The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II, holds the popular Edi Festival on Wednesday, 25th October, 2023 where Senator Iyiola Omisoore, Controller Benedict Ormalugo Custom Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command graced the historical event.
Speaking at the event, Controller Ormalugo said his intention was to pay a working visit to the Palace of the Ooni of Ife and on getting to the source, his visit coincides with the celebration of Edi Festival.
According to the custom Area Commander of Oyo/Osun, he said the purpose of his visit primarily is to reduce the conflict between communities and custom officers.
Explaining the roles that customs are playing in the Nigeria society, Controller Benedict informed that Custom is generating a huge sum of money for the Government yearly, blocking of ammunition from entering Nigeria, Seizure of illegal drugs as it was done when I was in Kebbi which prompted the NDLA to give me an award of excellence.
He furthered his speech by saying all these roles he equally plans to carry out in Oyo/Osun as it is the plan your son, CG Bashir Adeniyi, the controller General of Custom who is from this land, but I can not do it alone without the help of the traditional rulers and the communities. This is my first time of entering this palace, Your Majesty, the structures of this Palace are mighty. in fact, this place is a colossal. He concluded, “
The Ooni of Ife, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Babatunde Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR,Ojaja II extended a warm reception to the Custom Controller of Oyo/Osun Area, appreciated the officers for great job that they have been doing in our society.
Ooni encouraged the officers not to relent in doing their best for Nigeria as it would pay off for them someday.
The Ooni of Ife motivated the officers and promised that the House of Oduduwa would always be ready to work hand in hand with the custom officers. He prayed for the Officers and urged them to be free to approach the House of Oduduwa in case they are facing any challenges. Ooni concluded. “
Edi Festival continued as community leaders in their cultural regalia danced to the rhythm of Edi, paid homage to Olofin Adimula, and offered prayers for the Oonirinsa.
The festival historically is an event where indegenes of Ile-Ife converge at the Palace, present what they want and what they do not want in prayers and King Tele carries the supplications outIfe Kingdom
Earlier, King Tele of Ife carried the prayers of the indegenes of Ife to the forest as it is done annually during Edi Festival.
Dignitaries at the event include the high Chiefs, at the right and left hand side of Olofin, Obadio and the Isooros of Ife Kingdom.
