Ooni Ogunwusi Fetes, Rewards Palace Staff During Appreciation Day and Award Night

Femi Awe (left) and Lateef Abdulahi (right) were embraced by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi after they were gifted with two brand new cars and the sum of N1.5m each by the monarch

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (the Ọjájá II) CFR took royalty and connection to his subjects to another dimension during the Ooni’s Palace Appreciation Day and Award Night 2024 held inside the palatial Palace in the ancient city of Ile Ife, Osun State, southwest Nigeria on Friday 13 December.

The special ceremony to celebrate the Palace Staff and other individuals working for the King has been an annual event since 2021.

Powdered by the Hopesalive Initiative for Africa (HAI) this year’s event was remarkable and glamorous with the support of corporate partners which identified the noble and kind-hearted Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi to change the narrative of his subjects from penury to affluence.

Awards of recognition of different categories were given to some outstanding staff by the Ooni of Ife with the corporate sponsors not leaving out in the King’s magnanimous gesture to reward excellence.

The star prize of the night, which was personally given out by Ooni, was two brand new cars and the sum of N1.5m each to Opeyemi Ibrahim and Femi Awe, a photographer in the Press Department in the palace, while Lateef Abdulahi, who was adjudge the second best staff of the year, won the sum of N750, 000 and electric motorcycle.

Her Regal Majesty, Queen Mother of Africa of AFRIDU 6th Region, Olori Amb. Dr. Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi giving her address at the award night.

Forty-seven individuals who won the best staff awards were given a surprise sun of three million naira largesse with bags of rice by the King, while heads of departments also received the sum of three million naira. Ooni of Ife rewarded four chiefs with the sum of N500, 000 with gifts.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi called for loud ovation to celebrate Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi who he described as the torch that brighten his steps to affect humanity in the little he has been doing.

The monarch expressed his happiness seeing people around him making it in life, adding that his palace has been a place where wealth is being created.
Her Regal Majesty, Queen Mother of Africa of AFRIDU 6th Region, Olori Amb. Dr. Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, who is the chief organiser of the event, while showering royal encomium on the Ooni of Ife, said Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi has been known for his selfless, humble, charitable spirit who gave her the opportunity to serve the less privileged in the society.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi (right) with one of the sponsors.

The Queen, who is the Deputy Convener Hopesalive Initiative for Africa described the workforce around the King as tireless and dedicated, adding that they are the enthroned heroes behind the success of the King.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude and admiration. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring the seamless functioning of our great king’s day-to-day activities is truly remarkable.

“Each of you plays a vital role in maintaining the dignity, harmony, and excellence of this royal abode. From the stewards to the advisors, from the security personnel to the household attendants, your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Queen Temitope receiving royal blessings from Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan-Ogunwusi.

“Your devotion to duty not only upholds the traditions of our great kingdom but also reflects the values of loyalty, respect, and excellence that this palace symbolizes. You are the unsung heroes behind the success and efficiency of our beloved king’s reign.

“Tonight, as we honor and celebrate those among you who have shown exceptional commitment and exemplary service, I commend you for standing out in your respective duties. To the heads of each department, your leadership has been a guiding force, encouraging your teams to strive for effectiveness and unity. Your unwavering support has fostered an environment where excellence thrives.

Cross section of dignitaries at the award night

“This honor bestowed upon you tonight is not merely a recognition of your past efforts but a call to greater service. It is a symbol of our trust in your capabilities and an encouragement to remain steadfast and motivated in all your responsibilities. Let this moment inspire you and your team to aim even higher and to continue contributing to the legacy of this sacred palace.

“May your dedication continue to shine brightly, and may you all be blessed abundantly for your service to the throne. Thank you for making each day in this sacred palace an embodiment of royal splendor and unity,” Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi said.

Mr Chidi Amos, the Chief Coordinator of HAI described the annual event as an initiative of building excellence to reward commitment and patriotic services to the throne by the Palace Staff.

The Prime Sponsors of the award night include Parallex Bank, Electric Moto Vehicle Company (EMVC), Lanre Shittu Motors, Internopay Technologies, Amb. Raffy Bell, WOSAM ARENA and RainOil Limited.

Other sponsors are Indomie, Adron Homes, Posh Events & Catering, Innosson Motors and Hope and Faith Charity.