Nigeria, Ile-Ife – A Yoruba Socia-Cultural group, Olodo-de Elders Group of Yorubaland have appointed the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, as the Grand Patron of the organisation, in recognition of his continuous commitment to the promotion and preservation of Yoruba culture and heritage.
The group also appointed one of the Ooni’s queens, Ashley Afolashade Ogunwusi, as the Iyalode, describing her as a strong cultural advocate and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba values.
The appointments, according to an e-signed statement by the group’s Special Adviser on Media, Elder Adetokunbo Fakeye, were formally announced with presentation of letter to both the Ooni and Olori Ashley on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by members of the organisation to the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, in Osun State.
Speaking during the visit, the Coordinator of the organisation, Ogbeni Olajide Kamilu, said the group was established to promote Yoruba culture, language, and traditions to a global audience, as well as to reinforce cultural identity among younger generations.
He commended the Ooni for his consistent leadership in cultural revival and heritage promotion, noting that his reign has significantly elevated global awareness of Yoruba traditions.
According to him, the decision to honour both the Ooni and Olori Ashley was based on their visible commitment to cultural preservation and their active roles in advancing Yoruba identity on local and international platforms.
He also expressed concern over the gradual decline in cultural values among younger generations, lamenting that many parents no longer prioritise the teaching of Yoruba language and traditions to their children.
Ogbeni Kamilu stressed the urgent need for renewed cultural education, saying such efforts are necessary to prevent the erosion of Yoruba heritage and identity.
The group also appealed to the Ooni for continued support and royal blessings to strengthen their mission of cultural promotion and advocacy.
In his response, the Ooni commended the organisation for its initiative, describing it as timely and crucial to the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
The revered King, expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and Olori Ashley, assuring the group of his continuous support for any effort aimed at promoting Yoruba culture, tradition, and unity.
Ooni Ogunwusi also offered royal blessings to the organisation, praying for its success and long-term impact in strengthening Yoruba cultural identity across generations.
The highlights of the occasion were the presentation of the recognition and appointment plaque to the Kabiyesi by Elder Adetokunbo Fakeye, presentation of carved head of Oduduwa by Chief Oluranti Sodeyinde (Apeno Ikereku traditional council and Apeno Olodode Elder’s group of Yorubaland) and presentation of letter of appointment to Olori Ashley Ogunwusi by Chief Mrs Modupeola Olasupo.
