Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, seeking deeper collaboration to strengthen the cultural and ancestral reconnection of Africans in the diaspora—particularly Yoruba descendants.
Soyinka arrived in company of a delegation of scholars and cultural advocates, receiving a warm traditional welcome marked by rhythmic drums, praise chants, and the palace’s renowned hospitality.
During the visit, former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Movement, Professor Wale Adeniran, praised Soyinka’s steadfast commitment to African unity and the diaspora cause. He stressed the increasing desire among Afro-descendant communities—especially Brazilians of Yoruba origin—to rediscover their heritage and maintain a living connection with Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
According to him, many in the diaspora “want to know their roots, their ancestry, and the cultural heritage that binds us together,” noting that the Ooni, as custodian of Yoruba origins, is central to this reconnection.
Adeniran also commended the Ooni’s enduring support for diaspora communities, particularly Yoruba descendants in Brazil, who trace their cultural identity directly to Ile-Ife.
Speaking in the same vein, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, lauded the Ooni’s humanitarian interventions across the world. He recalled the monarch’s rescue of over 2,000 distressed Yoruba migrants evacuated from Libya—providing shelter, support, and empowerment opportunities upon their return. He described the Ooni as a leader “whose influence and benevolence extend from Europe to North America, consistently standing for Africans, especially the Yoruba.”
In his remarks, Soyinka underscored the growing yearning among Africans in the diaspora—particularly Afro-Brazilians—to reconnect with their ancestral homes, understand the historical realities of slavery, and reclaim their identity. He noted that rebuilding this connection is urgent and vital for cultural, intellectual, and economic development.
“If we do not take decisive steps now, it may take much longer to rebuild this bridge,” he said. “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 commended Soyinka for his lifelong advocacy for Yoruba cultural identity, unity, and global recognition. He also saluted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Lagos National Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, describing the honour as “well deserved for a global icon whose contributions to literature, human rights, and Yoruba heritage remain unmatched.”
“We are always delighted to receive you in Ile-Ife,” the Ooni said. “This divine assignment aligns with your calling, and we will work together to strengthen the bond between our people and their descendants abroad. On behalf of the entire Yoruba race and the Ooni-in-Council, we express profound gratitude to President Tinubu for honouring an icon like you. You remain our pride.”
The visit concluded with the Ooni presenting Soyinka with symbolic Ife bronze artifacts—sacred cultural emblems recognizing his lifelong efforts in promoting unity, heritage, and diaspora reconnection.