A significant moment in the preservation of Yoruba heritage unfolded in Ile-Ife as the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, installed the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Oladotun Hassan, as the Sooko Agoriesin of Ile-Ife.
The installation, held at the historic Wanikin House of the Ogbooru Amodo Ruling House, reaffirmed the enduring authority of Ile-Ife as the spiritual and ancestral headquarters of the Yoruba people. The ceremony was confirmed in an official statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Rooted in sacred tradition, the rites were conducted by palace priests and custodians of Yoruba culture, invoking ancestral blessings for peace, unity, and continuity across the Yoruba nation. The title of Sooko Agoriesin holds deep institutional weight within the palace hierarchy—symbolising loyalty, courage, service, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of Yoruba values.
Speaking after his installation, Hassan described the honour as a call to higher responsibility and deeper service to humanity, the Yoruba nation, and the revered throne of Oduduwa.
“I reaffirm my loyalty, commitment, and allegiance to the Ooni of Ife and the revered throne of Oduduwa. I remain dedicated to serving the Yoruba race and humanity at large,” he stated.
He further highlighted the historic significance of the title:
“A Sooko serves as a lieutenant to the Ooni. Historically, every Sooko is regarded as a potential Ooni, although the supreme authority remains with the Oonirisa.”
He pledged to promote peace, cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and humanitarian initiatives that will strengthen the legacy of Yoruba civilisation.
In his charge, the Ooni described Hassan as a committed ambassador of Yoruba culture, urging him to uphold the integrity of the title and use his new position to deepen unity, promote cultural values, and advance community development across Yorubaland.
The ceremony drew traditional chiefs, palace functionaries, members of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, all gathered in Ile-Ife—the Source—to witness yet another historic affirmation of Yoruba continuity and royal institution.
