The Canadian High Commissioner, H.E James Christoff on Monday, 21st August, 2023, engaged in a working visit to the soil of Oduduwa, the projenitor of Yoruba race.
This historic working visit which was facilitated by Princess Adepeju Oke, involved the Osun state Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Mr Bankole Abiodun Ojo who led the dignitaries of the Ministry to welcome the Canadian Ambassador to Nigeria to Ile-Ife the cradle of Yoruba race.
On arrival of Ambassador Christoff and his entourage, the Palace curator took the Visitors around the Palace, thereby educating them on the history, culture, and tradition of Yoruba race.
Addressing Ife Kingdom, Ambassador James Christoff appreciated the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife for the warn reception that is being extended towards him and his entourage. He noted that his happiness is beyond bounds because his aim was to return the visit of Kabiesi to his country, but getting to the Palace, the hospitality is more than what he expected. My visit to this palace today will engineer more working relationships between my country, the Kingdom of Ife, and Osun state as a whole. When I get to my country, I will tell my country what I have seen here, Ambassador James said.
Earlier, the Palace Public Relation Officer, Mr Olayinka Ibikunle took down the Canadian Ambassador and his entourage to Nigeria the historic lane by educating him and his team about the existence of Mankind, heritage of Yoruba race and migration of Oduduwa spanning to the formation of the world. He equally invited the Ooni Cultural Dancers and Drummers to spice the Visit with socio- cultural attributes that the Yorubas inherited from their ancestors.
In the same vein, the Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II heartily welcome the Ambassador and his entourage to his Palace and prayed that the relationship between Canada and Ife Kingdom will continue to wax stronger. You have come to your land, be free, enjoy yourselves, Olofin Adimula said.
Ooni used the medium to present a Yoruba ancient gift to the Ambassador and his entourage as he concluded his speech.
Other dignitaries at the event included Queen Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, the Salu of Edunabon, the Obalufe of Ife Kingdom, Oba Adediwura who led the right hand emissaries of Oonirinsa to the event and the Lowa Adimula of Ife Kingdom, Chief Adesiyan who led the left hand emissaries of Oonirinsa, the Isooros of Kingdom, the Iyalodes of Ife Kingdom, the loodokos, the traditional secretary, Chief Idowu Salami, the pamanent secretary of Osun State ministry of tourism and culture, Directors in the ministry, Ambassador Olamide Davies Talabi, SA on tourism and culture, Osun State, Dignitaries who followed the High Commissioner include Aissatou Seck, Damilare Kosemani Ololade Falobi & so on..
Photo sessions were observed and varieties of meal were served to grace the event.