— Okun Traditional Rulers Honour Ooni as “Number One King with Enviable Character”
In a remarkable affirmation of cultural unity and historical ties, the Ooni of Ife and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ọjájá II, paid a historic visit to the Okun people in Kogi State over the weekend.
The monarch’s visit, which took place in the ancient Mopa Kingdom, was marked by warm receptions, cultural displays, and a reaffirmation of shared ancestral bonds between the Okun people and Ile-Ife.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, used the occasion to reiterate the position of Okun people within the Oduduwa dynasty.
He described the geographical boundaries separating the Okun people from their kinsmen in the Southwest as artificial and encouraged the people to always trace their roots to Ile-Ife—the cradle and spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba race.
Speaking during the 1st Coronation Anniversary celebration of the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman of the MopaMuro Local Government Traditional Council, HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized the deep-rooted connection of Okun people to the larger Yoruba family.
He described the name “Okun” as a symbol of strength and praised the community for consistently exemplifying resilience and excellence in all endeavours.
“Wherever the people of Okun are found globally, they exhibit strength in everything they do. Those who still reside in Ile-Ife demonstrate this through farming and hunting, proving their enduring bond with our ancestral heritage.
"Just like the Egba, Oyo, Ekiti, Akoko, and others who migrated from Ile-Ife, Okun people are an integral part of the Yoruba dynasty,” he said.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers (SNCTR), was accompanied by key traditional leaders of Okunland during his visit.
His arrival marked the fulfilment of longstanding invitations extended by the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Owoniyi.
The Ooni commended Oba Owoniyi for his unwavering commitment to unifying the region and advancing its development, including efforts to establish a tertiary institution in Okunland. He acknowledged the Obaro's frequent visits to the palace in Ile-Ife, which culminated in this long-awaited visit to Mopa.
In an emotional address, the Obaro of Kabba described the Ooni’s visit as historic and deeply symbolic. He reaffirmed the loyalty of the entire Okun traditional leadership to the Ooni of Ife.
“Our father, welcome to your home away from home. Our ancestors received their authority from Ile-Ife, and your visit today is a moment we will never forget. I was born and raised in Ife, and my mother still lives there.
"The loyalty of Okunland to the Ooni cannot be compromised. We are not bastards—we migrated directly from Ife,” Oba Owoniyi stated.
Also speaking, the Elulu of Mopa, HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, lauded the Ooni’s exemplary leadership, describing him as a rare figure whose charisma and regal conduct are widely emulated by other traditional rulers across the Southwest.
“Your Majesty, you are enviable in character and conduct. Traditional rulers now emulate your dressing, the way you carry your aides, and even your walk. That is true leadership. We are grateful to Olodumare for blessing us with you as our number one leader in the Southwest, North Central, and across Southern Nigeria,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a prestigious leadership award to the Ooni by the Okun Traditional Rulers Council, recognising him as the Natural Father of the Entire Oduduwa Race Worldwide. The honour was a testament to his consistent advocacy for cultural preservation, unity, and Pan-African development.
Ooni Ogunwusi, the 51st Ooni of Ife and founder of Ojaja University, Ilorin, has spearheaded numerous socio-economic and cultural projects, including the Ojaja Park Smart City in Akure, Ife Grand Resort & Industrial Complex, and Inagbe Grand Resorts in Lagos.
He currently serves as Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and holds multiple leadership positions within national and regional councils of traditional rulers.
The revered monarch has also gained international recognition for his peace-building efforts and Pan-African advocacy, having hosted and been hosted by global leaders including King Charles III of England, President Lula da Silva of Brazil, President William Ruto of Kenya, and King Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II of Ghana.
The Ooni’s visit underscores the vital importance of preserving cultural heritage and reinforcing ancestral ties. It also signals renewed unity among the Yoruba subgroups spread across Nigeria and the diaspora, particularly between the Okun people of Kogi State and their Southwest counterparts.
The visit is expected to foster further cultural exchange, socio-economic development, and stronger cooperation between the Okun region and the broader Oduduwa family.
