As the preparation for the 2021 edition of the World famous Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife gathers momentum, the City's ancient and historical Hall would not be spared from the array of activities being put in places to once again ensure a colourful celebrations. This is as works have commenced on the renovation of the wearing ceiling of the ancient and highly historical structure which is one of the heritage masterpieces located in the Ilé Oòduà, the Palace, a project being executed by the serving Honourable Member of the House of Representatives, representing Ife Federal Constituency, Honourable Taofeeq Abimbola Ajilesoro. The Lawmaker in a statement obtained through his Media Office on Wednesday maintained that the renovation of the building becomes imperative based on its historical relevance and in the city and the need to prepare it for the renowned Festival slated for September ending. "Having been properly intimated of the deterioration level of the Ceiling of Ife historica

Moses Olafare(Ooni's Palace) The new Olu, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday at Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri. Having been called upon to speak on behalf of all the Nigerian traditional rulers in his capacity as the natural head of Oduduwa Race worldwide and Co-chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NYCN) to bless the new Olu of Warri and welcome him into the fold, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, described the event as a red-letter day in the Itsekiri Kingdom and in the Oduduwa nation at large. "The entire Oduduwa Race was elated about your emergence as the Olu of Warri. We are indeed happy and excited with this development.  We the traditional rulers in Nigeria are all very delighted to welcome you on board as one of our brother kings. “You can feel the energy in the air in Itsekiri Kingdom, you are loved by your people. I want to appeal to you, you are the father of the entire It

Kayode Olawuni The Raia Rooks Chess Club(RRCC) has released timeline for the 2021 edition of its annual Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament. In a release signed by the Founder and CEO of the prestigious sports society, Hon. Adebisi Awope and obtained by Ife City Blog on Saturday, this Year's tournament, the third of its kind will hold between Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th of September, 2021 at the Ife Grand Resorts and Industrial Park, Ife/Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife, Osun State. According the statement, the season 3 edition of the tournament, with the theme, "Give Kids The World: Teach Them How To Play Chess And You Have Given Them The Ability To Make Important Life Decisions" is projected to be held in a more grand style just as it has secured the official approval and incorporation into the Pre-Olojo Festival Programmes by His Imperial Majesty, the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife. The statement further added that

The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II,  has reaffirmed his commitment to youth development in the country. The prominent monarch who doubles as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) made this known in a special release on the occasion of this Year's International Youth Day on Thursday. Ooni Ogunwusi who described the Youth as an embodiment of the nation's and by extension African's strength further reassured the younger generation of his unflinching support for their innovations, which in his words represent hope for the nations. Ooni further disclosed that this Year's edition of the Youths day will be celebrated in a special way as one of the Youth initiatives of His Imperial Majesty, the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) has dedicated a week long Volunteering session to be anchored on the theme, "Give Another, Pay it Forward" which will hold from the 19t

The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has felicitated with the Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom, HRM, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, over His 58th birthday celebration. In a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare as obtained by Ife City Blog on Thursday, Ooni Ogunwusi who described Oba Adenekan as a noble descendant of the prestigious Giesi ruling House in Ife, added that he (Oba Adenekan) has been a change maker in Apomu Kingdom and in the committee of Oodua traditional rulers globally. "Kabiyesi, you have started very well in ancient Kingdom of Apomu and Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula is so proud as a father to see the changes your reign is beginning to bring the ancient town in particular and Oodua Race in general. "Back home here in Ile-Ife, the Giesi Ruling House of Agbedegbede your ancestral compound which you share with Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, your giant strides are seen and the entir

New Yam is such a colourful annual festive occasion celebrated in several part of the country Nigeria and beyond annually and of which the ancient city of Ile-Ife, South-West Nigeria is not an exception as it is one of the prominent traditional festivals hosted in the acclaimed source of mankind annually. As the 2021 edition of the New Yam Festival holds in the city, the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has described the festival as an occasion for celebrating abundance and sustainability. Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) further maintained that the food items were first discovered by the 401 premodial deities in the  historical city before being taken over by humanity. The foremost traditional ruler and keeper of the widely acknowledged source of mankind however used the occasion to offer prayers for abundant blessings, peace and prosperity in the l

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has congratulated Muslims across the world, especially descendants of Oduduwa over the ongoing Eid-ul-Adha celebration also known as Ileya. According to a statement signed by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare and obtained by Ife City Blog, Ooni Ogunwusi noted that lessons associated with the season must not be forgotten. I celebrate with my Muslim faithful across the nation on this special Eid day as today marks a fulfilment of the holy injunction of gathering together to celebrate the spirit of sharing, joy and jubilation. As you all fulfil the tenets of Eid Mubarak through sacrifice, I admonish you to immensely uphold in gratitude the values of showing love to one another, representing the spirit of peace and selfless compassion towards your neighbours.  May the blessings of complete obedience to Allah enfold you, your household and our nation, Nigeria. Going further, Ooni Ogun

