Africa Day: Ooni Named Grand Patron Of Traditional Institutions In Africa

The ancient city of Ile-Ife was once again thrust into the continental limelight on Friday as the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, received a powerful delegation from the African Union Simulation who delivered a historic message of honour and recognition.

Led by Ambassador Dr Young Piero Omatseye, the Africa Coordinator of the AU Simulation and Director of Parliament for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Joint Sessions, the high-powered team stormed the Ile Oodua Palace to formally notify the revered monarch of his unanimous nomination as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa ahead of the forthcoming Africa Day celebration scheduled to hold in Abuja.

Ambassador Omatseye, while delivering the message of honour, stated unequivocally that the selection of the Ooni was not only timely but symbolic, noting that across the 54 African nations, youths and stakeholders alike have come to identify the Ife monarch as a natural custodian of African tradition, unity and visionary leadership.

According to him, “This is not a random choice. It is a continental consensus that His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, embodies the spirit of Africa’s traditional resurgence and youth transformation. He has stood firmly as a symbol of hope, wisdom and cultural pride. We are here on behalf of the African youth to confer this honour and to formally invite His Majesty to the Africa Day celebration.”

Highlighting the objectives of the forthcoming event, the AU Simulation boss explained that the Abuja gathering would bring together African Heads of State, Resident Ambassadors, Ministers, global development partners, and experts in key sectors such as agriculture, energy, technology and youth innovation to strategise on the future of the continent.

In a touching show of unity and appreciation, Her Regal Majesty, Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, lauded the AU Simulation team for recognising the unrelenting commitment of the Ooni to youth empowerment and traditional institution reform. She recalled her own participation at last year’s African Union youth-focused event in Addis Ababa, describing it as “a significant turning point in Africa’s engagement with its future.”

“My husband’s reign has become a rallying point for the empowerment of young Africans. Through initiatives such as the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) and the Hope’s Alive Initiative, the Ooni has shown what it means to wear the crown not just for royalty but for responsibility,” she added.

In his royal response, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed deep gratitude for the rare honour bestowed upon him, pledging to continue championing the cause of the youth and the revival of traditional values across the continent.

“I am humbled by this honour. As a youth on the throne of Oduduwa, I have always believed that the future of Africa lies in the energy of its young people and the strength of its culture. I accept this nomination with great responsibility and assure you of my total support towards the Africa Day celebration,” the monarch declared.

The visit climaxed with the presentation of the official plaque bearing the Ooni’s new title as Grand Patron of Traditional Institutions in Africa, a symbolic gesture that further cements the ancient throne of Oduduwa as a beacon of continental relevance.