By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has called on Nigerians particularly the Yorubas across the world to always promote their culture and heritage.
Oba Ogunwusi stated this while speaking at the unveiling ceremony of Obalufon Ogbogbodirin statue and the grand-finale celebration of the 2016 Obalufon Festival, held at the Ile-Oodua palace in Ile-Ife.
The royal father maintained that promotion of culture and heritage stands as the as the best solution to economically move Nigeria forward,saying, the unveiling of Obalufon statue was another remarkable day in the history of Ife, Yoruba and the entire black race
He pointed out that all the ancestors need to be celebrated, having gone through their history when they were alive, adding that Obalufon Ogbogbodinrin was created in his special way by God and lived a very special life particularly in the area of arts and fabrics.
Emphasizing that “Obalufon played a pivotal role across the world which calls for his celebration at all time,” saying, “Ile Ife has been a city state with unprecedented socio-economic significance and a sophisticated kingship system (Oduduwa Monarchy model) thousands of years before Christ“.
“Obalufon Alayemore was the fifth Ooni of Ife and the son of Ooni Obalufon Ogbogbodirin the fourth Ooni, they were from the lineage of Osangangan Obamakin the Second Ooni of Ife. Obalufon Ogbogbodirin reigned for centuries and was transfigured into a metal figurine as he ages, thus becoming a deity and holds the spiritual classified codes for Ooni‘s long reign” he said.
The Ooni added that “his son,Obalufon Alayemore’s reign was marked with the first ever renaissance recorded in human history (pre-dating the Carolingian renaissance of 8th -9th century) evident in the artifacts and ancient technological exploits that was credited to his historic tenure. He was the grand patron of arts, science and technology with kin value for intellectual excellence and artistic intricacies, urbanization, economic revolution, standardization of career paths, conflict resolution, wages and salary system”.
Oba Ogunwusi disclosed further that Obalufon Alayemore was deemed to have established many other towns and cities like Ido Osun, Efon Alaye, Erin and many more as well as creating new city plan for Ile-Ife with construction of several temples and building of city walls which economically enhanced cosmopolitan state of Ife.
“Bronze casting and all forms of alloys and metals crafts, glass beads and other jewels got to its peak of refinement during his reign further making Ife a commercial hub.
Obalufon Alayemore was transformed into a stone effigy when his reign was ended by conspiracy associated with traditional and political complexes. Obalufon shrine till date plays an important role in the Installation of the Ooni as Aare crown must be blessed in his shrine before it could adore the head of the new Ooni”.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony,the Secretary of South-West council of Obas and the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adedapo Aderemi lauded Ooni Ogunwusi for preaching peaceful co-existence among the Yoruba traditional rulers., especially with historic visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi twice within a year of his reign not minding his status as the father of all Oduduwa children all over the world.
Oba Aderemi also commended Ooni Ogunwusi for his development and unity of Yorubaland and human race, to the extent of taking his peace and unity campaign to foreign countries such as UK, Ghana, Australia, USA, Germany, Canada and the Caribbeans for impactful partnership.
Describing Ooni Ogunwusi,as Oduduwa reincarnated,Oba Aderemi said “I must also commend the humility of his leadership. Despite the fact he is the spiritual leader of Yoruba race, he has been traveling to meet other Yoruba monarchs in their various palaces without claiming any supremacy”.
“This is unprecedented, Am not surprised that Ooni is reforming these dieties’ statues because the previous Oonis from Oduduwa were also known for unprecedented giant strides, let me remind you all here that his great grandfather the Ojaja 1st was responsible for the first documentation of the history of kingship system in Yoruba around 1883.
