the Diaspora.”

The title was conferred on the monarch by Yoruba traditional rulers under the aegis of Apapo Oba Yoruba in Africa and the Diaspora (AOYAD) in the Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ile-Ife by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Mr. Moses Olafare.

According to the statement, the royal presentation of the title was received by the Ooni at his palace in Ile-Ife.

The President of AOYAD, Adehoumi Kiffouli, described the Ooni as a unifying symbol of the Yoruba people around the world.

Kiffouli, who is the traditional ruler of the Illaso Kingdom in the Benin Republic, said the recognition was in appreciation of the Ooni’s efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, heritage and unity among Yoruba descendants across Africa and the diaspora.

He added that the monarch had continued to demonstrate exemplary leadership and commitment toward strengthening the bond among Yoruba traditional institutions beyond national boundaries.

Kiffouli further noted that the title was meant to reaffirm the historic and spiritual position of the Ooni as the natural father and rallying point of the Yoruba race globally.

In his response, the Ooni expressed gratitude to the Benin Republic traditional rulers for the honour, describing the recognition as one that celebrates the entire Yoruba race.

Oba Ogunwusi said the recognition would further strengthen efforts aimed at promoting unity, cultural revival and socio-economic collaboration among Yoruba people both in Africa and across the diaspora.

He also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation among traditional rulers in Yoruba-speaking communities, noting that unity remains the greatest strength of the Yoruba people.