Moses Olafare The newly installed Iyalaje of Oduduwa Race worldwide(Iyalaje Oodua) Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, on Saturday stated that she is not unaware of the huge responsibilities and roles attached to her latest status, promising to perform optimally towards wealth recreation as well as human development. The Ilesa born business tycoon cum philanthropist who has been the global promoter of the popular Annual Aje Festival for about half a decade, gave the assurance at the ancient Ile Oodua Palace of The Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife  before the Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and a host of other top dignitaries including traditional rulers across Nigeria who took turns to pray for her traditionally. "Through my close relationship with the Arole Oduduwa which I hold in a very high esteem, I have always been close to the traditional institution and I am glad to state that I have learnt a lot enough to last me a lifetime. "Let me be specific

Kayode Olawuni The City of Ife was on Saturday agog in celebrations with the installation ceremony of Princess (Dr) Toyin Kolade as the Iyalaje of the Oodua Race by His Imperial Majesty, the Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife. Aje by the Yoruba pantheon is the goddess of wealth, market profitability and economic prosperity and by her installation therefore as the Iyalaje Oodua, Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade becomes the custodian of all economic and commercial activities for the entire Oodua race, particularly as it relates to coordinating the affairs of mankind vis a vis the spirit of Aje. Until her new honour, Princess Toyin Kolade holds the title of the Iyalaje of Apapa, Lagos State and She is the Global Coordinator of the Annual AJE Festival held in the ancient City of Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race. The three days ceremony which began on Thursday the 15th of July withnessed a series of activities featuring the performance of important

Eminent Nigerians including Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosu have sent felicitations to the business mogul, Princess (Dr.) Toyin Kolade, ahead of her installation as the Iyalaje of Oduduwa Race worldwide(Iyalaje Oodua) by the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.  In a statement on Wednesday by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare who doubles as Secretary of the Installation Planning Committee, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi had earlier 3 months ago announced the selection of Princess Kolade as the Iyalaje Oodua who will be officially installed on Saturday July 17th, 2021 at the Ile Oodua Palace of The Ooni of Ife in Ile-Ife.  In their separate congratulatory letters, the personalities who described Princess Kolade's appointment as the insertion of the right peg in the right hole, lauded the Ooni over such excellent appointment. Felicitating with th

It is no longer news that the Ijesa-born international business woman, Princess (Dr) Toyin Kolade is the Iyalaje of Oodua Race, as plans are on the top gear for the official installation ceremony slated to hold on Saturday 17th July 2021 at the Ile Oodua Palace Of The Ooni Of Ife in Ile-Ife which is the cradle of mankind and traditional headquarters of the entire Oduduwa Race worldwide.  AJE, mother of Edagiiri, Ele and Ere is being worshiped and celebrated daily as the deity of wealth and profitability of trade. She was the first Apate Oja (market trader) and was among the 401 Irunmoles (gods and goddesses) like Oduduwa, Oranfe, Obatala, Orunmila, Ogun, Osun, Olokun and the rest seconded by the Almighty Olodumare (God) to the earth to pioneer the first dynasty of mankind known as Ife Oodaye. AJE as the first world's trader and custodian of markets pioneered commercial activities at the first marketplace then known as Oja Ejigbomekun which is today called Oja Ife in Ile-Ife, where

Roland Empire Innovation, USA and Reality Entertainment International, Organizers of the Face of Osun Pageant have announced tomorrow Sunday 20th of June, 2021 as the date for the  commencement of voting for contestants.  A release signed by the Pageant Director @omoobaabiri and obtained by Ife City Blog on Saturday confirmed that Voting starts on Sunday 20th of June and ends on July 4th, 2021 while the Grand Finale will hold on the 15th of July 2021 at Hotel De Treasure, Ile-Ife, Osun State. According to the release, the official banner  for the contestants and additional information are to be made available tomorrow. Fans will be able to buy votes for their favorite contestants and like their Instagram pictures which will count towards their victory in the contest.  Face of Osun Pageant is a recognized and fully registered beauty cum cultural contest of nearly a decade of existence. The Grand Finale for this Year's edition tagged "The Rebirth Edition" is expected to be

As the spiritual and ancestral home of the entire Yoruba race, one of the largest ethnic groups in the African continent, the ancient city of Ife has always been notable in the preservation of the Yoruba culture and traditions. Prominent among such characteristics of the city is an all-round celebration of the African deities.  This Year's Osara Festival was held in its usual colourful style with glamorous cultural and traditional displays. The Festival is celebrated every year in dedication to the goddess of the lagoon. The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni  Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, in a public post at His official verified Facebook page @OoniAdimulaIfe gave more clarification on the significance of the festival while also offering prayer for prosperity, purity and fertility which are characteristic of the deity. "In my unwavering commitment to resetting and upholding the spirituality of our culture and it's modern values, we celebrated the deity

Roland Empire Innovation USA/Nigeria and Reality Entertainment International, Organizers of the Face of Osun Beauty Pageant have announced the commencement of free registration of interested contestants for the 2021 edition of the event tagged "The Rebirth Edition". This was contained in a communique issued by the Planning Committee of the renowned annual beauty contest on Tuesday and made available to the press, announcing the take off of this Year's edition. According to the release, three lucky queens are to emerge winners under the titles Miss Osun 2021, Miss Tourism 2021 and Miss Culture 2021 with whopping prizes worth N5m, N3m and N1.5m respectively to be worn. Read the full statement below. "Roland Empire Innovation USA /Nigeria & Reality Entertainment International  Presents  Face Of Osun Pageant 2021(The Rebirth Edition). Are you Beautiful?  Are you talented? Are  you confident enough to be a Queen? Then  register for Face Of Osun Pageant 2021.

