By Emmanuel Obi
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has marked his 52nd birthday with prayers, praise and tributes from across Yorubaland and beyond.
The monarch ushered in his birthday with a Christian praise and worship vigil held inside his palace in Ile-Ife.
Videos from the night session, which held on Friday, October 16 into the early hours of Saturday, October 17, showed the Ooni in white royal attire, with his Oloris, singing and worshipping.
The footage has since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians discussing the intersection of faith and tradition.
The birthday celebration also drew goodwill messages from traditional rulers, groups and stakeholders.
The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Hammed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, in a statement from his palace, congratulated the Ooni, praying for wisdom, good health and a peaceful reign.
He described the Ooni’s leadership as vital to the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.
Similarly, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Dr. Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya II, felicitated with the Ooni, describing him as a custodian of Yoruba heritage and a symbol of cultural pride.
According to the Elerinmo, the Ooni has redefined royalty through his commitment to youth development, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding and national unity.
Also, the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence, CAIDOV, in a statement by its Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, described the Ooni as a bridge builder and symbol of unity. The group said since his ascension, Ile-Ife has witnessed peace, cultural renaissance and global recognition.
The Ooni, who was born on October 17, 1974 and crowned the 51st Ooni of Ife in 2015, prayed for peace in Nigeria and prosperity for the Oduduwa race worldwide as he marked his new age.
