Inside Soyinka’s surprising mission to Ooni’s Palace

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, an engagement rich in cultural symbolism, historical reflection and renewed calls for deeper ties between Africa and its diaspora.

Soyinka, accompanied by a delegation of scholars and cultural advocates, was received with traditional songs, drums and royal pageantry.

The visit, palace officials said, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the cultural, spiritual and historical links between Yorubas at home and millions of descendants abroad.

Former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, Prof. Wale Adeniran, praised Soyinka’s long-standing commitment to African unity and diaspora engagement.

According to him, “The Africans in diaspora want to know their roots, their ancestry, and the cultural heritage that binds us together. And we find it very important to come to the custodian of that origin, the Ooni of Ife, for his blessing and support.”

Adeniran noted that many Afro-Brazilians and other global Yoruba descendants continue to trace their identity directly to Ile-Ife and rely on the Ooni as a symbolic link to their heritage.

Similarly, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, commended the Ooni’s humanitarian leadership.

He recalled the monarch’s rescue of over 2,000 stranded Yoruba migrants from Libya, offering them financial support, shelter and empowerment initiatives upon their return.

He described the Ooni as “a father to all and a defender of the vulnerable,” noting his influence and philanthropy across Europe, North America and beyond.

In his remarks, Prof. Soyinka stressed the growing desire among diaspora Africans, particularly Afro-Brazilians of Yoruba ancestry, to reconnect with their past.

He underscored the urgency of rebuilding the cultural and historical bridge linking the diaspora to Ile-Ife.

According to him, “If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge. When they come home, they can contribute to economic, cultural, and intellectual development. But above all, their deepest desire is to rediscover their origin.”

Responding, the Ooni lauded Soyinka for his lifelong dedication to Yoruba identity, global cultural advocacy and the preservation of African heritage.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing the gesture as a fitting honour.

The Ooni said, “We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife. It is clear that this divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad… You remain our pride.”

The visit ended with Ogunwusi presenting Soyinka with sacred Ife bronze artefacts, symbolic gifts recognising his decades of work promoting unity, cultural consciousness and the Yoruba legacy worldwide.