Yoruba Elders Appoint Ooni As Grand Patron, Install Olori Ashley As Iyalode
Prominent Yoruba elders and leaders under the umbrella of the Egbe Olodo Ide Igbimo Agbagba Ile Yoruba have appointed the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, as the Grand Patron of the organisation, in recognition of his continuous commitment to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture and heritage.
In the same development, the group also installed one of the Queens of the Ooni, Ashley Afolashade Ogunwusi, as the Iyalode of the organisation, describing her as a strong cultural advocate and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba values.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare said the appointments were formally announced on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by members of the organisation to the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, where certificates of recognition were presented to both the Ooni and Olori Ashley.
Speaking during the visit, the Coordinator of the organisation, Ogbeni Olajide Kamilu, said the group was established to promote Yoruba culture, language, and traditions to a global audience, as well as to reinforce cultural identity among younger generations.
He commended the Ooni for his consistent leadership in cultural revival and heritage promotion, noting that his reign has significantly elevated global awareness of Yoruba traditions.
According to him, the decision to honour both the Ooni and Olori Ashley was based on their visible commitment to cultural preservation and their active roles in advancing Yoruba identity on local and international platforms.
He also expressed concern over the gradual decline in cultural values among younger generations, lamenting that many parents no longer prioritise the teaching of Yoruba language and traditions to their children.
He stressed the urgent need for renewed cultural education, saying such efforts are necessary to prevent the erosion of Yoruba heritage and identity.
The group also appealed to the Ooni for continued support and royal blessings to strengthen their mission of cultural promotion and advocacy.In his response, the Ooni commended the organisation for its initiative, describing it as timely and crucial to the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
He expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and Olori Ashley, assuring the group of his continuous support for any effort aimed at promoting Yoruba culture, tradition, and unity.
The Ooni Ogunwusi also offered royal blessings to the organisation, praying for its success and long-term impact in strengthening Yoruba cultural identity across generations.
