In line with the customs and traditions of the ancient city of Ile-Ife, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has approved the appointment of Prince Olagoke Owoyomi as the new Obajio of Ife.
The announcement follows the conclusion of a thorough screening exercise conducted by the 5 man screening committee assembled by the Ooni-in-Council the report of which was conveyed through the Obalufe of Ife and all other members of the Ife Traditional Council.
A statement by the Director, Media & Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare noted that Prince Olagoke Owoyomi from the Alayo ruling house of Moore, Ile-Ife, emerged as the preferred candidate after a rigorous selection process involving the three eligible princes.
According to the screening committee’s recommendation report, Prince Owoyomi, a secondary school certificate holder, Ife based farmer and successful businessman who is very knowledgeable in the culture and traditions of Ife demonstrated outstanding merit among the contenders, which included a South African based HND holder, Prince Olagbenga Owoyomi, also from the Alayo ruling house, and Prince Kola Ogunrinola from the Bamidein ruling house.
The screening committee’s final report was duly signed by five members of the committee namely the Aguro of Ife, High Chief Olusegun Arasanmi, the Owakogun of Okerewe-Ife, HRM Oba Muritala Adedoyin, the Sarun Oodua of Ife Chief Oyeyemi Oriowo, former president of Ife Development Board, Chief Lawrence Awowoyin and Barrister Muritala Agboola affirmed the integrity of the selection process and the credibility of the choice.
The letter of appointment written by Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and read by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director, Media & Public Affairs of the palace goes thus:
“I, Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, D. litt, CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, hereby appoint you as the Ejio of Ife.
“This appointment is in recognition of your integrity, dedication to the values of our heritage and proven commitment to the service of the Ife kingdom. The position of Ejio is a revered and responsible one, rooted in history and culture, and essential in the continued guardianship of our customs and leadership structure.
“As the Ejio of Ife, you are expected to uphold the dignity of the title, serve with loyalty, wisdom, and humility, and contribute the unity, peace, and progress of Ile-Ife and her people.
“Your installation and formal presentation shall be communicated I’m due course in accordance with palace protocols and customary rites”. The letter reads.
