General News
Ooni of Ife Named Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa Ahead of Africa Day Celebration
By Iyojo Ameh
The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has been officially named the Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa by the African Union Simulation (AUS), ahead of the 2025 Africa Day celebration.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife by a high-powered delegation led by Ambassador Dr. Young Piero Omatseye, Africa Coordinator of the AUS and Director of Parliament for Africa, Caribbean & Pacific Joint Sessions on Friday.
Ambassador Omatseye, speaking on behalf of the organization, stated that the nomination recognizes the Ooni’s exceptional leadership and cultural influence across the continent. “Ooni of Ife, being a natural symbol of tradition, unity, and visionary leadership, has been unanimously nominated by youths and leaders from 54 African countries,” he said.
The 2025 Africa Day celebration, to be held in Abuja, will include cultural showcases, youth training expeditions, and empowerment initiatives. The event is expected to attract African Heads of State, Ministers, Ambassadors, and international partners working across sectors such as agriculture, energy, innovation, and technology.
Her Regal Majesty, Amb. (Dr.) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, also present during the visit, praised the AUS for recognizing the monarch’s commitment to youth development through initiatives like the Hope’s Alive Initiative and the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF). “My husband’s throne has become a platform for youth transformation across Africa. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” she said.
In his remarks, the Ooni expressed deep appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to championing youth empowerment across the continent. “As a youth on the throne of Oduduwa, I dedicate my reign to elevating young Africans,” he said, pledging his support and presence at the upcoming celebration.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a formal nomination plaque to the monarch, cementing his new role as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa.