The ancient city of Ile-Ife on Sunday witnessed an extraordinary convergence of national leaders, eminent monarchs, political figures, and distinguished Nigerians as the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, reached its grand climax.
Leading the array of dignitaries was the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who arrived to honour the frontline monarch. She was joined by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, all of whom graced the celebrations with their presence to pay tribute to the Ooni’s decade of impactful reign.
The colourful ceremony, held at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife, drew an impressive crowd of personalities from politics, traditional institutions, business, and academia, reflecting the Ooni’s wide-reaching influence across Nigeria and beyond.
Among the top government officials in attendance were Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole; and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi.
Also present were leading women of influence, including Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Mrs. Lilian Oghogho Musa, wife of the Minister of Defence; Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Dr. Ezinne Chinyere Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker; Mrs. Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President; Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke, wife of the Osun State Governor; the Yeyelaje of Oodua, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Kolade; and former Oyo First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.
A distinguished assembly of traditional rulers also thronged the venue, further highlighting the significance of the occasion. Present were the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Oladepo; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye; alongside many other royal fathers from across Yorubaland and Nigeria.
The atmosphere was filled with cultural splendour, traditional displays, and expressions of goodwill as leaders praised the Ooni for fostering national unity, youth development, cultural preservation, and socio-economic empowerment throughout his ten-year reign.