Ooni Installs Obiyinka As Otun Of The Source

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Odùduwà race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has installed Dr. (Chief) Sunday Omoniyi Obiyinka as the Otun of the Source. 

The installation which was performed by the Ooni, who is also the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), was held on Sunday at the historic Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.

Dr. Obiyinka, accompanied by his wife and a large entourage of palace emissaries, was led to the sacred Ile Oodua and Ile Aàjẹ̀, where the traditional rites of installation were duly conducted in accordance with age-long customs. Thereafter, the Ooni offered special prayers for the newly installed Otun at the palace.

As part of the installation ceremony, Dr. Obiyinka was presented with symbols of authority, including the staff of office, traditional leaves, and ceremonial swords, signifying his responsibilities, loyalty, and service to the throne and the people of Ile-Ife.

Speaking during the ceremony, the newly installed Otun of the Source expressed profound gratitude to the Ooni for finding him worthy of the honour.

He described the installation as a call to greater service and commitment to the growth, unity, and development of Ile-Ife.

Dr. Obiyinka noted that his ancestral ties to Ile-Ife run through both his maternal and paternal lineages, stressing that the title further deepens his lifelong connection and dedication to the cradle of the Yoruba race.

He pledged to uphold the values of integrity, service, and community development associated with the revered stool of Odùduwà.

He also appreciated the Ooni for his visionary leadership, peace-building efforts, and commitment to repositioning Ile-Ife as a centre of culture, investment, and economic prosperity, while assuring the monarch of his continued support for all initiatives aimed at advancing the ancient city.

Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi congratulated Dr. Obiyinka on his installation and charged him to continue his good deeds and contribute meaningfully to the development of Ile-Ife.

The Ooni expressed satisfaction with Obiyinka’s track record in business and community service, encouraging him to attract more investments and establish companies in Ile-Ife to create jobs and boost the local economy.

“Continue to do good, help us build Ile-Ife better. I am happy with what you have been doing. We want more companies in Ife, and we trust you to contribute positively,” the Ooni said.

The installation ceremony attracted prominent dignitaries, palace chiefs, traditional rulers, community leaders, and well-wishers from across different walks of life, who gathered to celebrate the elevation of Dr. Obiyinka and witness the colourful cultural rites.