‘I will live up to billings’ – Iyalaje Oodua Toyin Kolade Assures Ooni Ogunwusi

The newly installed Iyalaje Oodua, Princess Toyin Kolade has pledged to perform optimally towards wealth recreation and human development.

She noted that she was not unaware of the huge responsibilities and roles attached to being the Iyalaje of Oodua.

The newly installed Iyalaje Oodua made the pledge in Ile-Ife before the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and a host of other traditional rulers across Nigeria who took turns to pray for her traditionally.

Princess Kolade described her installation as “a divine call to duty” and thanked Ooni for honouring her with the title.

She promised to work for further promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition, as well as trade and commerce for the benefit of people within and outside the race.

She said “Through my close relationship with the Arole Oduduwa which I hold in a very high esteem, I have always been close to the traditional institution and I am glad to state that I have learnt a lot enough to last me a lifetime.

“Let me be specific now, my announcement in itself was done traditionally and that was the start of it all few months ago.”

Princess Kolade added “Am happy to inform you that I got my installation leaves (Ewe Akoko) at the Temple of Wisdom, before being brought before my father; Arole Ile Oduduwa for formal pronouncement as the Iyalaje Oodua. I am so humbled and I promise that I shall justify the basis for my appointment and installation.”

In his remarks, Ooni Ogunwusi revealed that the selection and installation was purely based on merit, especially because of the sensitivity of the title.

“We exercised a lot of caution because Aje is a big deal in Oodua land. It started here in Ile-Ife and then spread beyond, so we are reawakening it’s spirit particularly now that the economy is in a bad shape.

“Princess Toyin Kolade is a successful business woman who is prominent for spreading wealth through giving even from her personal earnings, this is one among several countless enviable human qualities upon which she is being installed today as the Iyalaje Oodua.” The Ooni noted.