In a moment of divine affirmation, the Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, invoked his ancestors on Saturday, February 8, 2025, as he released powerful blessings upon the Onibeju of Ibeju, His Royal Majesty, Oba Waliu Olasunkanmi Razak Oniwonlu, Oguntolu I. As a confirmation of ancestral presence, the long-awaited rain fell, symbolizing the fulfillment of prayers during Onibeju’s appreciation visit to the revered monarch.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, Mr. Adeyemi, Personal Assistant to the Onibeju, revealed that two years ago, the Ooni had prophetically declared that the rightful heir to the Ibeju throne had been chosen by the ancestors. “The Onibeju seated here today is the divinely ordained king. We are here to express our deep appreciation for the Ooni’s wisdom and spiritual guidance throughout the selection process, as well as his esteemed presence at the coronation of our king,” he stated.
Accompanying Onibeju were other esteemed traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty, Oba Muftau Adewunmi Laris, who described the opportunity to meet the Arole Oduduwa as an extraordinary privilege. “Meeting the voice of kings in Africa and the world is an honour I will forever cherish,” he said with joy.
The Ologunfayo of Iwerekun Kingdom further emphasized the Ooni’s divine role in Yoruba leadership, affirming that, “The Ooni is a deity whom all other kings look up to as their voice. This is why we, as Yoruba people, must unite under his leadership. Everything Ooni does this year, we are doing together. Any country he visits, we are going together. We must be fully integrated into the programs of Ooni because he is our father.”
In his address, the Onibeju of Ibeju, Oba Razak Oniwonlu, acknowledged the Ooni’s prophetic role in his ascension to the throne. “The Arole Oduduwa foretold my emergence as king, and every word he spoke has come to pass. That is why I am here today to appreciate him and to pay homage as a direct descendant of Alayemore, one of the past Oonis of Ife.”
During this historic gathering, Oba Oniwonlu reaffirmed the Ooni’s spiritual and traditional authority, stating that “The Ooni is the custodian of the deities in the heavens, known as God, while other kings serve as his representatives in their respective domains. The crowns worn by kings across Yoruba land were given by the Ooni of Ife to their progenitors.”
He further emphasized that his visit to Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of his forefathers, was not just ceremonial but symbolic of a renewed and strengthened bond between Ibeju and Ile-Ife. “This visit will foster a stronger, more cordial working relationship between our kingdoms, as we constantly look to the throne of Oduduwa for guidance,” he said.
The Chairman of Obas and Chiefs in Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Olasunkanmi Oniwonlu, highlighted the historical role of previous Oonis in resolving territorial disputes. “Just as Ooni Ademiluyi played a mediatory role in times of crisis, and Ooni Adelekan Olubuse I performed rigorous traditional rites before he could come out of Ooni’s traditional confinement to settle the territorial conflicts between Alara of Epe and Akarigbo inb1903, today, Ooni Ogunwusi continues to uphold the throne of Oduduwa as the father of all kings in Africa and beyond,” he remarked.
In his response, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II narrated how the ancestors had revealed to him the sign that would confirm the rightful Onibeju.
He also emphasized the deep historical ties between Ile-Ife and Ibeju Kingdoms, urging the people of Ibeju and the visiting rulers to stand firmly behind Oba Oniwonlu, as a king’s greatest strength lies in the unity of his people.
Before concluding his speech, the Ooni reiterated a prophecy he had made before Onibeju’s enthronement that another divine sign would manifest before the king and his people departed the palace.
True to his words, the Arole Oduduwa entered into deep spiritual communion for approximately 35 minutes, invoking the presence of his ancestors to bless the Onibeju and his people. As traditional drummers and cultural chanters enriched the atmosphere with sacred rhythms, the gathering witnessed a defining moment.
Hours later, after the exchange of ancient gifts and the symbolic photo sessions with the portrait of Alayemore, the progenitor of Ibeju land while the guests dined, the long anticipated rain began to pour. This rainfall was not merely a weather event but a spiritual confirmation of Ooni Ogunwusi’s prophecy, marking a divine seal on the blessings released upon Onibeju and his people.
The remarkable events of the day reaffirmed the Ooni’s spiritual authority as the Arole Oduduwa, demonstrating the enduring power of the throne of Ile-Ife. The rain, which fell just as the Ooni had foretold, stood as an irrefutable testament that the ancestors had joined him in blessing Onibeju, further strengthening the sacred bond between the kingdoms of Ile-Ife and Ibeju-Lekki.
Signed
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.
