The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to strengthening cultural, historical and ancestral ties between the Palace of the Ooni and African diaspora communities across Canada, while expressing profound appreciation to the Government and people of Alberta for their hospitality and support.
The monarch’s message was delivered on his behalf by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, during the historic Oodua Global Concert held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the prestigious Jack Singer Concert Hall, Werklund Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The event was organised by the Okin International Cultural Association Canada and attracted members of the African, Caribbean and multicultural communities, with a strong turnout from the Yoruba community across Alberta.
Speaking on behalf of the Ooni, Otunba Olafare conveyed the monarch’s heartfelt gratitude to the Alberta Provincial Government and the people of the province for the warm reception extended to the royal delegation representing the House of Oduduwa.
He particularly acknowledged Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for her thoughtful welcome letter to the Palace of the Ooni and commended Alberta’s Minister Rajan Sawhney for her exceptional assistance in facilitating protocol arrangements for the delegation.
According to him, the support provided by the provincial authorities reflected genuine goodwill and hospitality towards the Ooni and the Yoruba people.
Otunba Olafare, however, explained that unresolved protocol-related challenges, which were beyond the control of the Alberta Provincial Government, unfortunately prevented the Ooni from travelling with his full entourage to personally attend the landmark cultural event.
He assured participants that the monarch deeply desired to be present in Calgary but was compelled to delegate high-ranking representatives of the Palace and the Ife Royal Family to honour the invitation.
“Baba would have loved to be here in person today, but certain protocol mishaps have made it impossible. Despite this development, and because of his love for his subjects across the world, the Arole Oodua ensured that he was ably represented by a high-powered delegation comprising members of the Ife Royal Family and senior Palace officials.”
He further assured members of the African, Caribbean and multicultural communities, particularly Yoruba descendants residing in Alberta, that the Palace remains committed to visiting the province once the outstanding protocol issues are resolved.
Extending the Ooni’s royal greetings to Yoruba sons and daughters across Alberta, Otunba Olafare specially recognised Calgary-based medical practitioner, Dr. Akin Osakuade, for his vision, patriotism and dedication in sponsoring and organising the Oodua Global Concert.
He also commended the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary, the Yoruba Foundation of Calgary and Edmonton, the Okin International Cultural Association Canada and other cultural organisations whose collaboration contributed significantly to the success of the event.
Members of the planning committee, including Dr. Akin Osakuade, Joshua Apesinola, Mrs. Kemi Adeyemi, Derick Obafemi Greer and several volunteers, were equally praised for their dedication in organising a memorable celebration that promoted unity among descendants of Oduduwa living in Calgary and across Alberta.
Highlighting the Ooni’s long-standing commitment to reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland, Otunba Olafare reflected on the monarch’s global cultural diplomacy since ascending the throne in 2015.
He explained that cultural renaissance formed the first pillar of the Ooni’s Eleven-Point Agenda, designed to reconnect people of African descent with Ile-Ife, regarded as the spiritual and ancestral source of the Yoruba people and an important cradle of Black civilisation.
According to him, shortly after his coronation, the Ooni embarked on a series of landmark international engagements, including participation at the Afro-Caribbean Summit held at the White House in Washington, D.C., visits to Buckingham Palace at the invitation of the British Royal Family, and state engagements in Ghana hosted by former President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who described the Ooni as “The New Face of Pan-Africanism.”
Otunba Olafare noted that the Calgary engagement would have marked the monarch’s fourth official visit to Canada, following previous visits to Toronto and Ottawa, adding that the Palace remains determined to visit Calgary and Alberta in the near future.
“When next Baba Ooni needs to visit the city of Calgary or Alberta Province, he will not hesitate to come because one of the things he enjoys most is meeting and connecting with his subjects across the world.”
The Ooni also appreciated the organisers, invited guests and attendees for their patience, understanding and continued goodwill, expressing optimism that a future royal visit would further deepen friendship, cultural cooperation and mutual respect between the House of Oduduwa and African diaspora communities throughout Canada.
Adding excitement to the evening, celebrated Nigerian Afropop star Adekunle Gold thrilled the audience with a vibrant live performance that transformed the concert into a colourful celebration of African music and identity. His energetic performance drew enthusiastic participation from the audience, particularly younger attendees who sang along and danced throughout the show.
The royal delegation to Canada comprised the Sooko Laekun of Ife and Head of the Princes of Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi; Princess Foladade Ogunwusi-Fadairo; and the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare. Following the concert, members of the delegation toured the world-famous mountain resort town of Banff, experiencing Alberta’s renowned natural attractions before returning to Nigeria via Washington, D.C.
The Oodua Global Concert further underscored the growing role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening relationships between the Yoruba homeland and its global diaspora, reinforcing the Palace of the Ooni’s vision of promoting unity, heritage preservation and international collaboration among descendants of Oduduwa worldwide.