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II has urged all Christian faithfuls to imbibe the characteristics of the reason for the season of Easter, Jesus Christ  in their day-today dealings. This is part of His goodwill message to the entire Christians Worldwide on this Year's occasion of Easter celebrations.  Ooni Ogunwusi particularly encouraged all the followers of Christ to emulate his traits by being loving and caring to everyone irrespective of religious, gender or racial differences.  The foremost traditional ruler and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), while reflecting on the tough times experienced over the last couple of years enjoined all humans to remain hopeful and steadfast as these have been the sustaining factors so far in the struggle.  "We cannot deny that most of 2020 and 2021 have been difficult with the health and economic crisis caused by Covid-19.  "It is also

The former Osun State Deputy Governor, Otunba Iyiola Omisore  has congratulated Christian faithfuls all  the over  the World on the 2021 Easter celebrations, urging everyone to imbibe the core lesson of Easter that Jesus Christ symbolises which according to him, is uncommon love. In a Goodwill message obtained from his Media office, the popular Ife born politician and humanitarian stated that the redemption of the world by the painful nailing of our lord to the cross for no offence of his is a rare love but by the Grace of Almighty God on the third day his resurrection redefined the direction of the earth and we're all saved. Consequently, it's a natural law that we're bound to love ourselves by imitating the saviour of the earth in our daily dealings for the prosperity of the world. He prayed that may the victory of Jesus Christ over death translates to an end of global pandemics and restore peace, security and prosperity to our dear Country Nigeria. Signed:: Otunba Iy

Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, Osun State Commissioner For Home Affairs Osun State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal has congratulated the Christendom especially the Osun congregations on the Easter Celebrations, urging them to celebrate moderately mindful of all the cautions and safety measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. In his further remarks, Alhaji Lawal emphasized that Jesus Christ's exemplification of sacrifice by paying the supreme price is worthy of emulations by all Christians and other faith believers.  In his words, "Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price and this makes him the most lovable being in the universe everyday of the world and that sole act changed the cause of the world positively by redeeming the world". The honourable commissioner encouraged everyone to be patriotic and Christ-like by committing to nation building no matter the capacity, much or little.  As obtained from his Media Aide, Musefiu Kolawole Afolabi popularly known as

By Kayode Olawuni The Osun State Sports Council has commended the Raia Rooks Chess Club (RRCC) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Bisi Awope for a successful hosting of the 2020 Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament held between 24th and 25th of September, 2020. This was contained in a letter of appreciation addressed to Hon. Awope, the RRCC founder and chief organizer of the tournament from the State sports body signed by its CPRO, Mrs Funmilayo Moradeyo on Monday October 5th, 2020. The letter reads in part: "On behalf of the management and staff of the Sports Council, we want to sincerely thank you for sponsoring the Olojo Festival Chess Competition. We really appreciate you. Thank you", She concluded. The tournament, held at Iyeru Ideal Hall & Suites Parakin, Ile-Ife had participants from different parts of the country mostly tertiary institutions students and was supported by prominent local brands and well-meaning individuals notably among which is Hon. Taofeek Abimb

By Kayode Olawuni Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro with Raia Rooks Chess Club CEO (Right)  Hon Bisi Awope alongside his RRCC team members. A member of the National Assembly representing Ife (North, South, East & Central) Federal constituency, Hon. Taofeek Abimbolah Ajilesoro has expressed his readiness to support local sporting activities geard towards discovering and grooming new talents that will make the country's flag to shine globally. Hon. Ajilesoro made this known at the grand finale of the 2020 Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament hosted by RAIA ROOKS CHESS CLUB, held at Iyeru Ideal Hall and Suites, Parakin, Ile-Ife, Osun State on Friday 25th of September, 2020. He lauded the organisers of the two days event which is one of the activities contributing to the tourism mood occasioned by the World famous Olojo Festival currently being held in the ancient city. He particularly commended Hon. Bisi Awope, Chairman, RAIA ROOKS CORNER LIMITED whose creative idea the chess c

By Kayode Olawuni The Olojo Festival Chess Tournament hosted by Raia Rooks Corner Limited is an annual sporting event held simultaneously with the World famous Olojo Festival celebrated in the ancient metropolitan city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, South-West Nigeria.  The Tournament offers local chess lovers as well as visitors to 'the source' during this important traditional festival an opportunity to not only reawaken their recreational spirit but also to further explore the social and local sport tourism attractions in the ancient city of Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race. According to the local organizing committee, this year's edition of the tournament will be held between 24th and 25th of September which shall be in line with the Covid-19 guidelines and it promises to be more funfilled with lots of prizes to be won. The event will hold at Iyeru Ideal Hall & Suites, Parakin, Ile-Ife, Osun State. For Sponsorships and Registration, Please Call RRCC: 08108514700 Emai