The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Arole Odùduwà Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has installed Dr. (Chief) Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka, Managing Director of Extension Publication Limited, as the Otun of the Source, in a solemn and culturally rich ceremony held at the historic Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
The installation, personally performed by the Ooni—who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN)—marked Dr. Obiyinka’s formal ascension into one of the most prestigious and influential positions within the Ife Traditional Council.
Historically regarded as the closest confidant to the Ooni of Ife, the Otun of the Source is a revered office traditionally associated with intimate counsel, loyalty, and close deliberation with the throne—often described in royal lore as one who “dines and deliberates with the Ooni.” The immediate past holder of the title was the late Otunba Alao Akala, former Governor of Oyo State.
Accompanied by his wife and a distinguished entourage, Dr. Obiyinka was ceremonially ushered into the sacred Ile Oodua and Ile Aàjẹ̀, where age-long traditional rites were conducted in strict adherence to Yoruba customs. The rites culminated in special royal prayers offered by the Ooni for the newly installed Otun of the Source.
As part of the time-honoured installation process, Dr. Obiyinka was presented with key symbols of authority, including the staff of office, ceremonial swords, and sacred traditional leaves, signifying responsibility, loyalty, and unwavering service to the throne and the people of Ile-Ife.
In his acceptance remarks, Chief Obiyinka expressed profound gratitude to the Ooni for finding him worthy of the rare honour. He described the installation as a destiny fulfilled and a return to the Source, reaffirming his deep ancestral ties to Ile-Ife through both maternal and paternal lineages.
He revealed that despite receiving offers of chieftaincy titles from across Yorubaland and other parts of Nigeria over the years, none compared to the honour of serving Ile-Ife—the cradle of Yoruba civilization. The new Otun pledged to uphold the enduring values of integrity, service, and community development associated with the revered stool of Odùduwà.
Chief Obiyinka also commended the Ooni for his visionary leadership, peace-building efforts, and commitment to repositioning Ile-Ife as a centre of culture, investment, and economic prosperity. He assured the monarch of his continued support for all initiatives aimed at advancing the ancient city.
Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi congratulated the new Otun and charged him to sustain his record of good deeds and meaningful service to the community. The monarch expressed satisfaction with Obiyinka’s achievements in business and public service, encouraging him to attract investments, establish enterprises in Ile-Ife, create jobs, and contribute to the local economy.
The installation forms part of a broader cultural renaissance and global rebranding of Ile-Ife under the reign of Ooni Ogunwusi, who recently marked his 10th Coronation Anniversary. The Ooni has consistently emphasized the need to strengthen tradition while projecting the royal heritage of Ile-Ife onto the global stage.
The colourful ceremony attracted royal fathers, palace chiefs, political leaders, cultural custodians, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, reaffirming Ile-Ife’s enduring status as the spiritual and cultural nucleus of the Yoruba people.
